I've always carried identification - usually my driver's license and my health insurance card - when I'm out on my bike. But until recently, I didn't carry emergency contact information. That almost backfired on me last May when I had a serious crash on my bike on my way to work. Luckily (even though I have no memory of the day of or the day after my crash) I was able to give the emergency personnel the name and phone number of someone to contact. If I hadn't been conscious it could have been quite a while before my friends and family were notified.

I've recently fixed that problem by buying and wearing an id from www.roadid.com. Information on my id includes my name, emergency contact names (first name only) and phone numbers, the name of my health insurance company, health information like allergies/known conditions, and the name and phone number of my primary care provider. I certainly hope that I don't crash again and need this information, but if something happens the information will be on me. I actually bought 2 ids - one that can fasten to my cycling shoes with velcro, and one that can be worn around my neck - my preference if I'm out walking or hiking with sandals on my feet!

The reason I'm posting this is to encourage all of my fellow cyclists to carry emergency information with you whenever you're out wandering on your bike. You can decide what form that identification will take (I admit I tried carrying emergency contact info on a business card, but that didn't survive too well when I started sweating!) - I really like my Road ID, but I'm sure there are other options out there too. (And by the way, if you go with Road ID, it is possible to have information printed on both sides of the ID - which is how I managed to have both contact information and health information fit on a single ID!)