Tech Safety: Three Ways To Ride Safer
As cyclists and as athletes, we make a big effort to share the streets and do our training safely. We’ve also learned that we need to make our safety a priority, and that often means using technology to play a role. We’re taking a look at three ways to ride and run with peace of mind, especially as the days get shorter.
Technology might serve as a distraction for some, but it can do a lot to give athletes a bit of a safety net. While you may be aware of these services, this article is just as much about getting our athletes to at least give them a try. Like having a helmet at home, leaving tools like these unused is worthless when an incident occurs.
Live Tracking. This is so much more useful than just as a way to show your friends at home how many miles you can rack up. Nearly every GPS product or service now offers some kind of live tracking option. Most of these are made possible by linking to a cell phone via bluetooth, relaying a signal that can be monitored on a dedicated and personalized link. Wahoo, Garmin, and Strava, just to name a few, offer live tracking with varying amounts of real-time information, such as miles traveled, average speed, and other metrics.
This is also a great way to ride or run more safely. By turning on automatic emails or text messages with your live tracking, you can alert friends and family that you’re heading out the door. Many of these offer a personalized message where you can offer an estimated time of return, your route, or other information. By checking your progress and waiting to be alerted that the exercise is complete, they’ll be able to make sure you’re home safely.
Even if you don’t have a Wahoo or Garmin GPS unit, Strava’s app offers Beacon, which can be used on any smartphone. Beacon offers live tracking and an automated message to alert up to three contacts by text or email. One important thing to remember, though, is that live updates (15 second intervals, depending on cell service) does use both data and a considerable amount of your phone’s battery.
Garmin Incident Detection. One of the real leaders in GPS technology, Garmin’s Incident Detection and Assistance is exclusive to its devices, but does include both its cycling-specific Edge and wrist-based Forerunner and other options.
Using the device’s native accelerometer and a formula to detect drastic decelerations, the service can automatically detect crashes or impacts. If an incident is detected, it will automatically send a text to your self-selected energy contact, alerting them that you may be in trouble. It’s a handy feature, but especially for anyone who does the majority of their training solo.
Like live tracking, Incident Detection does require a bluetooth connection to a smartphone and works well as an added safety layer in addition to Live Tracking. We’ve used and experimented with Incident Detection and it is important to keep your eye on it. Once, stopping quickly in the driveway caused the detection countdown to start and, thanks to thick gloves and cold hands, we only stopped the automated text with a few seconds to spare.
Garmin Varia. Now in its third edition, the Garmin Varia is a radar device that is designed to give you eyes in the back of your head. Garmin has updated the Varia as technology has changed, and today’s version offers more compatibility, improved battery, and an option to skip the tail light and just get the Varia’s radar features.
The Varia uses a rather impressive radar system to ping oncoming cars and traffic. It’s gotten progressively better (i.e. smarter) in identifying cars and distinguishing, say, a big diesel truck from a riding buddy. It even has what is called ‘peloton mode’ that dims the taillight to be a bit less annoying.
Does it work? You bet. Riding with the Varia is easy, with a quick set-up to pair the device with your GPS or phone. It can also be used to track traffic patterns and even count the number of cars that overtake you on the ride, which may help you decide what routes are safer.
For more on the newest editions of the Varia, we’d recommend checking out DC Rainmaker’s in-depth review.
If these devices make financial sense for you and your family, they’re worth a look. But remember, two of the best safety tools for athletes are communication and common sense. Out yourself in a good position by communication training plans with family and friends, stick to the plan, and make good habits for yourself by picking safe routes, safe equipment, and safe interactions with other road users.