"Avoid using headsets to listen to music"

[pooks]

In the "missing woman" thread, the most recent article linked to gives advice, including the above.

How many of you listen to an iPod or equivalent?

I do, but I don't usually listen to music. I listen to audiobooks (I love http://audible.com for that).

Here's why I feel safe doing it. Please tell me if I'm wrong.

1) I only use a bud in one ear.

2) I can still hear everything around me, to the extent that I'm frequently looking over my shoulder for oncoming traffic only to realize it's noise from an adjacent busy street, and my own street is empty.

3) I purposely choose books that require very little concentration. They are "light reading" the nth degree. My typical choices are British mysteries that are so "light" they still use devices such as the middle-aged female sleuth checking the victim's email for clues (the police didn't think of that -- right). In other words, I find them amusing but if I miss something it doesn't bother me. Even though I'm riding and paying attention to things around me, I rarely find myself wanting to back the book up because I think I missed something important.

4) In my case, I don't listen to music because I WOULD be tempted to turn it too loud. I'd also get distracted because as soon as a song came on that I didn't like or didn't fit my mood, I'd be fiddling with the iPod trying to find a better one.

So, what do you do? Do you feel safe listening to headphones or do you avoid it like the plague?

[velogirl]

So, what do you do? Do you feel safe listening to headphones or do you avoid it like the plague?

I don't wear headphones and I personally avoid riders who wear headphones like the plague. For the most part, I find them dangerous and inattentive, even if they're wearing only one ear.

On the Death Ride this year I was amazed at all the riders with iPods. The design of this course is inherrently dangerous -- riders go up one side of a mountain at the same time riders are coming down (at very high speeds) on closed roads (no cars). I would say at least 25% of the riders had headphones in BOTH ears (which is also illegal in CA). I almost quit calling out because no one ever heard anything!

When I ride, my motivation comes from the challenge of the ride, the scenery, the dialogue with other riders, and the sounds of nature. I don't need music or books or other entertainment to ride. I ride to get away from societal "noise." I want to be alert and aware of what's going on around me, both from a safety pov and because I want to become as connected with my environment as possible.

[KSH]

On a bike path, I certainly will. I rarely get to ride and listen to music... so once every 3 months when I hit the bike path, I jam to my tunes. It makes the time go by faster since I am riding alone.

On the roads, in my cycling groups, I NEVER do.

Honestly though, even without my headphones, I miss cars coming up on me. Especially when they are SPEEDING. I hear the car right when it's on me.

[SadieKate]

Whoo boy. You asked a loaded question. We discussed this in depth a while back.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2711&highlight=headphones


2) I can still hear everything around me, . . .Regarding this comment which I hear frequently from people using earphones: How do you know you can hear everything? I haven't run a formal test and kept records but anecdotally I would say that 100% of earphone users that I pass on the road or bike path do not hear me coming. They do not hear me say (loudly), "On yer left" until I am shouting it in his or her ear while praying that they don't swerve into me. This includes runners and skaters. It also doesn't appear to matter whether it is one or both ear buds. Piece 'o cake to sneak up on these folks.

Since I am not intent on criminal activities, I just take the opportunity to make loud comments about them. They never hear me and it provides me a good giggle.

[mimitabby]

i believe that anything between my ears and the world out there is a breakdown in my "defense" as in defensive driving.

It's bad enough in the winter when i need to cover my ears because it does muffle sounds.

But to actually add noise; music, whatever.. that i could never do.

Case in point, we share some of our trails with people on foot.. Some people do not hear my bell, do not hear my horn... sometimes we have to almost stop the bike to get around some folks with their headsets.

[Grog]

I'm all with VeloGirl.

I don't use earphones, ever, in any way, when cycling. I do run with my MP3 player though but only on a running path, and with the volume quite low. It's the only thing that keeps me running. And not when running at night.

I also stay as far as I can from cyclists with earphones. Even in one ear. I think that's unnecessarily endangering themselves and others.

And, frankly, who needs more noise?

[salsabike]

I don't wear headphones and I personally avoid riders who wear headphones like the plague. For the most part, I find them dangerous and inattentive, even if they're wearing only one ear.

On the Death Ride this year I was amazed at all the riders with iPods. The design of this course is inherrently dangerous -- riders go up one side of a mountain at the same time riders are coming down (at very high speeds) on closed roads (no cars). I would say at least 25% of the riders had headphones in BOTH ears (which is also illegal in CA). I almost quit calling out because no one ever heard anything!

When I ride, my motivation comes from the challenge of the ride, the scenery, the dialogue with other riders, and the sounds of nature. I don't need music or books or other entertainment to ride. I ride to get away from societal "noise." I want to be alert and aware of what's going on around me, both from a safety pov and because I want to become as connected with my environment as possible.

Another agreer with velogirl, mimi, SK, grog.

[Cassandra_Cain]

Ditto. Ditto. DITTO.

