Common sense goes a long way in keeping you safe on the run, but the occasional close call with a distracted driver or threatening stranger can throw off your sense of security in heading out alone.
While most of us try to stick to these running safety tips, there are times when we take to unfamiliar trails on a solo mission, or can’t get our kilometres in before dark. Here are four running safety apps for those times when you’d like a little extra peace of mind.
Kitestring
Kitestring is a simple new service you can activate when you enter a potentially unsafe situation, like a nighttime solo run. Kitestring checks up on you after a period of time, and if you don’t respond or postpone the check-in, it sends a customized emergency message to your pre-selected contacts. One of the coolest things about the app is that it’s web-based, so you don’t even need a smartphone to use its safety features through SMS.
Free; Any web device
Road ID
If you have friends or family that worry about you running alone, Road ID’s new app allows them to check in on a digital breadcrumb of your route. If you stop moving for five minutes and don’t respond to an alert within 60 seconds, the app will send out an S.O.S. message to your chosen contacts. Like Kitestring, Road ID’s strength lies in the fact that it’s triggered by your inactivity—which can make a huge difference in the case of a serious emergency that prevents you from pulling out your phone.
Free; iOS
bSafe
If you can access your phone during moments of danger, you can signal for help with bSafe. One button turns your phone into a siren, alerts authorities, records video, and informs your contacts of your GPS location.
Free; iOS, Android
ReactMobile
Similar to bSafe, ReactMobile alerts emergency services or sends your GPS coordinates to your emergency contacts with the touch of a button. Your loved ones can also track your motion in real-time.
Free; iOS, Android
