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ID

05.28.2008 by Ray Niekamp // 9 Comments

I’ve always been a bit irrational about carrying identification when I ride. That’s because early on I worried about losing my wallet with my drivers license. Even when the wallet was securely zipped in my seat bag. Even though sometimes I carry my wallet in a pants pocket that doesn’t button shut.

But that’s no matter. I just couldn’t get past the lost DL thing. So I created an ID of a sort, typing out name, address, and emergency contact info on a small piece of paper, taking it to Wal-Mart and running it through one of those cheapy laminating machines near the entrance.

It got bent up in a few rides. I didn’t want to keep going back to Wal-Mart, so I tried something different. This time, I created the ID as above, and also xeroxed my health insurance card. I cut them both to the size of a business card, then put each on either side of one of my business cards, and used clear packing tape to improvise a lamination.

I’m pretty happy with the results. The resulting card is stiff, and the packing tape makes it virtually waterproof. The first thing I do when leaving for a ride is stick it in one of the back pockets of my jersey. No need to worry about jamming my wallet into the seat bag.

My wife thinks I’m being silly. She puts both her drivers license and her health insurance card in her seat bag before every ride. Of course, she’s never had a problem.

Road ID has built a business for itself by making nice ID tags that can be fastened to a wrist, or an ankle, or most any other place. The company argues that emergency workers don’t typically go through an injured person’s pockets, and wouldn’t find an ID card there — but will see an ID tag worn outside.

I haven’t talked to an emergency worker, so I don’t know. For now, I’m comfortable with my way. But if I can be convinced, I will happily change.

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Comments

  1. Black Pearl says

    May 28, 2008 at 8:28 pm

    After 3 crashes one of which knocked me out, I feel that the road ID on my leg, with a picture of me on the web site with all my ID and allergies listed as well as contact information three or four people deep is well worth the $20.00 there are some things to scrimp on and others that will be penny wise and dollar foolish. In addition I frequently get discount coupons at rides, If you want one contact me and I will send you one.

    In addition it has a reflective stripe that works well in catching attention.

    Reply
  2. Jared says

    May 28, 2008 at 9:02 pm

    Road ID is definitely a good idea…as much as I ride solo I should probably get one. Right now I carry my drivers license as well as a credit card and some cash for emergencies or bus fare…but generally they just get used for picking up bike stuff or junk food 🙂

    Reply
  3. UltraRob says

    May 28, 2008 at 10:02 pm

    I wear my Road ID bracelet when I ride. I used to just do it on my long rides. One day I saw a cyclist laying on the road 5 minutes from work. That’s when I decided I should wear my ID every time I ride.

    Reply
  4. Murk says

    May 29, 2008 at 3:08 am

    I’ve just bought a RoadID. I usually carry my wallet given that I have pannier space – but you’re right – I don’t think it could be found in a hurry.

    I’ve bought two. One for me, one for my other half.

    Unfortunately the interactive ID doesn’t have a UK number to ring (yet) – so it’s non-interactive for now.

    Reply
  5. Lazy Bike Commuter says

    May 29, 2008 at 7:53 am

    I always just carry my wallet because I generally like to have dollars with me, but Road IDs seem like a decent idea too.

    There was an Army surplus type shop in my old town that would give cyclists a discount on their dog tag machine–something like $1 for two tags, you can fit pretrty much the same info on them, and everyone knows a dog tag when they see it.

    Reply
  6. Arlyn says

    May 29, 2008 at 8:09 am

    I ride alone a lot and have been knocked down by cars twice before. I have a RoadID that includes my blood type which seems prudent to me.

    I also usually carry my wallet so I can buy water/snacks/coffee if I like. But my wallet is very, very small so it’s not a bother.

    Reply
  7. joel says

    May 29, 2008 at 8:16 am

    As a former emergency responder I’ll say the only time I would think of going into bags or panniers to look for ID is if the person died. Otherwise, the hospital might go through it to find a contact. I wear a necklace (MedicAlert) because of epilepsy, but if not I’d have a RoadID or similar.

    Reply
  8. Black Pearl says

    May 29, 2008 at 4:01 pm

    I agree with Jole the one time I was knocked out I woke up in the Hospital and my bike and ID were still out on the side of the road, for all I know.

    The interactive is still interactive on the web so that would still work, and besides just “Who I Am” the ID gives a lot more information ALL my allergies and any additional I want to put as well as ALL my Doctors phone numbers.

    Money well spent.

    Reply

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