Women runners being harassed

Cabaal · 17-09-2018 9:41am #1

Following on from the below Irish times article and the coverage this had on the radio on RTE Radio 1 just now I'm curious what are women's experience with this sort of thing in this forum?

As a man the most I've ever had to put up with when running was "run Forrest run" type comments now and then, I run on my own 99.9% of the time and I've run literally through the night without ever feeling in danger because I was on my own or it was dark.

Certainly without a doubt harassment is going to put many off running and thats not good, we want to encourage people to be out exercising.

So what are your experiences and what do you think needs to change?

Irish Times article:

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/why-is-harassing-women-runners-acceptable-for-some-irish-men-1.3631007

Available research indicates that the vast majority of women runners report that they have been harassed while running. Large surveys in the UK and the US, featured in Time magazine and Runners World, have highlighted this supposedly surprising finding and have ignited a debate on Twitter under the hashtag #runningwhilefemale. Upwards of 90 per cent of women runners report harassment experiences in the UK, for example.

average_runner · 17-09-2018 9:47am

Cabaal wrote: »

Following on from the below Irish times article and the coverage this had on the radio on RTE Radio 1 just now I'm curious what are women's experience with this sort of thing in this forum?

As a man the most I've ever had to put up with when running was "run Forrest run" type comments now and then, I run on my own 99.9% of the time and I've run literally through the night without ever feeling in danger because I was on my own or it was dark.

Certainly without a doubt harassment is going to put many off running and thatss not good, we want to encourage people to be out exercising.

So what are your experiences and what do you think needs to change?

Irish Times article:

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/why-is-harassing-women-runners-acceptable-for-some-irish-men-1.3631007

As a male runner, i had an egg thrown at me, a potato and some funny quotes which made me laugh.

delta_bravo · 17-09-2018 9:52am

Male jogger (certainly not calling myself a runner!) have had the odd comment from a passing car. Worst I had was on a night jog around 10pm that a couple of travellers tried to steal my earphones and one of them threw a punch at me as I passed them. Thankfully they missed. That's about it really

ReeReeG · 17-09-2018 9:52am

I'm happy to say I have never experienced any harassment or jeering like that, and to my knowledge, neither have any of the women I run with regularly (I assume it would have come up by now). I really love running in Dublin, because honestly any time someone has shouted something, it's been encouragement! Yes, they think they're funny with "keep going, you're winning" or "run faster" but I don't see an issue with that? It always makes me laugh!

This article has surprised me to be honest, because I've never witnessed anything like that. Very sad that some women are experiencing this.

Edited to add that I am a female runner!

swervring · 17-09-2018 9:58am

I had someone shout "fat b!tch" at me from a passing car as I was running. Found it very upsetting to be honest.

punisher5112 · 17-09-2018 10:01am

swervring wrote: »

I had someone shout "fat b!tch" at me from a passing car as I was running. Found it very upsetting to be honest.

Honestly don't feel that way as you will find these people are seriously mentally retarded.

Jog on ignore as they look for a reaction.

It's shocking though how ignorant people really are and have no thought but themselves.

swervring · 17-09-2018 10:05am

punisher5112 wrote: »

Honestly don't feel that way as you will find these people are seriously mentally retarded.

Jog on ignore as they look for a reaction.

It's shocking though how ignorant people really are and have no thought but themselves.

It was a couple of years ago now so I'm fine about it but I was just so shocked by it at the time, I think also because there wasn't anyone else around I felt quite intimidated as well.

Cabaal · 17-09-2018 10:10am

punisher5112 wrote: »

Honestly don't feel that way as you will find these people are seriously mentally retarded.

Jog on ignore as they look for a reaction.

It's shocking though how ignorant people really are and have no thought but themselves.

I think sometimes it can be easier said then done and when you start adding sexist comments on top of it it can be much worse of course.

Not even factoring in anything sexist I know when I started running I was foolishly very conscious of how I looked, in both what I was wearing and what I looked like while I was running. Somebody shouting abuse at you can really knock your confidence.

These days I couldn't give a monkeys, but then running and then later putting on the lycra gear for cycling on a road bike will really make you stop caring about what you look like :pac::pac:

BobMc · 17-09-2018 10:15am

Same here, usual smart comments occassionaly, worst had a lad pushed into me just as about to pass, was half expecting it though so had shoulder and elbowed arm ready, two girls who pushed the lad got some fright we he was shoved hard back into them, comments shouted back barely heard thru head phones

annapr · 17-09-2018 10:46am

I just read the article and came on here to see if there was a thread

. Honestly, I was surprised reading it. I have heard of the odd incident... but nothing to the extent described. I had a cyclist shout abuse at me once but I had stepped out in front of him, so it was justified

.

the_syco · 17-09-2018 10:49am

swervring wrote: »

It was a couple of years ago now so I'm fine about it but I was just so shocked by it at the time, I think also because there wasn't anyone else around I felt quite intimidated as well.

