Dog owner and cyclist disagreement shocker...

[Dan_K]

This is part rant so I apologise in advance.

Went for a little ride today around Addington Hills and was riding along the wide track at the top that leads to the viewpoint when a large black greyhound sees me and runs away from it's owner, before chasing me and then bearing teeth to bite my thigh. I shouted and swiped it away so it didn't get me but there was definite intent.
So I call out to the owner that his dog just tried to bite me. His response was, "we'll you shouldn't be riding up here as there's a local bylaw against cycling."
WTF?!

So I asked him if his dog was an expert on access rights and was able to identify the right and wrong people to bite. He said that his dog chases things that move fast (he obviously wasn't watching me!) so I shouldn't be cycling. I asked if he chased kids that ran too but he said that his dog wouldn't go for a child.
He's right, I shouldn't have been cycling up there but surely it's irresponsible dog handling to not have it muzzled. My aunt has greyhounds and always muzzles them because they're bred to chase things. We've had a couple of Yorkshire terrier head butting moments over the years which demonstrates this.

I guess I'm mentioning it here because I want to get it off my chest and I know a few of you ride up there and I'd hate to see someone get bitten. Dog walkers tend to stick to the same routes so there's a chance someone will run into this guy again. The owner is in his 50's, 5'8" ish, balding with grey hair.

Stay safe out there peeps.

[Dombo]

I think he's right about the bylaw. I saw some signs near the paths entering the woods a few years ago.
As for the mutt, Richard's Bicycle Book of the late 70s/80s had some good tips on how to avoid getting bitten as I recall. Most involved the owner needing a new dog afterwards however.

[Jon H]

Best not to go to Addington hills dressed in a rabbit onesie then.

[Phil H]

[quote="Jon H"]Best not to go to Addington hills dressed in a rabbit onesie then.

[Jon H]

[quote="Phil the Pie"]So where do you suggest I go then?