Cruising

You may have heard of cruising or you might not have a clue what it is. Cruising is when men go to secluded outdoor areas such as parks and woods to meet other men for sex. Not all gay men do this but if you are thinking of cruising there are a few things you should be aware of.

Having sex in a public place could get you into trouble with the law, especially if you’re not discreet and other people see you.

Not all men in cruising areas are there for sex – some muggers and gay-bashers target them too. If you’re mugged or attacked you should report it to the police. As a victim of crime, they shouldn’t be interested in the fact you were cruising, just in catching the people who attacked you.

A cruising area that’s been in the news can attract trouble makers and police. It may be worth avoiding until things quieten down.

Check out a cruising site the day before you go there at night. Then you can see its layout, exit routes, dead ends and how to get to safety, as well as the nearest bus stops, cab office or phone box.

If you can, let someone know where you’re going, or better still go with a friend and arrange times and places to meet while there.

If you have been drinking or taking drugs, stop and think – you may be more vulnerable.

Don’t forget:
Condoms and lube – even if you are not planning to have full-on sex. You can’t rely on getting them later
Money – make sure you have enough to get a bus or taxi home.
Personal alarm – this is good for scaring off trouble makers and attracting help.

Leave it at home:
Walkmans/iPods – wearing these can make you less aware of your surroundings and more of a target for muggers.
Credit cards, expensive jewellery, larger amounts of cash and anything with your address on in case they are stolen. Put any valuables in a hard-to-reach zipped pocket.
Drugs – If you have drugs on you, you could be arrested if the police stop you.

When you get there:
Be discreet – if passers-by can see you having sex, or you draw attention to yourself, you may attract the police or gay-bashers and muggers.

Avoid going off with someone to a place that is hard to escape from, such as a multi-storey or underground car park, into a car or an alleyway.

If you’ve been out for a few hours you may find yourself ready to take more risks – sometimes it’s best to call it a night and go home.

If you are attacked:
Make noise to scare attackers off – shout: 'Fire!' as more people take notice of this than: 'Help!'

Get away as quickly as possible – trying to take on someone who is attacking you puts you at more risk of serious harm.

If you are knocked to the ground, cover your head but try to keep moving as it’s harder to kick a moving target.

Afterwards, let someone know what’s happened. Reporting a crime means it’s less likely to happen to others.

If someone else is attacked:
Avoid putting yourself in danger – get to a safe place.

If and when it’s safe to, help the person who has been attacked – don’t assume someone else will.

Call the police on 999 or 112, the alternative emergency number for mobile users, make a note of the attackers’ appearance, accent and car number.

This article was last reviewed on: 27/10/11
Date due for next review: 27/10/13