[aigel]

I bike ride with my dogs. I have a firm grip on the leash with one hand, but I will let go of the dog before it gets me injured or worse. It is an animal, and a cat bolting across the path or a sudden urge to go #2 making it stop in its tracks could rip me clear off the bike. Same if you are on a walk with a big dog. You need to be ready to let go of it, the dog may get hurt, but that's better than you or both of you.