Cyclist Safety: Dogs Who Chase Bikes

In this practical Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley tackles a serious safety concern many cyclists face: aggressive dogs chasing them while riding through countryside or residential areas, with some dogs being extremely large and threatening. The cyclist is looking for effective strategies beyond simply stopping, which isn't always safe with aggressive dogs. Cindy shares a creative solution from a long-distance cyclist friend who carries an extra bike helmet on a tether, swinging or throwing it at chasing dogs to create unexpected opposition—most dogs don't expect any resistance and often back down or remember the encounter next time. She explains that sometimes physical contact is necessary to make an impression and deter future chasing behavior. Cindy also recommends Leerburg's telescoping hiking stick with a built-in stun gun feature, noting that it's portable and often just the sound alone is enough to scare dogs away without needing physical contact. | Links mentioned: Hike N Strike - https://leerburg.com/hike-n-strike.php