Cycling Gear Review: Road ID
Road ID is one of the simplest and most common sense products I’ve come across in a long time.
If you’re anything like me you probably don’t bring your wallet or even your ID when you head out for a training ride. I just never think to do it, and when I do I usually end up leaving my ID in my jersey and end up not having it later when I need it. The problem with not having any ID when out riding is that if you get hit by a car or otherwise hurt and need medical attention not having ID can complicate things.
Road ID is a simple product that solves the problem of carrying an ID when out training. Instead of taking my drivers license out of my wallet every time I ride (and then forgetting to put it back and finding myself without it when I need it later) I just put my Road ID bracelet on before each ride, and it’s better than just carrying a driver’s license.
Road ID comes in a few flavors, all serving the same function, to provide identification, emergency contact info, and possible health concerns. Road ID is available in two different bracelet types (Wrist ID Sport and Wrist ID Elite), an ankle bracelet (Ankle ID), a shoelace tag (Shoe ID, aimed at runners) and dog tags (FIXX ID).
Road ID contacted me a few weeks ago to ask if I’d be interested in trying out their product. They sent a promo code to provide me with a free Road ID and let me go through the process just as any customer would. The process is dead simple, you pick the type of Road ID from those listed above, I decided to go with the standard Wrist ID Sport (if you’re planning on wearing the bracelet all the time you might choose the Wrist ID Elite, it looks to be a bit more stylish). After choosing which Road ID you want, there’s one more big choice, the original or interactive. The original gives you an ID with six lines of text for ID and emergency contact info. The interactive lists your name and location as well as instructions on a phone number to call or website to visit for the rest of the emergency contact info. The interactive option is good for those who need to update their contact information often, as they can do so online. The interactive comes with a one year membership and additional years are $9.99. If you need to change the information listed on the original Road ID you have to order a replacement tag for $16.99.
I chose the original ID rather than the interactive, and then was faced with the hardest part of the process, what to put on it. You get six lines of 24 characters each. The first few lines were easy, my name and birth date, where I live and my wife’s cell phone number. After that it got a bit more difficult. Road ID suggests that you list 3-4 emergency contacts, so I listed two more family members. Another good thing to put on your Road ID is health conditions and allergy information. With all this information the Road ID is a much better choice of ID than just carrying a driver’s license. If I were unconscious it would provide anyone that finds me to know who I am and how old I am, where I live and who to contact, and if it’s an emergency responder they’ll know any allergies and health conditions I have. This compared to if I were to just put my driver’s license in my jersey pocket, they would know my name and age, but that’s about it.
I leave my Road ID bracelet attached to my bike’s handlebars, so there’s no chance of me forgetting to put it on before a ride.
The Road ID is cheap (the various models range in price between $19.99 and $29.99) and provides peace of mind. It won’t save you from getting hit by a car (don’t forget to wear your helmet) but if you do get hit by a car, or have some other accident where emergency responders need to provide support, Road ID will help them contact your loved ones quickly, as well as provide them with allergy and health information immediately.
As I mentioned earlier, Road ID provided me with a free Wrist ID Sport for this review, but it’s a product I wholeheartedly believe in, which is why you’re seeing this post about it. If you’re interested in ordering your own Road ID you can save a buck by using the coupon code (which will expire April 10, 2010): ThanksJeff626391
Click this link to check out Road ID and order one for yourself.