Cowards mainly attack those who are alone.

steamsey · 17-09-2018 11:03am

<snip>

I was really surprised to read this article though - particularly at the notion that women joggers are a particular target. Is this a particular area perhaps where this is happening? I'm sure (in fact I know) it's not pleasant but can we keep in mind that Dublin is chock full of scumbags and over a long enough time period, you're going to run into them and get abused regardless of whether you're a woman jogger or a male cyclist.

We have a scumbag problem - the symptoms of which are not constrained to the female jogging population.

hollypink · 17-09-2018 11:06am

I've had a few incidents over the years of lads in passing cars shouting inaudible but I assumed insulting comments to me while out running but they happened so rarely that it was annoying but not offputting. However on two separate occasions, a man in one case and a teenager in the other who were walking as I ran past, started running to follow me. It wasn't anything sinister either time (I think they both thought it would be funny, perhaps because I wasn't running very fast) but it was upsetting and I stopped running at those locations.

Cabaal · 17-09-2018 11:08am

pac_man wrote: »

I know it's flavour of the month but I'm getting a pain in me hole reading divisive gender articles lately. This is an issue that both sexes experience.

I've been the "victim" of a couple of incidents. Mainly immature teenagers of both sexes with a bit of name calling. The next day it's forgotten about, it's harmless. I thought this would be pretty standard for most runners if I'm honest.

While I'd agree that both sexes do experience it, it would be disingenuous to in anyway claim that there is a 50/50 split for the levels experience between male and females.

From any research I've seen previously women receive far more and of a more sexual nature as well when it comes to comments. Of course comments can vary depending on area, country etc but women do get more cat call type stuff then men would in general anyway. Women being followed can also be a thing, again depending on country or area but it certainly does happen.

Gimme A Pound · 17-09-2018 11:15am

Cabaal wrote: »

While I'd agree that both sexes do experience it, it would be disingenuous to in anyway claim that there is a 50/50 split for the levels experience between male and females.

From any research I've seen previously women receive far more and of a more sexual nature as well when it comes to comments. Of course comments can vary depending on area, country etc but women do get more cat call type stuff then men would in general anyway. Women being followed can also be a thing, again depending on country or area but it certainly does happen.

Exactly. Nobody is saying it's ok for men to experience heckling either.

I'm sick of feminists taking issue with trivial things but I also dislike the way there's a trend now of ridiculing every grievance women have, or whatabouting.

EdgeCase · 17-09-2018 11:32am

I think there's a significant issue here with the mocking, nasty, scumbag type who seems to go totally unchallenged in Ireland a lot of the time. They're like the school bully, but they take it out on people in public.

I'm male and I have had a half-empty small carton of milk thrown at me while jogging. This was flung by a bunch of 'teenagers' (could have been early 20s) out a car window. My immediate reaction was fairly freaked out until I was sure it was only milk and not something nastier. It also actually hurt quite badly as it was thrown from a car at speed.

I've had people hurl abuse at me at random for jogging and wolf whistle me.

If you wear a helmet while cycling, you'll still also get the odd person hurl abuse at you about that too.

I was out with a female friend of mine and a bunch of teenage girls decided to bark at her and call her a dog in the middle of a shopping centre. She verbally tore them apart and they then tried to report her to security.

I'm not sure it's gender based as much as it's scumbag based.

I think the biggest problem is that many of us are cowed by these people as we can't do anything about them. If we do retaliate you either get beaten up or you're ending up having to defend yourself in court and there's basically no policing of that kind of thing in Ireland at all. You rarely see a cop anywhere.

I know there can't and shouldn't be police everywhere, but there are a few hot spots around certain urban areas that there needs to be.

The worst I've ever had was 3 guys pull a gun on me when I was parking on Sunday afternoon a few years ago. I rang 999 and there was no follow up!?! I assume it was a fake gun as they were laughing their asses off at me but, even so.

Lazare · 17-09-2018 11:33am

pac_man wrote: »

I know it's flavour of the month but I'm getting a pain in me hole reading divisive gender articles lately. This is an issue that both sexes experience.

