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Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 31 Jan 2003
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pepper spray

Has anyone thought of carrying pepper spray as a defense tool.
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  #2  
Old 31 Jan 2003
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Have YOU thought about using a pepper-spray as a defence while you´re having a knife or a gun at one of your most vital body parts?
I wouldn´t even think of it.

It surely depends on the country where you´re travelling, but remember handguns are extremely common in p.e. Central American countries (or even home-made devices called "chimbas").

So let´s keep the discusion rolling...

Tim

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  #3  
Old 31 Jan 2003
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Don't believe in it.
'They' will always make sure they are with more. And how do you wonna use a spray against lets say 5 others?

It's a question of working you out of it the diplomatic or 'smart' way. Any kind of force won't work.

By considering a 'countermove' you are putting you risk levels very very very high.


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  #4  
Old 31 Jan 2003
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To some pepper spray may be a defensive tool.
To others it may be a condiment.
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  #5  
Old 1 Feb 2003
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See the thread: "Guns, knives and hand grenades" in this forum at: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000054.html

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  #6  
Old 7 Feb 2003
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I brought 2 cans of peper spray with me for London - Singapore tour last summer and I will carry it again in future. Its a very personal choice, I was glad to have it along alone for the pscycological effect of having a last resort. Its up to you and the situation if and when to use it. I had an uncomfortable situation in Diyarbakir, E. Turkey, where I whipped it out and it was a huge relief to have it when I thought the alternative was handing over my beloved bike. Mind you I have'nt heard of anyone ever having had to use a waepon. If you got it with you you have the option to use it. If you don't then you don't!

Good riding

George
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  #7  
Old 10 Feb 2003
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I've carried pepper spray on cycling trips in the past. Not sure about using it against people but it is very useful against dog attacks
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  #8  
Old 10 Feb 2003
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It is very easy to get paranoid. IMHO (having travelled the corners of the Earth on a MC and public transport), contrary to what you hear/see on the news, the world is a safe place and a motorcycle is a particularly good mode of transport on which to explore it.

If anyone seriously considers taking pepper spray or similar with them to 'defend' themselves against humans, they are better staying at home.

Bear spray is for bears; sticks, rocks and steel toed MX boots are for nasty dogs. Common sense is for people.

Enjoy
ChrisB
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  #9  
Old 12 Feb 2003
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Just to add my bit, i entirely agree with the last post.... The thing about something like pepper spray is it is not a deterrent in any way. If you feel threatened and start waving it about very few people in very few countries are gonna know what you have..... so where is the deterrent effect unless you actually start using it. I personally feel more comfortable having to rely on my common sense in most situations, which luckily are few and far between anyway.

You should probably worry more about your safety in your average western town than in most places we travel to.

Will
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