CHICAGO — Joggers who are trying to stay safe in the city are allowed to carry mace — but things get more complicated when it comes to other self-defense items like knives and stun guns.
Runners in Chicago have faced several recent attacks: Last week, a jogger was sexually assaulted along the Lakefront Trail near the South Shore Cultural Center, and there were at least two other attacks on joggers in September.
RELATED: Chicago's Runners On High Alert After Recent Attacks On Joggers
Leah Bohr, the director of training for the Chicago Area Runners Association, said runners should try to stick to well-lit areas, avoid listening to music try to run in groups, among other tips.
"Hopefully, people can try and use some of these methods to help them feel safer," Bohr said.
Here are do's and don'ts for runners in the city:
Tips to say safe:
• If you're 18 or older, you can carry and use non-lethal pepper spray and mace in self-defense situations.
• Runners should stay in well-lit and populated areas, Bohr said. That can be tricky in the winter, when daylight is scarce, but during those times runners should stick to streets with a lot of lights and avoid side streets and dark paths.
• Don't wear headphones and listen to music loudly, Bohr said. Some runners will just put in one headphone, but Bohr said even that can be iffy. As a runner who likes to listen to music, Bohr said she's started listening to her music out loud rather than through headphones.
• Try to run in a group or in pairs. That lends itself to a bit more safety, Bohr said.
• Wear reflective gear. "Anything that makes you ... more noticeable and ... aware of your surroundings is going to be helpful," Bohr said.
Here's what you shouldn't do:
• You can only have a stun gun/Taser if you have a Firearm Owners Identification card. Once you have one, you can only use the stun gun for self-defense.
• Concealed carry might be legal in Chicago, but you can't just bring a gun along on your jog. You must be approved for and receive a license.
• Carrying metal knuckles or any other "knuckle weapon regardless of its composition" is illegal.
• Carrying a switchblade knife or any type of "dangerous knife" is also illegal. You can't carry a concealed knife with a blade that's longer than 2½ inches, and if you're younger than 18, you can't have any type of knife that's 2 inches or longer.
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