My only suggestion for this scenario, is anticipation.
In the past year I've noticed groups of boys eyeing me/my bike up, as I am approaching them, or going past. At first I thought nothing of it, and it was just curiosity. But after reading of bike-jackings, I realised that some of the kids might well want to relieve me of my bike.
So, now when I see groups of boys at a corner, or near the side of a street, and away from the safer commercial districts, I anticipate a burst of acceleration. AmI scared of getting a beating? Well, I wouldn't like it. But I do have a healthy respect for the knives that nearly all of these kids have easy access to. D-Lock versus a knife? No contest. The knife would be six inches deep inside someone, as the rider was trying to get the D-Lock out. This would only work if the cyclist had a D-Lock in their hand at all times when cycling.
My only suggestion for this scenario, is anticipation.
In the past year I've noticed groups of boys eyeing me/my bike up, as I am approaching them, or going past. At first I thought nothing of it, and it was just curiosity. But after reading of bike-jackings, I realised that some of the kids might well want to relieve me of my bike.
So, now when I see groups of boys at a corner, or near the side of a street, and away from the safer commercial districts, I anticipate a burst of acceleration. AmI scared of getting a beating? Well, I wouldn't like it. But I do have a healthy respect for the knives that nearly all of these kids have easy access to. D-Lock versus a knife? No contest. The knife would be six inches deep inside someone, as the rider was trying to get the D-Lock out. This would only work if the cyclist had a D-Lock in their hand at all times when cycling.