I've been the "victim" of a couple of incidents. Mainly immature teenagers of both sexes with a bit of name calling. The next day it's forgotten about, it's harmless. I thought this would be pretty standard for most runners if I'm honest.

Ah now.

Subjective experiences are totally different. You and I would comfortably run alone in a dark park for instance. Women don't do that.

You and I can take a car slowing down beside us to shout abuse. For women that represents a much bigger threat, and instills huge fear.

Definitely far easier for men.

The Bishop Basher · 17-09-2018 11:46am

swervring wrote: »

I had someone shout "fat b!tch" at me from a passing car as I was running. Found it very upsetting to be honest.

That’s unreal. I don’t know how some people sleep at night.

I always wince a bit when I see the word retarted used on boards and I’m not at all PC. But it seems to be commonly accepted as ok so I just assume I’m in the minority.

I don’t think I’ve ever had anything shouted at me but I wouldn’t know cause I’m always lost in my tunes..

I agree about this gender nonsense. ThIs is just more of the same sh1te. I suppose it sells papers.

spurious · 17-09-2018 11:55am

Parenting (fail) again.

BarryD2 · 17-09-2018 11:58am

Is this not just part of life generally and not really to do with running per se? That is to say that women in general tend to attract looks/ comments/ attention from men, often unwanted and unasked for. So kinda part of that pattern, main difference is that runners tend to be more lightly clothed and subject to more scrutiny perhaps.

Don't want to get into debate as to whether this is just part of the human condition, just observing.

Goose76 · 17-09-2018 12:10pm

swervring wrote: »

I had someone shout "fat b!tch" at me from a passing car as I was running. Found it very upsetting to be honest.

I’ve had this too. Only it was a junkie type, in the park, walking past who pointed at me as I ran by. Only a few weeks ago.

I’ve also had a bunch of teenagers yell “go on fat arse!!” Lol that one made me laugh.

Like others here I too am sick of the constant gendered frenzy in the media these days. I do think this problem is far worse for women, but men clearly are victims of this too so it’s not totally right to look at this issue from a gendered lens.

I also dislike the overly PC title of the article re: “Irish men”, there’s plenty of non Irish men who engage in this behaviour also. That’s probably a topic for a different forum though :rolleyes:

RacoonQueen · 17-09-2018 12:17pm

Acting on reports and closing thread until someone has time to clean it up.

TFBubendorfer · 18-09-2018 9:33pm

<mod>Cleaned up the thread, apologies for the delay.

Please refrain from derailing the discussion, please. Any further digression will have consequences.</mod>

mojesius · 18-09-2018 9:51pm

Thankfully, I've never had any experiences like this and I've ran a lot in West, central and north Dublin, mostly alone (female). Then again, I wear earphones a bit and tend to zone out on runs. Regularly pass gangs of teenagers in the locality and they never say boo.

I've ran in other countries like Italy and Vietnam and felt a a bit more self-conscious or wary there, but Ireland is actually very pleasant for running.

Cycling is a different beast though

Hitman3000 · 18-09-2018 9:56pm

EdgeCase wrote:

I think there's a significant issue here with the mocking, nasty, scumbag type who seems to go totally unchallenged in Ireland a lot of the time. They're like the school bully, but they take it out on people in public.

It's not unique to Ireland. I'm a member of several running groups on FB based outside of Ireland and the abuse at both male and female runners happens elsewhere aswell

Murph_D · 18-09-2018 10:12pm

Well no, it’s not unique to Ireland - the article cites evidence from the UK and the US, and personal experience from Ireland. The question is why it happens, and why some find it acceptable, or inevitable. It’s all very well to blame the behaviour on “scumbags” (whatever this means, exactly), but it’s behaviour they are learning from somewhere. It doesn’t have to happen every day to be a problem. A cutting remark or a threatening act can live long in the memory.

Personally I’ve only experienced one incident of note: a bottle thrown from somewhere - I couldn’t see anyone - that narrowly missed. For the record, it happened in an affluent suburb. I shrugged it off but If it had hit me I might not have been as dismissive.

MayoSalmon · 18-09-2018 10:23pm

Murph_D wrote:

Personally Iâ€™ve only experienced one incident of note: a bottle thrown from somewhere - I couldnâ€™t see anyone - that narrowly missed. For the record, it happened in an affluent suburb. I shrugged it off but If it had hit me I might not have been as dismissive.

Scumbags passing through obviously!

