Which statement about backpack safety risk is accurate?

• A. They can create a handle by which an assailant can grab cyclist
• B. They improve energy efficiency of riding
• C. They guarantee protection against theft
• D. They reduce the risk of hip strain

Answer: (A)

Backpacks create a potential grab point for a would-be attacker. The straps and fabric can be used like a handle, making it easier for someone to seize a rider from behind or during a stop, potentially pulling them off balance or dragging them. The risk is higher in crowded or high-traffic areas where a quick grab or snatch is possible, and even a single strap can become a liability if it catches on a wheel, gear, or obstacle.

The other statements don’t fit safety reality. A backpack doesn’t guarantee protection against theft—valuables and even the bag itself can be stolen, and secure storage or locks are necessary. Carrying a backpack also doesn’t improve energy efficiency; the extra weight and potential drag generally increase effort and fatigue. And while a well-fitted pack with a waist belt can help distribute weight, backpacks don’t reliably reduce hip strain and heavy loads can actually increase discomfort in the hips and back.