Following my cycling accident last week, I thought it might be a good idea to carry the TransAlt checklist for cyclists who get doored in New York City. You always need to carry some form of ID with you just in case. This might be a suitable thing to carry for those who travel light and don't want to splurge on one of those Road ID bracelets.

I made a card that can be printed on 3x5 index cards, laminated, folded and slipped into your jersey pocket. The card contains a section at the top where you write in your emergency information and the checklist that reminds you of the steps you should take at the scene of an accident. Use the blank back to write down the driver's information at the accident scene. I suppose it would also be a good idea to have a blank form on that side so you can fill out the information you need. Someone on a club mailing list pointed out that 2 additional things are missing from TA's list that you might want to keep in mind:

* if you need to go to the hospital, the police MUST take your bike for safekeeping.
* If a hit-and-run, menacing, or assault occured, ask the police to file a criminal complaint against the motorist.

The NYPD will often not do either of the above unless you remind them that it is part of their job, so you'll have to remind them yourself.

Download the PDF file (163 K)