Road ID

I'm like a boy scout...always prepared. I plan, I organize, I insure, I ensure, I record, I anticipate. Maybe by being super ready I feel more in control at avoiding disasters or maybe I just want things to go as smoothly as possible. It's just in my nature.

About 8 years ago my hubby was participating in his first marathon. Through the 'running world' grapevine I heard about little dog-tag sort of ID plates that could be attached to running shoes. Because, obviously, runners carry very little if anything at all with them while training, during the race or on the trail, it is extremely important to have a form of ID along for the run. I ordered one of these custom-made shoe pouch IDs and felt much better about having hubby out on the road. Data such as name, birth year, hometown, and emergency contact information is added to the plate and whether attached to the shoe, wrist, neck or on wearables, it is the perfect way to be identified in case of an emergency when one is unable to answer for one's self.

Now that we are riding our bikes longer distances, and trying to do that with as little extra weight and baggage as possible, I went back to ROAD ID to order new IDs for both of us. I opted for a wrist band this time that has a strap like a fitness tracker. I added our updated info, selected our favourite colours, and even picked out some charms to decorate the bracelets. I chose a bike chain link for myself and 'run' for hubby (along with a medical alert symbol for his allergy).

The bands arrived in a really nice little tin (which can be re-used for all kinds of fun things - check the website for all the ideas!) and the bands were simply excellent. They are comfortable to wear and while the personal information is all there, it is not something someone could read in passing (e.g. on the subway, standing in line, etc.). Hubby loved his band and was happy to have the allergy alert and specifics on his person at all times. In addition to being great for exercise situations, Road IDs are also really a smart idea for travel, children, seniors, and I believe, everyone.

Here are the top ten reasons why one should wear one of these identification tags (as quoted from the Road ID website):

1. If you can't speak for yourself, Road ID will speak for you.
2. Road ID enables First Responders to immediately contact family members and friends.
3. Road ID enables family members to provide additional details about your health or give consent for potentially life saving procedures.
4. Road ID enables hospital staff to locate vital medical records.
5. Road ID can communicate medical conditions or allergy information to medical staff.
6. Road ID can prevent serious delays in treatment by saving crucial time during the "golden hour" of medical treatment.
7. It's far better to have Road ID and not need it than to need Road ID and not have it. It's not just a piece of gear, it's peace of mind.
8. Accidents happen far more than you think they do. Each year approximately 450,000 of us are taken to hospitals unconscious and without identification.
9. Road ID looks good on and makes a statement about your athletic lifestyle – not to mention that studies would probably prove that people that wear Road ID are considerably smarter than those that don't.
10. Road ID can save your Life. Period.

I have peace of mind knowing that husband and I have our ID with us when we ride.  It was fun to customize our designs and colours...and I love the cute tin! If you decide to order one of these IDs, make sure to contact the company prior (I used the online 'chat') and ask for the $5 discount code!!!