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Good luck, naïve foreigner: I don't think you realize or appreciate how violent and unsafe most of Oakland is. You're likely to be robbed at gun- or knife-point

Good luck, naïve foreigner: I don't think you realize or appreciate how violent and unsafe most of Oakland is. You're likely to be robbed at gun- or knife-point by multiple assailants. At least in some other states you're allowed to defend your own life, but not in California. #12 https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-most-dangerous-cities-in-america/39/ https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-most-dangerous-cities-i... I have a 4kW standing scooter that I use in another city that goes 50 mph easily. The concept of a power limit is nanny state government control: to hell with that. Scooters have no power restrictions and no limits. I wouldn't take one out on a highway, but anything short of that is fine. Statistically, helmet wearing in the US encourages drivers to pass wearers at an unsafe distance (too close). They also provide a false sense of security and look stupid. If they were useful, the Dutch would be all over them. Experienced riders with coordination in good urban planning areas don't need them.

TaylorAlexander 4y ago
You could have worded this with kind concern but you chose to open by insulting me instead. I only moved here from the other side of the bay. I’ve lived in this area my whole life. Somehow all my friends in Oakland do just fine. If I get robbed, so be it, but I’m not going to hide in my car. I’ve been a cyclist my whole life and I would never ride without a helmet. This isn’t the Netherlands. My bike goes 30 MPH and as experienced as I am, accidents still happen. Your comment was particularly condescending and I don’t think it fits the tone of this discussion. You didn’t have to comment, and you didn’t have to be rude if you wanted to participate.
- djmips 4y ago
  Hey, they were trying to help. ;-) Clearly just a culture clash.
  - heynowheynow 4y ago
    - to-too-two 4y ago
      Sad seeing these types of derogatory comments on HN. Take it back over to r/conservative.
  - esperent 4y ago
    > culture clash You'll probably experience less of these if you stop calling people "naive foreigners".
- mongol 4y ago
  I am not parent but I agree with you. Thanks for sharing your e-bike conversion experience. It made me look into the same!
- heynowheynow 4y ago
  Millennial... zzz...
- dm319 4y ago
  Don't bother with a bike helmet! The only safety you need on your bike is the safety of your open carry firearm. When a careless driver pulls out of a side road and takes you out, you can both make them regret their decision and pay for your neurosurgery with a gun. /s (sadly needed)

TaylorAlexander 4y ago

You could have worded this with kind concern but you chose to open by insulting me instead. I only moved here from the other side of the bay. I’ve lived in this area my whole life. Somehow all my friends in Oakland do just fine. If I get robbed, so be it, but I’m not going to hide in my car. I’ve been a cyclist my whole life and I would never ride without a helmet. This isn’t the Netherlands. My bike goes 30 MPH and as experienced as I am, accidents still happen. Your comment was particularly condescending and I don’t think it fits the tone of this discussion. You didn’t have to comment, and you didn’t have to be rude if you wanted to participate.

djmips 4y ago
Hey, they were trying to help. ;-) Clearly just a culture clash.
- heynowheynow 4y ago
  - to-too-two 4y ago
    Sad seeing these types of derogatory comments on HN. Take it back over to r/conservative.
- esperent 4y ago
  > culture clash You'll probably experience less of these if you stop calling people "naive foreigners".
mongol 4y ago
I am not parent but I agree with you. Thanks for sharing your e-bike conversion experience. It made me look into the same!
heynowheynow 4y ago
Millennial... zzz...
dm319 4y ago
Don't bother with a bike helmet! The only safety you need on your bike is the safety of your open carry firearm. When a careless driver pulls out of a side road and takes you out, you can both make them regret their decision and pay for your neurosurgery with a gun. /s (sadly needed)