I have commuted for almost 30 years. in that time i had one broken leg and one completely unprovoked assault by 3 unknown young FARKHEADS!!!!!
Totally unprovoked, 3 against one, and the result was burns with approx 15 square inches of skin off, permanent scars, police interview and half naked photos, and doctors visits and expense - as well as the inability to wear clothes, undies, foundation garments for a few weeks.
and i had no idea who they were and the police didn't get them.
perhaps one day i'll write the story, but now i just can't be bothered.
i still ride pretty much the same way and in the dark too. People think i'm nuts. i'm probably a truckload more cautious if i judge dodgy looking people - and yes, based on that experience i will make value judgements on people at first sight now. unfair i know, but, better safe than sorry.