RoadID Sidekick & Pet ID Review

As we cruise deeper into summer, it is very wise to contemplate steps we can take to stay safe on the roads and trails as we run, walk, bike, and hike. Do you make it a common practice to carry identification with you in case of an emergency? I do. And let’s be honest here, it’s a little unrealistic to carry our wallets around on our runs/bike rides unless we have to do so. And we don’t want to lose our driver’s licenses either, right? Many years ago, I began wearing RoadID (an older velcro version with a reflective stripe). As technology evolves, so has RoadID made it more convenient to carry identification to keep us safe. For example, I now wear an Apple Watch 4 and RoadID now makes the Sidekick version of the RoadID which conveniently slides onto the side of the Apple wristband. You can place it on either side, I have discovered it is easier for me to have on the top side. I’ve tested it on the bottom side too. It is contoured so you can tell easily which side is wider to narrower so that you don’t wear it upside down. The customized options are wonderful now. Since my watch it black, it made sense to get a black Sidekick to match the watch with gold letters. Easy to read. So I have added my name, city/state/country, phone numbers for emergency contacts, the fact that I have asthma (in case that is the emergency), and an inspirational motivational quote: Never Ever Give Up. (My old RoadID says Don’t Stop Believin’ quoting the famous Journey song.)

Formerly I wore a Garmin (a couple of them actually) and friends have tested these and purchased them for their own use. Similarly, the Garmin version slides on to the wristband. Since I don’t currently use Garmin, that isn’t the one I tested here. But it’s available if you use Garmin.

Ensuring our dog’s safety has always been a major concern (whether we are running/walking or even outside). Although Misty our English setter is microchipped, that may not be known by someone who may find her (and people may not check). So it was important to get her identification that is more than just the city dog tags/license we are required to have. We wanted people to be able to reach us if she is found in case of an emergency. So we also purchased a pet version of the RoadID for Misty’s collar. We customized it with her name, chose silver for the color (brighter than the blue collar), added our street address, city, state, contact phone numbers for us, and a dog quote: Let’s run in circles. Dogs always love to run in circles. At first I couldn’t figure out how to get this on the collar but then realized the collar can be rolled or folded in half slightly to allow the Road ID tag to slide onto it. We keep the RoadID on her newer Stunt Puppy collar. We love that the pet ID is small and convenient enough that Misty doesn’t know it’s there and she can’t get it off her collar if she tried. It’s pet safe. Easy to clean if needed (just use water).

The sidekick ID is easy to clean also if needed. You can easily slide it off the Apple watch in about 2 seconds, clean with water, dry and slide it back on the watch.

We have tested these IDs in adverse conditions: in the hot/humid dog days of summer, in rain, windy conditions. No problems whatsoever. Once I accidentally put the sidekick ID on the watch upside down. But I realized the mistake and switched it back.

I’ve tested the RoadID sidekick in different positions. Near the watch, away from the watch face, centered on both sides. It seems to work in all those spots. Maybe it’s best visible by others who might find us near the watch face. It’s very comfortable centered on the side too.

If you do run/walk or bike with others, it’s important to tell them that you have RoadID and where it is on your person in case something happens to us. Then that person will be able to find your ID quickly and get you help immediately. Don’t take chances with safety.

Also, if you know others who don’t have a RoadID, please tell them about it. Even if they don’t exercise, it helps keep people safe even at work or traveling for example.

I did test the RoadID in both Newark, New Jersey and New York City, New York traveling and it performed very well. We do feel more adventurous wearing RoadID. Where will your sense of adventure take you next? We would love to know!

After about an hour of wearing the ID, I didn’t even notice it. It’s so lightweight, sleek, attractive, stylish, and easy to use. Very convenient.

Do we ever really take Road ID off of our wrist (or from our Apple or Garmin watches)? Not very frequently. For me, only to shower or to clean it.

You might wonder: do I really wear 2 RoadID’s now? The Sidekick and the old velcro one? Yes, I do. I wear the sidekick on my Apple watch on my left hand and the velcro one on my right. Why? Because I feel safer doing that. The velcro one has reflective tape/strip on it. The Sidekick is attached to my watch. Maybe the Sidekick would be the first one found in case I have an emergency. Probably so because it is attached to my watch. But wearing both gives me added peace of mind. And that’s worth a lot, more than I can quantify.

With Misty’s tendency to pull hard on the leash sometimes, having a pet RoadID for her gives me added peace of mind in case she’s able to run off with her collar still on sans leash. Or if something happens to me and Misty is fine, people have 3 Road ID’s to check to help us get assistance in case of an emergency.

Lost dogs are common. Close calls are common for all of us. And emergencies happen when we least expect them. Let’s take a few steps to make our days safer, so we can exercise with more confidence and peace of mind that we have done everything we can to minimize risks and problems in case of an emergency.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the RoadID sidekick and pet ID. Very pleased with both: easier and more convenient than I anticipated.

Want to try RoadID? Here’s a special link you can use to save 20% on yours: RoadID.com/BibRave

Want to try to win a RoadID gift card worth $40? Please join us for BibChat tonight at 7pm Central. If you participate and live in the U.S., you may be a winner!

Thank you for listening and thank you so much to RoadID for keeping up with technology and doing everything they can to keep us safe. We appreciate it! Happy trails! Enjoy some more photos to show you more.