Don’t be a John/Jane Doe
With the weather warming up (sometimes too warm), many folks have taken to riding their bicycles, walking, and just getting outdoors. I recently have been reviewing the linked cycling blogs at CommuteOrlando.com.
Some unfortunate and distrubing news of cyclists/people on bikes getting injured, maimed, and killed. These results were in my mind as I started my commute back in October 2007.
For those who don’t know my story, I began commuting by bicycle at night! Imagine the anxiety of driving my bicycle on the road to begin with, then add the element of complete darkness. Sounds fun, huh? It was and still is. I’ve since changed my commuting times and continue to enjoy driving my bicycle in the road.
Back to the topic. The stretch from Hoeffner Rd./Conway Rd. to the Beeline/528 did not have much lighting. The thoughts of accidents/crashes filled my head. My spandex/lycra riding shorts were not designed with pockets, so how could I make readily available my personal identification to Law Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services?
Road ID
I found RoadID to be my answer. I chose to purchase the Interactive version instead of the original version. View a demo if the Interactive. I own and prefer the Wrist ID but other options exist.
I have been an active user of RoadID since I’ve been commuting. I just ordered another set of wrist bands….they’re good for about a year. (I wear my ID at all times, you never know when you may need it)
The testimonials at RoadID speak volumes. I am glad to afford my wife peace of mind knowing that she will be contacted should anything happen. I wouldn’t want her to suffer the agonizing search and calling of the area hospitals in the event I did not return at our predetermined time(s).
My name is Rodney and I refuse to be a John Doe in the triage area of someones emergency room! Check it out, you will be glad you did!
Isn’t the easier solution to ride with cargo shorts and just bring your wallet along?
Steve-
Excellent point made and would be acceptable for many, especially if one was just riding to the corner c-store and back.
My commute is a “warm-up” by my riding standards. I average 30-40 miles doing a “I’m bored” ride around town. Other rides are between 60-100 miles.
Even with your identification in your wallet and cargo shorts, do you have your medical/allergy information in there as well? Is the information clear and easily obtainable?
With my RoadID, all that information is available to EMS personnel with just a phone call or web visit. When time is of the essence, do you really want someone rummaging through your pants in an effort to save your life? I don’t!
Pick me up a candy bar next time you go to the c-store, will ya? Use a different pocket cause I wouldn’t want it to melt and get all over your ID. Thanks!
My cargo pant commute is 20 miles each way. You’ll have to be more specific about which c-store you’d like me to stop by.
The DL is the first thing that’d pop up when the wallet opens. I have my phone on a postit pad & don’t have any known medical conditions or allergies. I don’t obsess over the remote probability that I get seriously hurt (reference the poll of VC cycling accidents). More likely is that I’ll get pulled over because some police officer does not like where in the lane I’m riding and most cops probably wouldn’t accept a “Road ID.”
The next time I’ll wear “official” road cycling shorts will probably be when I ride the HH100 in August. At that time, I’ll use my “Ski ID” approach of using a clip to hold my DL, a CC, my insurance card, and cash in my jersey pocket, along with the spare tube & CO2 pump.
As an alternate to buying one more thing to bring along, wouldn’t a sheet of paper in the bike bag, or taped to a cellphone accomplish the same function as a Road ID without the need to have to remember something else? The Road ID does look kinda cool, however. Sorta like a “Livestrong” wristband with real purpose…
I crashed five years ago and lay unconscious on a four-lane road just a mile from home. My ID was in my bike bag. Thankfully, I regained semi-consciousness after my “Sheila” moved me off the road. I was able to give the officer my home number. (That was all I could remember, though, so off the hospital I went). In the ambulance the EMT informed me that the officers will not open a bike bag, as it may contain valuable items (e.g. cell phone). So, it’s Road ID for me. My ankle ID includes emergency contact info and the fact that I have NKA (no known allergies), as well as an alternate emergency contact number, blood type and birth date.
I also carry a Jimi wallet (in the back pocket of my bike jersey or in pants pocket when commuting). It contains a credit card, driver’s license, ATM card, insurance card and cash.
No identity crisis here!