Attacked by on leash dog

I was attacked by an on leash dog last spring while walking from my car, to work on Crown Street in North Vancouver. I was walking on the road, and the dog owner and dog were walking on the grass. I was at least 25-30’ away from the dog when it it bolted, pulling the leash out of its owners hand, and attacked my left leg. I didn’t have any food items or clothes that smelled like food, I didn’t even acknowledge the dog. After it bit my leg, drawing blood, it retreated in an attack position about 7’ away from me, teeth showing, and growling. The owner stepped in and grabbed the leash and apologized. I was too much in shock to say anything and continued on my way to work. After I arrived I rolled up my pants to some pretty nasty cuts which I disinfected and cared for appropriately. I called a clinic, which said I wouldn’t need to come in unless it became infected.

Being a cyclist, I’ve been chased and nipped at by dogs while riding through inter river park or any other space where there are dogs and people. Dogs and bikes just don’t mix, but this was unacceptable and I’m taking every action I can to ensure that this won’t happen again. Imagine if I were a young child, that would have been his or her face, rather than just my leg. I will not tolerate anymore attacks from dogs, either while cycling or simply minding my own business. It is the dog owners responsibility to be in full control of their dog at all times, and that simply isn’t happening. If they can’t manage to do that, It’s time that the city do something to enforce bylaws regarding dogs.