When it comes to cycling, wearing identification could be more important than the expensive bike you straddle. Most cyclists understand the dangers of riding, but very few take all the necessary safety measures when they head out for a ride. Perhaps the most important part of safety gear that cyclists overlook is a good form of identification. This is alarming, when in fact; over 450,000 individuals are taken to hospitals each year unconscious and without any form of identification. In 2006, cars hit more than 122,000 cyclists, runners and walkers. Thousands more had other cycling accidents that landed them in hospitals.
In the event of an unexpected accident, ID is crucial. Identification is your lifeline when you can’t speak for yourself. It gives first responders the ability to reference your vital medical history, and to immediately contact family members – something that may take hours or days without ID. Having proper ID with you assures that you won’t be listed as another “John Doe.” Unfortunately, accidents do happen – even to the best athletes. When they do, quick and easy access to identification can prevent a serious delay in proper treatment or even save a life.
In 1999, a company called named Road ID® developed a line of ID for active people. Their mission is to educate runners, cyclists, walkers, hikers, rollerbladers – anyone active – about the vital importance of wearing identification while being outdoors. The company’s line of customized, laser engraved, stainless steel IDs are an integral part of any active person’s gear and can be worn on the wrist, shoe, and ankle or around the neck. They are fashionable, durable, lightweight, and are designed so as to not affect performance.
Wearing ID is something we all need to do. Most of us wear helmets when cycling, seat belts when driving, life jackets when boating because they are known to save lives. We need to show the same concern for our safety when out there cycling and participating in other sports and always wear some form of ID.
It is our life we are talking about, and we should avoid any delays in getting proper medical treatment in the event of an accident. When family members know we are out there on the roads and trails with ID, we give our love ones peace of mind that is priceless. We all need to take ID seriously. It is far better to have ID and never need it, than to need it and not have it.
To learn more about Road ID®, visit their site: www.RoadID.com
I’ve looked at Road ID and been tempted, but I use ID from https://www.meds.org/adventure.php .
Read this account of my riding partner’s skull fracture to understand why.
https://www.palmbeachbiketours.com/2008/07/09/do-bike-helmets-really-save-your-life/
We were 20+ miles from anywhere riding the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail when she went over her bars. Even though we had worked together for 20 years and ridden thousands of miles together, I didn’t have any personal contact info for her family.