I would run first if appropriate. Avoid confrontation until you can't.
I'll bet can outrun 99.9% of the bums out there.
EXACTLY! I run in races anyways. If it were just me, and I noticed no sign of weapons and out numbered 2 to 1..and my spidey senses said it's gone to the almost red zone..point down the street and say "ahh look, baby wolves" and move out. And if it were me and my family..my wife and daughter are actually faster than me off the sprint. Yeah, I know I don't have to give ground, but if I can make space, then other options open up. I was taught a lesson by a Green beret during a patrol. He was one of those believe in the power of nature / evolution types. We have a sixth sense, and it's become dull or ignored. The first time you feel something..maybe coincidence or over reacting..the second time you feel something, lay down and supressive fire. If my instincts tell me run..I'm running. When it says ok..kill everything that moves..I'll stop and commence to kill everything that moves. Giving up my ground isn't a big deal. Plenty of sidewalk on the other side of the street.