On this installment of Concealed Carry Corner, Carrying While Cycling, we’ll discuss the potential dangers to cyclists, which aren’t much different than my previous post of Concealed Carrying While Jogging. We’ll also discus the various ways to conceal your weapon while cycling, which will differ from the Jogging post to some degree. We’ll also touch on some mitigation techniques using the bicycle.

CONCEALED CARRY CORNER: CARRYING WHILE CYCLING

Upon getting engaged to my wonderful wife, her father gave us an engagement gift of his and hers bicycles. Since then, we’ve logged a couple thousand miles on those bikes together, and with our children. Through my wife’s love of cycling, I was reminded how much I loved being on trails that led to the middle of nowhere and feeling the fresh wind in my face and we could moo at cows to our hearts content. Despite the fun, in each trip we’ve taken on bicycle, I’ve been armed and mentally prepared for potential deadly force encounters. As I mentioned in the Jogging article, the threats to cyclists can be in the two-legged or four-legged form.

Even though cyclists are capable of more speed than joggers, they’re still at risk to being attacked by people in remote or secluded areas. As TFB’s Vlad O. recently said in his Concealed Carry in Cars article, “Want to ambush someone – block the road, in some countries kids learn that in pre-school.” I can’t speak for every trail, but the trails I’ve been on, walking or cycling in numerous states, there have been choke points that won’t allow a cyclist to safely bike around a big log placed on the trail. If a cyclist is forced to get off their bike, their speed advantage is gone. How far back was the last farmhouse or busy street? Can you sprint there while guiding your bike beside you? If you just drop your bike, your attacker could use it to overtake you. Fighting may be your only option. There are also motorists that target cyclists. The video below is violent and bloody, so I’ll preface it with a GRAPHIC WARNING. The video doesn’t show how the assault started, but the motorist doesn’t stop his attack until confronted by others. The video was posted on the Toronto Star YouTube channel.

While the four-legged attackers aren’t going to be to placing big obstacles in your path, they may still have the speed advantage. Although cougar and bear attacks on cyclists may be rare, these links are proof that it is possible and shouldn’t be completely discounted. My state isn’t listed on the cougar’s range maps, yet that hasn’t stopped them from moving in anyway in recent years.

Typically, when it comes to dogs, speed and an occasional kicking motion in the dog’s direction will help get past the dog’s claimed territory of trees and fire hydrants. The video below is an interesting case posted on the LiveLeakVid YouTube channel, and given the outcome, is somewhat humorous during the ensuing argument. There are also good things to glean from the cyclist as well. As I hinted at in the jogging article, using a loud aggressive voice is one of the first things you should do if you notice the dog(s) bearing their teeth or growling. Not only does it let the dog know you’ll be just as aggressive (or more if needs be) it can also let the owners and others in the area know that you’re doing your part to avoid the dog. The other thing to note is the cyclist’s use of his bike, placing it between himself and the dogs, but with the number of dogs present, he also swings the bike aggressively as he’s being surrounded.

Concealed carry for cycling provides several aspects of how exactly one can carry a firearm discretely, while keeping it readily accessible. The latest cycling attire is very form fitting, which limits the use of Inside the Waistband (IWB) holsters due to the shape of the pistol printing through the elastic material. I’ve always fought against showing off my figure while cycling, even though I’ve been surround by thousands of spandex wearing cyclists that wouldn’t have cared anyway. I did break down and buy the cushioned spandex shorts, but I’ve chosen to wear cargo shorts over them and I currently carry IWB just like I would if I was going to the grocery store. However, I feel that I may be in the minority when it comes to carrying this way while cycling.

Through the years I’ve carried a couple other ways. I’ll start with the least recommended, which is carrying in a handlebar bag. It’s mostly better than not carrying at all, but depending on the scenario, you may have the least amount of control over it if someone were to block your path and grab onto your handlebars. Even if all they want is the bike and they’re able to force it from you, then your pistol is gone too. If you get into a bad accident, you might not be coherent enough to tell emergency personnel that you need your handlebar bag. If you need to walk away from your bike during a ride, you’ll need to remove the handlebar bag and take it with you, or transfer your pistol to another carry method while you’re off your bike. I’ve done it, but I don’t recommend it.

Author’s handlebar bag with pistol. Note other objects that could shift and hinder retrieval of the weapon.

Another conceal carry method I’ve used while cycling is with a fanny pack. While fanny packs may be faux-pas for every day use, it’s not completely uncommon to see cyclists using them, especially since pockets have been deemed aerodynamically evil. This is a very economical way to carry as you can find fanny packs of all shapes, sizes, colors and styles for under $30. If you choose to try the fanny pack method, I highly recommend finding one that has a compartment that has good access to fit your hand inside when open to get the best possible grip on the pistol before drawing it out. I also recommend aligning the zippers (if there are two for the same compartment) in the same place every time you close the compartment, that way your hand always goes to the same place every time for the retrieval of the pistol. You can also consider adding a longer draw string for better grip and rip on the zipper when you need it. Consider some minor alterations inside the pouch to attach a holster inside if it’s not specifically built for carrying a pistol. You could also use a trigger guard holster with a lanyard looped to the belt of the fanny pack if you need a cheap alternative to secure the gun more while inside the pouch.

Author’s fanny pack. Beretta 92FS (for size comparison) easily fits into main compartment.

For those that want to keep it as simple as possible while wearing the latest cycling garb, the YouTube Channel Snowball042 has a great video on how he carries his pistol in the back pocket of his cycling shirt.

The YouTube channel Lock N Load Radio 1’s video below explains how he set up his own rig for cycling without having to compromise which pistol he uses and without having to change how he dresses.

However you decide to carry a concealed pistol while cycling, you may consider practicing drawing your unloaded weapon either while straddling the cross bar of your bike, or while sitting on your seat, using a stool to help balance you up. Preferably, do this in your garage or your kitchen so as not to worry the neighbors.

Thanks for tuning in to this installment of TFB’s Concealed Carry Corner. For those of you that already carry concealed while cycling, what have you found that works for you? What kind of pistol did you choose to conceal? For those that haven’t carried while cycling yet, what method are you drawn to?

Stay safe out there.

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