There have been more than a few stories circulating around about the recent attacks that have happened to cyclists in New Orleans this past week. For those of you who do not follow the local news here, a brief recap: Two cyclists were attacked on the same night by two unknown males who ambushed both riders with head strikes from an aluminum baseball bat.
As a cyclist, I am terrified. As a citizen of New Orleans, I am both terrified and ashamed.
Unfortunately, this is what our city has become. The reports assert that these perpetrators are teens (likely 16-18 years old). Tragically, each time the media provide an age estimate of criminals in this city, they always overshoot. This leads me to believe that we are likely dealing with two people in their early teens (13-15). The fact that these children are allowed to roam the streets at 2:00 in the morning is an indication as to the quality parenting that they are receiving at home.
Growing up in New Orleans, bike thieves were the first criminals that I ever had dealings with. Even as a child, you learned to ride fast or else. The level of brutality that these two have exhibited is beyond my understanding. The first victim was hit in the mouth; teeth were broken as was his jaw. The second victim was hit in the back of the head; fracturing his skull. These are not the actions of a thief. These are the actions of someone who, if he hasn't already, will eventually graduate to murder. These perps have absolutely no concern for the pain and suffering of others. They must be stopped.
Many people have been discussing what can be done to protect cyclists. In this situation, I am afraid not much. Those who know me know that I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. The method of these attacks is such that there is almost no time in which to react. The ambush tactics create a sudden situation in which the danger is not present until it is likely too late. While I know many people who arm themselves while riding, I cannot image they would be able to recognize the threat, deploy the weapon (be it a firearm, pepper spray, etc.), and defend themselves in a manner that would not put other innocent people at risk. (Side note - for those looking for an effective concealment method while riding, I suggest the belly band).
The only things that can be done in a situation like this is
- Avoid dangerous areas and dangerous times of riding;
--- Stay in well lit, low crime areas if possible. It is better to ride a mile out of your way than to end up in the hospital or worse.
- Ride with others;
--- Predators are less likely to attack a group.
- If you see something, say something.
--- New Orleans criminals have long thrived under the fear of others to speak out. This culture of cowering in the corner has to stop. We cannot afford to continue handing the keys to the city over to the criminals just because we are afraid.
To the media: When these perps are caught or killed (eventually, one or the other will happen and I pray it is the former), I do not want to see you parading the crying mother around telling everyone how sad she is to have lost her little angel who "never did nothing wrong." We all know that is a lie and we are sick of hearing these same stories every time a criminal picks the wrong target.
To the law-abiding citizens of New Orleans: Stand up and reclaim what is yours!
As a cyclist, I am terrified. As a citizen of New Orleans, I am both terrified and ashamed.
Unfortunately, this is what our city has become. The reports assert that these perpetrators are teens (likely 16-18 years old). Tragically, each time the media provide an age estimate of criminals in this city, they always overshoot. This leads me to believe that we are likely dealing with two people in their early teens (13-15). The fact that these children are allowed to roam the streets at 2:00 in the morning is an indication as to the quality parenting that they are receiving at home.
Growing up in New Orleans, bike thieves were the first criminals that I ever had dealings with. Even as a child, you learned to ride fast or else. The level of brutality that these two have exhibited is beyond my understanding. The first victim was hit in the mouth; teeth were broken as was his jaw. The second victim was hit in the back of the head; fracturing his skull. These are not the actions of a thief. These are the actions of someone who, if he hasn't already, will eventually graduate to murder. These perps have absolutely no concern for the pain and suffering of others. They must be stopped.
Many people have been discussing what can be done to protect cyclists. In this situation, I am afraid not much. Those who know me know that I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. The method of these attacks is such that there is almost no time in which to react. The ambush tactics create a sudden situation in which the danger is not present until it is likely too late. While I know many people who arm themselves while riding, I cannot image they would be able to recognize the threat, deploy the weapon (be it a firearm, pepper spray, etc.), and defend themselves in a manner that would not put other innocent people at risk. (Side note - for those looking for an effective concealment method while riding, I suggest the belly band).
The only things that can be done in a situation like this is
- Avoid dangerous areas and dangerous times of riding;
--- Stay in well lit, low crime areas if possible. It is better to ride a mile out of your way than to end up in the hospital or worse.
- Ride with others;
--- Predators are less likely to attack a group.
- If you see something, say something.
--- New Orleans criminals have long thrived under the fear of others to speak out. This culture of cowering in the corner has to stop. We cannot afford to continue handing the keys to the city over to the criminals just because we are afraid.
To the media: When these perps are caught or killed (eventually, one or the other will happen and I pray it is the former), I do not want to see you parading the crying mother around telling everyone how sad she is to have lost her little angel who "never did nothing wrong." We all know that is a lie and we are sick of hearing these same stories every time a criminal picks the wrong target.
To the law-abiding citizens of New Orleans: Stand up and reclaim what is yours!
No comments:
Post a Comment