Here in Upstate NY we have black bears that are normally cautious of human contact. I do ride my mountain bike on the Erie Canal trail and they have been seen by others on or near the trail. I have not seen one. There have also been many cases mainly closer to the city on the canal path of 2 legged predators knocking people off their bikes and robbing them or a recent "serial beater" targeting anyone who looked Arabic and beating the snot out of them. They caught him. Therefore I always carry either a .357 340sc with .357's in it or a Combat Commander loaded with ball. I have almost hit deer, turkeys, and once a small child who came out of nowhere while running full bore on the bike. You never know what to expect in life you just have to be prepared for whatever.