RacoonQueen · 18-09-2018 10:26pm

Never really experienced much, the odd comment from teenagers or drunk people when passing pubs (which would normally involve something the likely think is encouraging). Kids trying to run along with me because it is hilarious (embarrassingly, me and my friend did this when we were idiot teenagers to runners passing too)
Once had some dude whip 'it' out from the back seat of a car and wave it at me along with some stupid comment, this is the only incident in over 11 years of running that I could call harassment. In fairness, thinking about it now, the position he contorted himself into in order to get it out the window was actually impressive.
Often if I'm doing interval on an out and back or a lap and pass people numerous times they'll say ''you're doing great'' or something else that kinda feels a bit condescending but isn't intended to be.

Have seen people say they've had abuse or being smacked in the arse but honestly if someone ever does say anything to me they will be told in no uncertain terms where they can go

and if anyone laid a hand on me, I would expect I would retaliate.
edit: on this actually, girl who had her arse smacked said that male runners (friends) told her she should take it as a compliment, now there is an issue...people trying to condone that sh*t, that's an issue.

More irritating for me and often mentioned here, is the people who walk side by side right towards you and don't bat an eyelid or make any attempt to leave space for you to pass. But y'know what, I'd also often be running up behind people who'd be blocking or partially blocking the footpath and they'd move out of the way or nudge their partner over...and most common people I've noted doing this, teenage boys. Will often see people stand aside on narrow footpaths or paths which are blocked by a bin or something and wait for me to pass and they always get a big thank you...annoys me if I do jump off the path onto the road when running against traffic so the pedestrians can pass and they don't even acknowledge what you've just done. Just a smile or nod or eye contact people..bit of manner goes a long way.

I had a car of lads drive up right beside me as I was climbing sally gap on the bike a couple of months ago and try push me off. What worried me most that with 4 or 5 lads in a car, they didn't have enough functioning brain activity between them to realise this was a really f*cking stupid thing to do.

Steve · 18-09-2018 10:34pm

Threads like this make me really angry.

Ii it isn't runners, it's cyclists or even pedestrians being bullied and harassed by scroates.

Some jobsworth TD is sure to propose a new unenforceable law against it as elections are coming up.

The 'hug and lollipop' approach to criminal behavior in this country has to be seriously looked at because it is seriously broken.

Steve · 18-09-2018 10:36pm

FWIW, yes I'm a bloke but my OH runs and she has experienced it.

Burkie1203 · 18-09-2018 10:37pm

swervring wrote: »

I had someone shout "fat b!tch" at me from a passing car as I was running. Found it very upsetting to be honest.

A woman at my local parkrun does the 5km in around 30 minutes. She always says she feels embarrassed in some way.

Anytime someone half her age shows up and takes 45 minutes I make a point of it to her. Quite a few don't come back because a 10 stone mid 40s mum of 3 can do it but a 20 something can't and they give up.

I generally find people who shout are the ones who haven't the capability of doing

Hannibal_Smith · 19-09-2018 7:27am

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Once had some dude whip 'it' out from the back seat of a car and wave it at me along with some stupid comment, this is the only incident in over 11 years of running that I could call harassment. In fairness, thinking about it now, the position he contorted himself into in order to get it out the window was actually impressive.

I had a car of lads drive up right beside me as I was climbing sally gap on the bike a couple of months ago and try push me off. What worried me most that with 4 or 5 lads in a car, they didn't have enough functioning brain activity between them to realise this was a really f*cking stupid thing to do.

I would count these two ^^ just as bad as this arse slapping. If not just as bad, certainly not far off. I wouldn't laugh any of them off. You should cycle with one of those cameras.

I've never been heckled ...but I was intimidated one evening on a run. It wasn't even really the incident, it really wasn't that major, but the seed it planted that sh*t, im on my own here and completely at the mercy of some nutjob, if they did decided to do something. I was never happy running in the dark since so I gave up the evening runs which I really enjoyed before. Lunch time runs are so stressful!

Cabaal · 19-09-2018 8:01am

Another study, ok the sample size is small but even so I'm pretty certain you could ask this many males and you will in no way get the same answer for as high a percentage

https://www.bbc.com/news/education-45562134

The survey of 1,903 13 to 21-year-olds in the UK found nearly two-thirds either felt unsafe, or knew someone who was fearful walking home alone.
More than half had suffered harassment, or knew someone who had, it said.

