Originally Posted by
SpeedyBlueBiker
Just like you are up to speed on basic bicycle maintenance, one should also be up to speed on other options that could possibly help them in situations where it could be beneficial to the user. The use of a mobile phone, credit cards, and ride sharing apps can take you to where you can get the services you need if you find yourself unable to self extricate yourself or others from the situation that you or they are in. It's true, in remote areas this may not be possible but in other very rural areas there may still be some type of service. Numerous incidents of people using mobile phones to call 911 for medical and/or rescue services (not bike related) while in remote mountain areas or on glaciated peaks. Mobile phones can and do work to access those services even though they might not provide internet or regular phone service.
Interesting that you should mention "speed" in conjunction with getting a ride via phone. I've had the experience of waiting over an hour for a Lyft to pick me up when stranded (in a rental car, true, but it would have taken longer to get that ride if I had to haul the bike with me).
Dare I ask if you typically ride out of the city? If so, how far?
And while you've clearly made the decision that you don't want to carry a few ounces of tool(s) to extract yourself from a mechanical problem, how do you claim to make the same call for everyone else?