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SAFETY/EDUCATION: In Case of Emergency: Safety Precautions Before Rides

  • Wed, April 10, 2013 7:34 AM
    Message # 1265002
    Anonymous

    True story: A cyclist is left unconscious on the side of the road after a hit and run on a solo ride. She wakes up two days later in the hospital, alone. With no ID, police and medical authorities could not identify her at the scene. She hadn’t told anyone where she was riding. Eventually the bike shop where she bought the bike traced her identity for a police officer based on the bike’s and her description.

    You can never be too cautious! Take these safety precautions before heading out to ride:


    • Carry your medical insurance card in case of a medical emergency. 

    • Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. 

    • If riding alone, or riding to/from a group ride, tell someone and inform them of your route. 

    • Carry a cell phone. 

    • Identify 2-3 emergency contacts – people who are willing to help you in the event of an emergency. Program them in your cell phone. 

    • At group rides, be prepared to provide the ride leader with an emergency contact. Give a working phone number for someone who can actually help in an emergency.  

    • If new to group riding, stay within your comfort zone at first before advancing:
      • Pick ride distances you know you can complete.
      • Pick rides on familiar roads.
      • Ride with others of a similar ability (when in doubt, ask the ride leader).

    Chime in - What other safety precautions do you take in case of emergency?
    WW

    Last modified: Wed, April 10, 2013 9:18 AM | Anonymous
  • Thu, April 11, 2013 7:59 AM
    Reply # 1265875 on 1265002

    Along the lines of the "tell someone" precautions, I like to use one of the free smartphone apps (e.g. Google Latitude, Endomondo, etc.) to let my wife see:  where I'm at, am I moving, etc.  Come to think of it...maybe she knows too much! ;-)

    Last modified: Thu, April 11, 2013 9:00 AM | Darin King
  • Fri, April 12, 2013 6:12 AM
    Reply # 1266823 on 1265002
    Anonymous

    Thanks, Darin. Also for the tech-inclined:

    Live Tracking (Garmin Edge 510/810) - The new Garmin Edge 510 & 810 feature a live tracking feature that allows a rider to live stream rides for tracking by designated people. DC Rainmaker, the king of sport gadgets, describes how it works for the 510.

  • Thu, April 18, 2013 10:13 PM
    Reply # 1272558 on 1265002
    Deleted user
    **If your cell phone has a 'lock' on it, the emergency responders cannot access your info or contacts!  this is also true if your phone is left somewhere and found.  Consider putting an emergency contact on the back side of the phone case, so they get a call if you are injured OR if you simply misplaced your phone.  A business card sized piece of paper with emergency info inside the small pack under your seat or around your air pump or even written inside your helmet on your water bottle with sharpie is a great idea.
  • Fri, July 26, 2013 8:47 PM
    Reply # 1352666 on 1265002
    Anonymous
    MVA has a program that allows Marylanders with driver's licenses or MVA-issued ID cards to sign up for the MVA Emergency Contact Registry.  The registry allows a person to list up to 3 contacts for law enforcement to contact if you are involved in a bad accident or serious medical emergency. Cyclists would have to carry their driver's license or MVA ID card with them during rides for the registry to work. (Thanks to Dan Donahue for sharing this information.)
    Last modified: Fri, July 26, 2013 8:47 PM | Anonymous

Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club
P.O. Box 81  
Oxon Hill, MD 20750-0081

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