Cabaal · 19-09-2018 8:06am

Burkie1203 wrote: »

I generally find people who shout are the ones who haven't the capability of doing

When it comes to comments about somebody thats specifically cycling or running I'd agree, 9/10 times the person making the comment has no decent fitness level. I think the comment is some sort of defence mechanism for their own failings in life.

OOnegative · 19-09-2018 8:13am

When I worked in Dublin I had bottles of urine thrown at me, eggs & called every name you can think off while out running. Happened maybe 7-8 times. I’m a male btw.

Hannibal_Smith · 19-09-2018 8:27am

OOnegative wrote: »

When I worked in Dublin I had bottles of urine thrown at me, eggs & called every name you can think off while out running. Happened maybe 7-8 times. I’m a male btw.

:eek: were you shouting f*ck the dubs as you ran or something? :pac:

OOnegative · 19-09-2018 8:31am

Hannibal_Smith wrote: »

:eek: were you shouting f*ck the dubs as you ran or something? :pac:

Ah doing what I do it was water off a ducks back.

Sunny Dayz · 19-09-2018 12:01pm

Can't say I've really noticed any harassment to be honest. But many of my runs are in the morning, or in rural locations. I've had one or two condescending remarks, something along the lines of "good GIRL, aren't you great to be out".
Sometimes people in cars stare at you as the drive past. But I just write that off as I find myself doing the very same thing when I'm driving and I see a runner: who is it, do I know them, what distance is he doing, what route is he doing, what's he training for, noting his pace and/or form, admiring running gear!
The odd time when I'm running down the town there might be someone outside a pub having a good stare; but they've a beer belly, a pint in one hand, a fag in the other; so I tend to take the judgemental and moral high ground.

But I do find that I just have to be sensible when and where I run. If I have to run at night time and on my own, you have to have a bit of sense and stick to busy and well lit routes.

Working class heroes · 19-09-2018 12:58pm

OOnegative wrote: »

When I worked in Dublin I had bottles of urine thrown at me, eggs & called every name you can think off while out running. Happened maybe 7-8 times. I’m a male btw.

Were you in uniform?:pac::pac:

sideswipe · 19-09-2018 1:03pm

RacoonQueen wrote: »

I had a car of lads drive up right beside me as I was climbing sally gap on the bike a couple of months ago and try push me off. What worried me most that with 4 or 5 lads in a car, they didn't have enough functioning brain activity between them to realise this was a really f*cking stupid thing to do.

I would alway be of he opinion that some people are just arseholes, letting their idiotic behaviour negatively affect me is letting them win. But when it comes to the above it's beyond ignoring. A few immature words or a wolf whistle is one thing, slapping somebody's arse or trying to push them off a F**king bike deserves legal intervention. Hope you reported that RQ.

Sal Butamol · 19-09-2018 1:08pm

I wonder where in Limerick she was running. It would shed a bit of light on the likely culprits.

Wabbit Ears · 19-09-2018 1:09pm

I've been hacked by teenagers and my wife has had run ins with the same group. It's not gender specific.

This feminist agenda that things happen exclusively to women really has to stop. It's basically invalidating and dismissing the fact that men, especially overweight men, can suffer from all the same things, often to a greater degree.

Djoucer · 19-09-2018 1:15pm

Wabbit Ears wrote: »

I've been hacked by teenagers and my wife has had run ins with the same group. It's not gender specific.

This feminist agenda that things happen exclusively to women really has to stop. It's basically invalidating and dismissing the fact that men, especially overweight men, can suffer from all the same things, often to a greater degree.

What are you blabbering on about? No-one, not a single person, has said it's exclusively women. Not a single person has even hinted at it. Feminist agenda me arse.

It's been suggested that women experience it more.

Hobbyjogger · 19-09-2018 5:57pm

As others, I read the article and came on to see if there was anything here about it and I have to say I’m really surprised that some have not experienced this at all.
The article resonated with me hugely as I have experienced similar issues regularly in regards to honking horns and being followed. I never know who to talk to about it for fear of sounding vain. I’m no supermodel, but I do feel vulnerable. I run almost every day, always alone, and I try to go at busy times in busy areas but it’s difficult with long runs.

Today for example I ran at half 3 around a busy main road. I was beeped at by 3 different cars. At one stage, I heard a car slow down behind me and I looked to see if he was looking for directions (happens often in this area) but he just wound down the window and stared. I was still running and he just drove along beside, much too slow for that road, staring. He didn’t look away despite my confused look. I felt extremely intimidated and vulnerable. I am worrying about the dark nights and don’t know what I’m doing to do.

