topic Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks in Community Chat

Feeling unsafe when on walks

gazelle77 — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:25:24 GMT

I try to go on a 45 minute walk a day....there is a lovely area to walk to from my house. A green belt, with a nice stream, lots of trees and birds..a wetland area. It is usually just me and my dog there walking ...it is a community park just for the home divisions around it and not for the public. Not many people take advantage of it. I do take my dog, they have doggie pickup stations with free bags even. I feel nervous when walking down there...my dog is a golden, not very protective....more of a licker and kisser if you know what I mean. I wish I could just enjoy walking, but that it is so secluded....and woodsy....I always am looking around me and sensing for any danger( a man). It ruins my nice walk that I innately feel like I must look behind me and be on the watch. I suppose it is just a part of society today that women always have to be on their guard. I just wish that it was not the case and a walk could just be an enjoyable experience, just a nice walk without thinking of danger. I do carry pepper spray..... I guess that says it all as far as feeling safe.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

raven-blackbird — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:28:50 GMT

is there another gal in the neighborhood that would be interested in walking......you could buddy up...............................raven

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

chessylady — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:30:27 GMT

While it is important to be aware of your surroundings it sounds as if you are unnecessarily fearful. you have both a dog and pepper spray. I take walks in my neighborhood (not at night) and I have never felt fearful. Just relax and enjoy your walk.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

------ — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:33:51 GMT

Just make sure someone knows where you're going. And bring your phone.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

gazelle77 — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:34:58 GMT

I feel fine walking on the neighborhood streets, it is just when I go to the park area. A walking buddy would be nice. I guess I like the freedom of walking alone, on my schedule if you know what I mean. I wrote this I suppose to show that in today's world, the freedom of just going on a simple walk is not so simple because of the fear society instills in us as women.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

NoelSeven — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:42:05 GMT

I understand and think you have reason to be wary. We are constantly reading and hearing news reports about women attacked while walking or jogging. Even college campuses are not safe.

The suggestion is always to have someone walk with you. I think that's your best bet, either that or a dog trained to attack on command.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

sidsmom — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:44:57 GMT

I have a walking staff I purchased from REI. It creates a nice rhythm, could deter someone wanting to approach me...and gets critters out of the way when needed. If not this, just walk with an air of confidence!

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

NoelSeven — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:47:35 GMT

On 7/2/2014 sidsmom said:
I have a walking staff I purchased from REI. It creates a nice rhythm, could deter someone wanting to approach me...and gets critters out of the way when needed. If not this, just walk with an air of confidence!

Not a deterrent, unfortunately.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

Shorty2U — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:54:45 GMT

IMy suggestions; f you are scared then find a buddy to walk with or change your route or buy a treadmill.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

gazelle77 — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 02:57:25 GMT

On 7/2/2014 NoelSeven said:
On 7/2/2014 sidsmom said:
I have a walking staff I purchased from REI. It creates a nice rhythm, could deter someone wanting to approach me...and gets critters out of the way when needed. If not this, just walk with an air of confidence!

Not a deterrent, unfortunately.

Do you wap squirrels out of the way?

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

september — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 03:05:38 GMT

I understand..I am a walker and a runner, too! But you're doing everything right, and even doing a few things I don't do. You have a dog....and even if it looks like a friendly dog, I would say that predators can't depend on that, and will leave someone with a dog alone.

Then..in case that doesn't work out, you have the pepper spray. I keep thinking I'll get some, but haven't.

One easy thing you could add (and I did this when younger, and lived in the city) is carry a folding umbrella. It doesn't add much weight, and when all folded up, is kind of the size and shape of a billy club....and could really hurt someone who chose to attack you.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

ROMARY — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 03:05:52 GMT

I would change my route and walking times. I have a loud mini alarm. Pull the cord, and a loud alarm sounds. Although it would unfortunately scare your dog. Very loud. Best advice: don't walk at a specific time every single day. Try to find a long-time neighbor to walk with. Lots of good luck to you.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

sylviahomeatlast — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 03:17:52 GMT

I don't walk alone in the very large city right out my back door---I was a witness to a serious crime there so I walk in my neighborhood----I walked there alone for years and there are always jiggers, walkers, bike riders etc----there are also homeless camping there and I don't know what to expect

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

ROMARY — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 03:22:21 GMT

I prefer neighborhood walks unless I'm with friends. I won't walk in wooded areas/parks/trails alone. But that's just me. In fact, even in the neighborhood, I often (not always) walk with a neighbor and her dog. The dog is a dream, but he doesn't like strange men to approach him. My friend keeps his leash very close to her. The important advice would be to vary the times in which you walk. Do not have a set pattern/route. Even not-so-nice people can wait and watch from their windows if they know your pattern/schedule.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

Still Raining — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 03:23:30 GMT

I know what you are saying and it is a pity that even when we know we are in a familiar, safe area we still have to entertain these thoughts. A few times I have not been able to power through the thoughts and have had to head for home.

I just tell myself that my little herd of geriatric Chihuahuas will entangle whoever it is in their leashes and save me

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

------ — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 03:32:05 GMT

On 7/2/2014 Still Raining said:
I know what you are saying and it is a pity that even when we know we are in a familiar, safe area we still have to entertain these thoughts. A few times I have not been able to power through the thoughts and have had to head for home.

I just tell myself that my little herd of geriatric Chihuahuas will entangle whoever it is in their leashes and save me

The visual made me LOL

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

occasionalrain — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 03:32:48 GMT

It has never been safe to walk in secluded areas alone.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

gazelle77 — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 03:36:34 GMT

Do men feel the same way? Do they feel the kind of fear women have to feel just going on a walk in the woods? It is kind of like a sentence..... Such a shame.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

herekitty_kitty — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 03:45:53 GMT

I used to walk most evenings. not anymore. uneasy feelings. I live in a nice area too. now I go to the gym.

Re: Feeling unsafe when on walks

occasionalrain — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 04:07:53 GMT

On 7/2/2014 gazelle77 said: Do men feel the same way? Do they feel the kind of fear women have to feel just going on a walk in the woods? It is kind of like a sentence..... Such a shame.

Maybe they don't but they should. Women aren't the only ones who have been killed. There was a report on college men who were being found in rivers or lakes in different parts of the country but there was a smiley face on a tree near by which made it seem they were connected. It's been awhile so I may not have remembered it correctly.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/05/21/smiley.face.killer/