Some thoughts on how to stay safe when you encounter threatening animals while cycling.

Animals may not be the most common cycling hazard, but they make for some of the wildest stories. Cats, pigeons, squirrels and geese have been known to have thrown themselves under the wheels of cyclists zipping along bike paths or beside parked cars. There’s the story of the man who says a cat once ran between his moving wheels; the same tale has been told of a rabbit. Another story tells of a southern U.S. cyclist who tangled a venomous snake in her front wheel.

Wild, Feral, Loose and Stray Animals

Generally speaking, animals are more at risk from you than you are from them. To avoid problems with wild animals and stray pets, use common sense:

• Keep an eye on the path ahead of you when traveling through parks or wooded areas. In particular, notice unleashed dogs playing games that involve frisbees and other thrown objects.
• Try never to approach wild animals any closer than necessary. Most will move away of their own accord if you don’t startle them. (If you’re traveling in natural areas inhabited by bears or other potentially lethal animals, always follow the advice of locals.)
• Skunks can present a special case. If you see one present its rear to you, stamp its paws and raise its tail, make every effort to slow down or speed up – whatever will ensure that you don’t get caught in a spray of noxious skunk smell – a real ride spoiler!

Dealing With Dogs

In 1972, Richards’ Bicycle Book caused a storm of protest with its advice "Any small dog can simply be hoisted up by the hind legs and his brains dashed out." In fact, because of well enforced municipal regulation, it’s rare in many North American cities to see an unleashed dog outside a designated park area or without a nearby owner.

• If your daily route includes a mischievous or frightening dog, try to get in touch with the owner and discuss the problem.
• When encountering a dog, a new rider may be more at risk of falling off the bike from nervousness than being bitten. If you are not yet confident about your cycling skills, slow down and concentrate on your riding.
• You can discourage a mischievous dog with a toy water pistol or a squirt from your own water bottle. There is also a product called a Dazzer that emits a high-pitched sound that dogs hate. Some postal carriers use them, and they are recommended by the Canadian Humane Society.
• If you are a very able and confident rider, or if you think that the dog is really considering an attack, many sources suggest sprinting away at speed.
• In the rare worst case, when a really threatening dog attacks and you don’t think you can outrun it, stop. Get the bike between you and the dog. Talk to the dog, Call for help. If all else fails, protect your neck and face and try to deliver a sharp kick.
• If you are bitten, it is absolutely necessary to have the dog examined for rabies unless it has been vaccinated. On a positive note, many municipalities have come close to eliminating canine rabies in recent years.