I think the reason this is being looked at from a female perspective is that we are biologically smaller and more vulnerable, and it is the fear of sexual violence more than general harassment, (although intimidating also) making it a much more serious issue.. that’s the experience I have anyway, and it’s very prevalent for me.

TFBubendorfer · 19-09-2018 7:56pm

Wabbit Ears wrote: »

This feminist agenda that things happen exclusively to women really has to stop. It's basically invalidating and dismissing the fact that men, especially overweight men, can suffer from all the same things, often to a greater degree.

I've had people shouting at me on plenty of occasions over the years, from both genders, and not always particularly complimentary.

The difference is, I don't feel threatened when a girl whistles after me or makes a comment about my arse. It may be the same incident from the outside but how it can affect you is totally different. I don't have to worry about a girl sexually abusing me - if the genders were reversed, it's a far more threatening thing when the same thing it happens to a woman.

RacoonQueen · 19-09-2018 8:49pm

sideswipe wrote: »

I would alway be of he opinion that some people are just arseholes, letting their idiotic behaviour negatively affect me is letting them win. But when it comes to the above it's beyond ignoring. A few immature words or a wolf whistle is one thing, slapping somebody's arse or trying to push them off a F**king bike deserves legal intervention. Hope you reported that RQ.

No I didn't report as as they were driving off I spent some time trying to figure out if it had really just happened and was steadying myself as I was edging into the ditch to try avoid being hit, so didn't really pull myself together on time to glance at the type of car/reg plate. There was another cyclist up ahead so it wasn't until they got close to him and their brake lights went on that I clocked I should have tried to get something.
Funny, you get so used to dangerous situations on the bike that I knew something was going to happen before it happened. It was a sunny Wednesday evening and it was fairly quiet so as soon as I 'felt' the car slow behind me I knew they were up to something. More they tried to nudge me with the car and they got a verbal warning...arms came out to the cyclist up ahead though.

A helmet cam (and indeed dash cam) are two things I keep saying I should get, really should be on the shopping list.

pc11 · 19-09-2018 9:09pm

Djoucer wrote: »

What are you blabbering on about? No-one, not a single person, has said it's exclusively women. Not a single person has even hinted at it.

Except for the original linked article, I presume you meant?

Djoucer · 19-09-2018 9:14pm

pc11 wrote: »

Except for the original linked article, I presume you meant?

You might want to read it again.

Article doesn't once suggest it's a problem exclusively for women.

It's an article that talks exclusively about women's experience of it.

Lazare · 19-09-2018 9:18pm

Hobbyjogger wrote: »

I felt extremely intimidated and vulnerable. I am worrying about the dark nights and don’t know what I’m going to do

To all the men in this thread complaining about feminist agendas and blathering nonsense about how there's no difference between the genders.

Read that line. Then read it again. Ask yourself would you ever, ever feel that way.

I'll make it easy for you. You won't.

ImANoob08 · 19-09-2018 9:26pm

I was out for a run with my brother a few years back and a group if lads shouted "gay" at us, we laughed it off and kept going.

Can only imagine something similar happening to a woman to be much more intimidating.

We all know it happens both but generally as men we can laugh it off and not feel unsafe which is the real issue and what makes it much worse when it happens to a woman.

Annie get your Run · 19-09-2018 9:34pm

RacoonQueen wrote: »

No I didn't report as as they were driving off I spent some time trying to figure out if it had really just happened and was steadying myself as I was edging into the ditch to try avoid being hit, so didn't really pull myself together on time to glance at the type of car/reg plate. There was another cyclist up ahead so it wasn't until they got close to him and their brake lights went on that I clocked I should have tried to get something.
Funny, you get so used to dangerous situations on the bike that I knew something was going to happen before it happened. It was a sunny Wednesday evening and it was fairly quiet so as soon as I 'felt' the car slow behind me I knew they were up to something. More they tried to nudge me with the car and they got a verbal warning...arms came out to the cyclist up ahead though.

A helmet cam (and indeed dash cam) are two things I keep saying I should get, really should be on the shopping list.

Get a camera! I'm trying to think about times I may have been harassed when out running, nothing comes to mind. I get plenty of abuse on the bike though and it's definitely way more than my male counterparts get - yes they get abuse too, but less so.

However.. they don't intimidate me and I can (and do) shout back, whether that's wise or not is another discussion (although I can see their surprise sometimes :pac:). Perhaps if I was running I'd feel differently (harder to get away from them if they tried something?).

It's really not okay that anyone should feel intimated or worried about going for a run.

Women runners being harassed

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