Concealed Carry While Cycling

Riding your bike on paved pathways, on your way to work, or on mountainous terrain can be a fun and healthy way to explore your freedom and get some exercise. However, cycling is not all fun and games. When riding a bike, it is important to follow basic safety tips. 

Whether on the road or on the trail, cyclists may even come face-to-face with aggressive motorists and other threats to their safety. While there are many strategies to deal with threats on the road, many cyclists choose to protect themselves with concealed carry firearms.

Avoiding confrontation in the first place is the best way to protect yourself, but we understand that carrying a concealed weapon can give riders more peace of mind. With that in mind, we have gathered some concealed carry tips to keep you and others around you safe while on the road. 

Is It Necessary to Carry Concealed While Riding?

If you like to ride for business or pleasure, you know the weightless feeling of riding down a steep hill with the wind blowing past your face. If you normally carry a firearm around town, carrying a concealed firearm while cycling can seem like common sense.

 But, is it really necessary?

It all depends on your reasons for carrying and if it is legal in your state. If anything, pepper spray can be a great self-defense tool to avoid having to draw your firearm. For instance, if confronted by an aggressive driver, avoiding escalating the situation can keep you safe without having to use a firearm.

For the most part, if you detect a threat to your life, you can either evade your attackers by riding away. Avoid lethal force by all means unless you are confronted with a life-threatening scenario. At that point, drawing your firearm would be the last resort.

If you do happen to carry while cycling, here are a few tips to keep you and those around you safe from injury. 

Best Ways to Concealed Carry While Cycling

Carrying a concealed weapon can be a last resort if you need to defend yourself from an aggressive and armed driver on the road or a two-legged threat on a mountain bike trail. However, a bicycle gives you the advantage of being able to ride away from your attacker if they are on foot or weaving through vehicles if they are in the car.

Before you resort to having to draw your concealed carry weapon, always use non-lethal methods of self defense unless you are absolutely threatened with a firearm or other deadly weapon yourself.

Use a High Retention Holster

When looking for the right holster for your gun, high retention should be one of the most important considerations. A high-retention holster has qualities designed to securely keep the gun in place and prevent it from coming loose or being easily drawn by unauthorized users. 

An inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster is a popular option for cyclists who do not find it comfortable to carry. With pocket carry, the gun can easily ride up your pocket and slip out onto the road.

If you are going with an IWB holster, look for one with a moisture-resistant back pad that can wick away sweat and other elements that can reduce retention. In addition, look for a holster shell that can firmly secure your pistol until it is ready to be drawn. Cyclists may also opt for a holster system that has more than one clip for better support. 

An outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster can also be a good option for bike riders. It is comfortable, easily accessible, and can be easily hidden under a baggy shirt or jacket. 

However, when riding with an OWB holster, always ensure the gun is firmly secured in the holster. A pothole or a speed bump at high speed can jolt the gun out in low-grade holsters with poor retention. 

A high retention holster is especially critical to mountain bikers who ride through rugged and uneven terrain. If you will be riding on designated bike paths on your way to work, you will not require as high retention capabilities, but it is recommended you have them. 

Practice riding around with your new holster without the gun in place to test out its comfort and concealment. Is it uncomfortable to ride during your entire commute or while mountain biking? Once you have gotten that down, you can holster the gun and take a few more practice runs to get the complete experience. 

Pick the Right Firearm

Choosing the right firearm can be the difference between a safe and comfortable ride and one that is not. For instance, a revolver is not an ideal concealed carry gun because it can lead to an accidental discharge if you land on it.

Instead, choose a firearm with a relatively thin profile that is a single stack, flat, or flush to the body. A lightweight firearm is much more comfortable for bike riding. Avoid carrying a concealed weapon that has a bulky form. Carrying a thin gun while riding your bicycle is much more comfortable and can result in less risk of injury If you land on it.

Striker-Fired vs Hammer-Fired Handguns

Striker-fired firearms are the preferred choice for cyclists over hammer-fired guns. With a hammer-fired handgun, the hammer sticks out and can injure you if you fall on it. Instead, look for a flush firearm with your body.

A striker-fired pistol does not have a hammer. The striker within the slide is secured under spring pressure. As long as you invest in a high-retention holster with your striker-fired pistol, you can reduce your risk of injury.

