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By Greg Bartlett

This weekend, my brother is planning to go mountain biking in a nearby park. Like many cyclists, he’s interested in knowing how far he went and how fast he was going. Runners, too, like to be able to track their movements. With GPS tracking devices, athletes can monitor their activities and figure out exactly what they did on the trail.

A cyclist or runner, or even just the average hiker, can carry a GPS tracking unit while out on the trail. The unit provides personal safety and peace of mind since family members can check up on the individual’s location using a computer. If the cyclist has an accident or the hiker becomes lost, a panic button on the GPS unit will enable the individual to call for help. In some instances, the individual may be injured enough that he or she cannot use a cell phone, but can press a panic button. Family members may also notice if the individual stops moving unexpectedly and can call for help if they feel that the individual is in danger. If the athlete is alone, the panic button can even save his or her life by calling for help instantly, and the GPS tracking device will then lead assistance to his or her exact location – rather than just starting a search for the lost or injured individual, who may not be found in time.

Besides its safety advantages, a GPS tracking unit can be helpful to athletes who want to track their movements. Some marathon runners, for instance, are using GPS enabled watches to determine how far they went and how fast they were going. Cyclists who clip GPS devices onto their bicycles will be able to monitor their speed and distance, too.

Other popular devices are foot pods, which track the same information but are specifically designed to attach shoes, or generic GPS tracking devices which can be clipped onto anything, perhaps a belt or armband, or just shoved into a bag or backpack.

For your own safety, and for your family’s peace of mind, consider carrying a GPS tracking unit with you while you hike, run, or bicycle. Not only could the panic button and GPS locator save your life, but the device will also help your family know that you’re safe. And you can even use the GPS tracking unit to monitor your speed and distance so you’ll be able to know just how well you’re doing on the trail.