Venus62 wrote:It's not onerous to carry ID. I would think it wise to do so in any of the sports you mention as well. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
I'd rather have a bullet proof vest and not need it rather than need it and not have it.
But it comes down to likelihood and benefit. I see VERY little benefit and VERY LOW likelihood of need. IMO, there are many dozen more items that are more usefully. But each to their own. But what I do dislike is the way "cycling is a dangerous sport" is being promoted on cycling forums.
il padrone wrote:I don't carry ID because I think of cycling as being risky, I just carry ID out of simple habit - it goes with my phone and CC.
I do too and like you it has nothing to do with risk. 99% of my rides I have my wallet on me. 99.9% of my rides I have me phone on me. Both identify me.
simonn wrote:It is simply courtesy/convenience for paramedics/police/a bystander etc if/when you have a serious injury.
I'm sorry, I don't think that is courtesy!!!! If that was the case I might as well carry my organ donor card and ensure my body is marked with appropriate "cut along the dashed line" markings to ensure speedy removal of my organs for the next deserving recipient.
Look. I partake in numerous activities of elevated risk and being prepared is important. But it is important to prepare yourself with what is appropriate, not what is inappropriate. Prevention is the number one thing, when it comes to cycling some certainly can learn ride more defensively. You also what to prepare and carry the things that are important and ignore the things that ultimate wont make a critical difference to the outcome.
There are numerous items a cyclist could carry to improve safety and survivability, a road ID is not one.
But personally I treat cycling like I do driving or walking. They are low risk daily transport activities. I don't plan for injury or death while I'm driving or walking either.