Practice Safe Dismounts

When riding the bike paths and you are confronted with a threat to your safety, a safe and effective dismount can put you in a good position to defend yourself. Keep in mind, always attempt to ride away from a threat first before resorting to protecting yourself with a firearm.

Just to be on the safe side, practice safe dismounting regularly to be ready for any situation. When riding a bike, we do not recommend engaging a target. Instead, it would be best to come to a complete stop before drawing your firearm.

Practice the entire routine including coming to a full stop, dismounting from your bike, crouching and going prone, and engaging your target from a safe distance (15 yards).

Practice Drawing Your Firearm

If you have mastered the safe dismount, it is time to practice drawing your weapon in this situation. Use the holster you will be using while riding your bike during their practice runs. Perform these practice drills in a garage or a safe and private area where you are not drawing unwanted attention.

While practicing your draw, pay attention to the smoothness and quickness of the draw from the seated or straddling position on your bicycle. Practicing drawing your weapon can prepare you in the event that you have to pull out your firearm in a high-adrenaline situation. 

Keep Your Gun on Your Body

When riding your bicycle with a concealed pistol, we recommend keeping it on your body at all times. Keeping it close to you and readily accessible gives you a quicker draw time in the event you ever have to use it. However, riding comfortably with a concealed firearm requires finding the right holster position and holster. 

For many bicyclists, a shoulder holster can be uncomfortable, especially when it gets in the way of backpack straps, jackets, or other riding gear. Similarly, an ankle holster can make pedaling uncomfortable or even impossible in certain situations.

Many riders choose an IWB gun holster, preferably positioned at the 5 o’clock position, right above their left or right buttocks, depending on which hand they draw their weapon with.

Keep Your Gun in a Concealed Carry Bag

If you choose to keep your weapon in a concealed carry bag, There are many carrying options to choose from. Bike riders may use a fanny pack, backpack, or even a sling bag that is comfortable and lightweight to carry while riding a bicycle.

A fanny pack is a comfortable and lightweight option. While they may not look as cool as other options, they are one of the preferred methods for cyclists, especially since guns can be uncomfortable in pockets .

There are many fanny packs specifically designed to carry a pistol. If it is not designed for carrying a firearm, you will need to carry the gun in a separate holster even if you carry it in your fanny pack. Some riders choose to add an extension pull to a pouch zipper for easier access.

Concealed carry bags specifically designed for firearms can be another option, although they can be heavier and bulkier than lightweight cycling and commuter backpacks. If you do choose to keep your firearm inside a pouch in a concealed carry bag, always keep it on your person. 

One of the least efficient ways to carry your weapon while cycling is with a handlebar bag or any bag attached to your bike. In fact, it is a bad idea.

If you are away from your bike for any reason, you have no chance of getting to your pistol if needed. Whether an attacker forces the bike from you or you are in an accident and are separated from your bike, the pistol can get in the wrong hands.

Instead, always remove the handlebar bag when you are away from your bicycle or move the pistol into a different carry method when you are off your bike.

Use a Chest Holster

If a waist holster or a concealed carry bag does not work for you, a chest holster such as the Kenai Chest Holster may provide you with the right comfort, security, and protection you need. A chest holster can be worn around the chest, slung around your back with the gun in the center of your chest. You can wear and conceal it with a jacket or other shirt.

With a chest holster, compared to a concealed carry bag, you have a much quicker draw time so you can use your firearm in a quick and efficient manner. The best chest holsters allow you to adjust them to your body type so you can comfortably ride your bicycle and breathe easy.

Keep Your Bike Maintained

Part of riding with a concealed firearm while on a bicycle means keeping your bicycle maintained. A well-maintained bicycle reduces the risk of falling and injuring yourself due to a bike malfunction, especially if you land on your gun.

With every ride, have a to-do list of inspections to make sure your bike will run smoothly. Check for things like tire pressure and brake stability. Consider the type of terrain you will be riding over and choose the appropriate bike to prevent a popped tire or a fall. 

Shop GunfightersINC Holsters

For all your concealed carry needs, GunfightersINC produces a line of American-made holsters designed with comfort and retention in mind. A blend of Kydex, nylon, and leather provides the ultimate comfort and security for any biking adventure.

GunfightersINC holsters include:

• Chest holster
• Shoulder holster
• Inside-the-waistband holster
• Outside-the-waistband holster

Made in the panhandle of Idaho in the city of Rathdrum, our high quality holsters can help you stay safe and sound throughout your neighborhood, trails, and work commute.