Cyclist ID Tags

Do you Need an ID Tag when Cycling? There’s an old saying among cyclists that goes: “ There are only two kinds of cyclists, those that have fallen off, and those that are about too”

While no-one rides around thinking about accidents, the fact is accidents happen to cyclists all to often. Whether it’s due to your own inattention, or riding beyond your skill level, or factors outside your control there’s a fairly large statistical chance that sooner or later you will fall off while riding your bike.

Now in most cases we get away with losing a bit skin, a few bruises and dented pride. While all your mates want to know is, “any damage to your bike”

But I’ve been riding with friends, when quite serious accidents have occurred, requiring the services of emergency personnel. Because we’re all close friends we knew the phone numbers of their nearest and dearest, and so the situation was quickly sorted out, and those who needed to know had been phoned and reassured.

But what would happen if the same situation occurred while you were riding alone, or with strangers, or in the middle of a packed race where nobody knows who you are?

Carrying some sort of identification is always a wise idea, especially if you have some medical condition, which emergency personnel may find useful to know.

So what are the Options? If you carry a mobile phone, then you can save an ICE (in case of emergency) number to your contacts list. I’ve seen printed cards where you fill out your details, which you carry in your back pocket, but these soon get tatty and torn, and once through the wash, well forget it.

The best idea by far is an ID bracelet. These are a metal tag, where you have your details engraved, attached to a wrist band. Which you wear whenever you ride. They look very stylish, are comfortable to wear, durable and very reasonable priced. You can get quite a lot of information on them, up to 6 lines, more than enough room to get your name and contact phone number, plus your blood group, and any other information you think might be useful, such as a medical allergy.

Also a bracelet is easy to find if your incapacitated, rather than trying to ferret around in your back pocket looking for a mobile phone, the bracelet is visible in pretty much any situation.

So in conclusion I personally would never ride without my ID bracelet, for the small price tag they’re essential ride gear just as much as your helmet or gloves.