In the realm of outdoor adventures and fitness pursuits, there often comes a moment during a challenging run, hike, or cycle when the realization dawns: “I’m in unfamiliar territory, and no one knows my whereabouts.” It’s a disconcerting thought, one that can grip even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.
Fortunately, the age of smart technology has ushered in an array of safety tools to address this concern. For instance, the best Garmin watches are equipped with LiveTrack, a feature that allows your friends and family to monitor your progress in real-time during your runs or cycling expeditions. This feature, as demonstrated by many, offers peace of mind to both athletes and their loved ones, ensuring that a safety net is always in place.
Apple Watches, on the other hand, have introduced game-changing features such as Crash Detection and Fall Detection. These capabilities automatically trigger alerts to emergency contacts or even emergency services if the watch detects an accident or fall and receives no prompt to cancel the call. It’s a testament to how wearable technology can serve as a lifeline in critical situations.
Meanwhile, Strava, a platform synonymous with tracking and encouraging outdoor activities, has entered the safety arena. As part of its Strive for More initiative, Strava aims to entice more individuals into cycling, both for leisure and as a professional pursuit. However, this endeavor comes with its unique set of challenges. Strava is striving to empower both seasoned users and newcomers, especially those who engage in solitary runs or rides, with an awareness of the safety tools at their disposal.
In essence, these innovations underscore the transformative potential of smart technology in the realm of outdoor fitness. They not only enhance our performance and tracking capabilities but also serve as virtual guardians, ensuring that we can savor our adventures with the added assurance that help is just a call or notification away.
Number 1. Ability to hide the start and end points
For users who appreciate the accolades and encouragement they receive for their activities but desire a degree of discretion about their precise location, Strava has implemented some thoughtful options.
If you’ve been a Strava member for at least seven days, the platform automatically conceals the first and last 200 meters of your activity maps by default. This default setting strikes a balance between sharing your achievements and safeguarding your privacy.
However, Strava understands that everyone’s comfort level with sharing location data may differ. To accommodate this, they provide users with the flexibility to further customize their privacy settings. If you wish to go a step further and conceal the entire map of your activity, you can easily toggle this setting on or off within the app. Simply navigate to “Settings” and then access “Privacy controls” to tailor your location privacy preferences according to your specific needs and preferences.
In essence, Strava recognizes the importance of striking a balance between celebrating your accomplishments and respecting your privacy concerns. These customizable privacy controls empower users like Allen to enjoy the best of both worlds, fostering a supportive and encouraging community of fitness enthusiasts while safeguarding personal information as desired.
Number 2. Use AI to create routes
Strava’s acquisition of 3D mapping technology from FATMAP holds the promise of ushering in a new era where mapping is intimately tailored to human-powered travel and exploration, as aptly pointed out by Allen.
In practical terms, this signifies a shift towards real-time route creation, heavily influenced by the most popular local routes. The implications are profound: Skiers can look forward to route recommendations that prioritize safety, preventing them from venturing into perilous terrain. Similarly, runners will benefit from guidance that steers them away from dark alleys and dead ends, enhancing the overall experience.
One notable example shared during this year’s Camp Strava by FATMAP’s CEO, Misha Gopaul, showcased a skiing map in Switzerland. This map seamlessly integrated data from the official Swiss map while also incorporating crucial information about areas to avoid, vividly marked in red to signal avalanche risks. This feature is slated to make its debut later this year, promising to revolutionize the way outdoor enthusiasts navigate and enjoy their activities.
In essence, Strava’s collaboration with FATMAP exemplifies the platform’s commitment to enhancing the safety and experience of its users. By leveraging cutting-edge mapping technology, Strava aims to empower individuals to embark on their human-powered adventures with greater confidence, all while savoring the beauty of the outdoors while staying clear of potential hazards.
Number 3. Route suggestions based on your history
This functionality goes beyond conventional mapping by offering a wealth of valuable insights, including images, information, and detailed maps, all thoughtfully curated based on local knowledge.
What makes this feature particularly fascinating is its community-driven nature. Strava thrives on the vibrant participation of its active user community, and Suggested Routes is no exception. It thrives on the collective wisdom and experiences of the people who utilize these routes. Their contributions enhance Allen’s and other users’ experiences, fostering a dynamic and interconnected network of athletes.
In practical terms, a bit of research before embarking on your outdoor pursuits can make all the difference. By tapping into the wisdom of local Strava users, you can confidently follow well-trodden and well-ridden routes, eliminating the frustration of discovering that you’ve ventured down a dead-end road in the middle of nowhere. With Strava’s Suggested Routes, you’re not merely navigating; you’re embarking on a shared adventure, harnessing the collective insights of a vibrant community to enrich your journey.
Number 4. Beacon
Strava’s Beacon feature operates in a manner akin to Garmin’s LiveTrack, offering a reassuring lifeline to athletes and adventurers. With Beacon, a seamless process unfolds: the system automatically generates and dispatches a URL to your designated family and friends. When they access this URL, they gain access to your real-time GPS location. This functionality hinges on the use of a Strava-enabled watch or phone during your activities.
As Allen aptly puts it, this feature transcends geographical boundaries. Regardless of your location in the world, Beacon enables your loved ones to receive a text notification whenever you embark on a run or ride. This notification provides them with a direct link to track your live location and route in real time. For Allen and her husband, this capability engenders a profound sense of peace of mind, knowing that they can stay connected and informed throughout her outdoor adventures.
In essence, Strava’s Beacon feature embodies the essence of safety and connectivity in the digital age. It bridges the physical distance between individuals, fostering a sense of security and reassurance as athletes pursue their passions and explore the great outdoors. It’s a testament to how technology can enhance not only our performance but also our sense of connection and safety, even when we’re miles apart.
