florida self-defense firearms
Can I carry a gun in a case in Florida while riding a bicycle?
<p>I am riding an extended bike trip.  I've already been attacked by multiple dogs.  I applied for a concealed carry permit but I don't want to delay my trip in the meantime.  Can I carry in an unlocked case on my bicycle without my license to carry concealed?  Would a bicycle be sufficient to be considered a vehicle?  </p>

<p>A bicycle has the same legal equivalent as a car in Florida. </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>316.2065 Bicycle regulations.— (1) Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable
  to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to
  special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of
  this chapter which by their nature can have no application.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>As such, you likely need to follow the same rules for transporting a firearm;</p>

<ul>
<li>Unloaded</li>
<li>In a container/bag that is closed/sealed</li>
</ul>

<blockquote>
  <p>790.25 Lawful ownership, possession, and use of firearms and other weapons. ...</p>
  
  <p>(5) POSSESSION IN PRIVATE CONVEYANCE.—Notwithstanding subsection (2),
  it is lawful and is not a violation of s. 790.01 for a person 18 years
  of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for
  self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private
  conveyance, without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is
  securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate
  use. Nothing herein contained prohibits the carrying of a legal
  firearm other than a handgun anywhere in a private conveyance when
  such firearm is being carried for a lawful use. Nothing herein
  contained shall be construed to authorize the carrying of a concealed
  firearm or other weapon on the person. This subsection shall be
  liberally construed in favor of the lawful use, ownership, and
  possession of firearms and other weapons, including lawful
  self-defense as provided in s. 776.012</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Re: <code>feetwet's</code> comments: the state laws are in <a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799/0790/0790.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Chapter 790.</a></p>

<p>My point - more of a comment than a legal answer, which is covered by reading the state laws above - is that you're <em>not very smart</em> to appear to be preparing to shoot a dog that may be endangering you sometime in the future. The legal ramifications of discharging a firearm, killing/injuring a dog and endangering people in the area are greater than the penalties of flaunting CCW laws (esp. if you are a felon); see the same link to Chapter 790 above.</p>

<p>The proof you will need to show that the said dog was sufficiently endangering you in terms of your own injuries or life to shoot it and endanger people in the area will have to be very convincing to a court.</p>

<p>Get a can of pepper spray (again, as per Chapter 790, less than two ounces) and carry it in full view in a holder on the frame of the bike. Much research and statistics show that pepper spray is much more effective in deterring dogs (and people) than bullets from an aiming and accuracy (read success) standpoint. Or carry a home-made spray bottle of ammonia/water; that is very effective and perfectly legal.</p>

<p>Pepper spraying a dog won't get you thrown in jail. Shooting one may. And, aside from all that: knowing the propensity of citizens to carry guns and use them, shooting a dog may encourage someone to shoot back at you.</p>
