Quote Originally Posted by Irulan
there's a fine balance between carrying a cell phone as a tool, and using it lieu of being self sufficient.[generalization] I hear so much stuff where people dont' develop skills becuase they have a cell phone - whether it's basic repairs, navigation skills, trouble shooting, awareness of danger.
-If the weather changes, I'll just make a call
-if I break down, I'll just make a call
-if I get lost, I'll just make a call
-if I am in danger, I'll call 911.

etc. This is sort of an overview, not specific to cycling. I think a cell phone is really false security, you need to know how to take care of yourself.
I think you make an excellent point. I really would only need it for an absolute emergency that would necessitate 911. For that, I can carry my cell with no plan. It is in fact true that you can always dial 911 from a cell, even with no service plan. They told me that when I cancelled my old phone.

The reasons I've been thinking about lately are situations I could prevent or solve on my own. I've been worried about getting lost or separated from my group (carry the cue sheet/map, know the route) or having mechanical problems on the way to the start of a group ride (they'll either leave without me or come find me, I can fix my bike) or being out solo and having some sort of situation that warrents a ride home rather than an ambulance (probably something I can figure out without the cell).

I made it the first 22 years of my life without a cell phone, and the last year as well. I may decide at some point I want one for convenience or logistical reasons, but I think I'm probably safe without one, or with the one that can call 911.

Denise, those Road ID things are cool. Which kind do you have? I was thinking the ankle one might work well, especially for my commute, where I may or may not have my wallet and ID on me at any given time. And it occurs to me that people might not think to look in my seat bag or backpack for ID.