You are reading a single comment by @dan and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@dan
That's London I'm afraid..I spent my entire teenage life in fear of being mugged or stabbed. However I always felt safer on a bike than I did walking—that's still the same now. Of course you still get all the "That's a nice biiikeee bruv, let me hold it for you.. still" when you go to the shop or whatever, but you do also have the ability to get out of there quick.
I don't live in the best area now (some cab drivers still won't drop me off at my house), but all the times I've found myself in potentially dangerous situation I've always been on my bike and very grateful for the ability to get myself out of trouble by making a getaway.
As DFP says, it's probably a matter of getting him to ride on the road and getting a bike that isn't flashy and it will probably make his life easier rather than harder.