Listening to music while riding on the street is, to me, the equivalent of driving while talking on a cell phone and putting on lipstick - which is to say dangerous~

Yesterday a friend was giving me a ride somewhere and I saw a sight that made me absolutely shudder and cringe:

a woman riding a bike, going against traffic, listening to her ipod.

For as much as I blast car drivers for being road nazi's too often, some bike riders aren't doing our cause any good.

Just my opinion of the whole riding w/music, etc, not any kind of vendetta or personal attack.

[pooks]

Okay -- I just realized we're talking about different things (I think).

I'm new to cycling and don't have the nerve to ride on busy streets. Haven't even made it to a bike path yet.

Right now I'm riding loops through my own neighborhood -- often five or six loops just to get to 10 miles. So what I'm doing is repetitive on roads where it's not unusual for me to only see three or four cars the entire time I'm out.

When I ride with my husband I never use headphones, because we're together. (I'm also more aware of whether or not my thighs are burning, I'm hot, etc., which is why I use the audiobooks when I'm alone -- to keep me from thinking about that.)

I'm hoping to get up the nerve to ride a bike path soon, but considering the other threads on that subject, I think I just got more reticent instead of more ready!

[Pascale]

I do use earbuds with my mp3 when I'm riding the railtrail and I'm by myself. I do not keep it loud, simply loud enough to hear. I do have a habit of riding and singing when nobody else is around to hear. The singing does tend to flush the critters out of my way before I'm close enough to startle them! (I do the same when I'm riding horse - sing out loud ... yes, I'm a freak).

I have a mirror and am very aware of who's behind and ahead of me, which is rarely anyone. There's rarely bike traffic, so I rarely encounter people who are traveling in the same direction as me, if I do, I'm generally the one passing. I don't fiddle with buttons - whatever plays plays.

I will only use the mp3 on very low-traffic rail trails and never on streets or when in a group (well, with hubby - that's as big of group as I ever get). When a cyclist does approach me from behind, even though I have my mirror, I always acknowledge to them that they are seen so they can know I heard/saw them and can pass with confidence. I don't feel I'm any more dangerous with them than without them - although I know some will disagree.

[denda]

I ride with a radio every time.

[chickwhorips]

i listen to music most of the time i ride, but i don't have to worry about traffic.

my hardest thing is i get so involved in thinking or wanting to train a certain way i lose track of where i am. i've snapped out of it and gone how did i get here already?

[Trekhawk]

Since I am not intent on criminal activities, I just take the opportunity to make loud comments about them. They never hear me and it provides me a good giggle.

LOL - thats too funny.:D

[Brandy]

Case in point, we share some of our trails with people on foot.. Some people do not hear my bell, do not hear my horn... sometimes we have to almost stop the bike to get around some folks with their headsets.

Everytime I ride the beach bike path I'm reminded of this. It's not just the peds with earbuds though, I'd say that at least 75% of the people on bikes are wearing them as well. I still call out "passing on your left" regardless of whether I see the telltale wires, or not and I have to roll my eyes when I get the shocked reaction when I pass them. Umm...hellooooo??? If you were paying attention you would have known I was coming up on ya! :eek:

[Eden]

I'm in the absolutely no headphones camp. People who say they are fine and can hear everthing since they don't turn their headphones up very loud or wear one earbud belong in the same camp as those who drink and then say they are just fine to drive in my eyes. They don't understand how dangerous they are being.

Being on a trail is no excuse - its almost worse than being on the road - sure there is no car traffic, but trail use (at least to me) almost seems inherently more dangerous than road riding even without tons of folks off in their own little worlds. I don't even think that joggers/ skaters etc. who are on multi use trails should be allowed to use headphones.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I'm in the no headphones camp. And I also won't ride with anyone who insists on wearing them.

--- Denise

[SadieKate]

You should see the students on the univ campus riding through traffic circles, no hands, an iPod bud in one ear and a cell phone in the other. Wouldn't this qualify as illegal in California where two earphones are illegal? Neither the state law nor the campus rules state anything about the headphones being attached to the same source.

University at rush hour is a death trap.

Pooks, I know that you say you're riding in only your own neighborhood, but I find that people tend to run stop signs and rush willy-hilly through neighborhoods more than other places. It's like they take for granted that the low traffic volume means that all bets are off.

[farrellcollie]

I also use my ipod to listen to books on tape (love those popcorn mysteries from audible.com) when I am alone and not around traffic or lots of other types of traffic or doing manuevering that takes concentration (like going up or down a mountain). I find a big difference between BOT and music - I could not listen to music and bike but I wouldn't say that no one could.

[chickwhorips]

if i lived in a more populated area i wouldn't wear earbuds or listen to music. i'm way to worried about someone else doing something they shouldn't if its a car or a person walking. people and/or animals are so unpredictable.

[mimitabby]

if i lived in a more populated area i wouldn't wear earbuds or listen to music. i'm way to worried about someone else doing something they shouldn't if its a car or a person walking. people and/or animals are so unpredictable.
what about mama bears???!!!

[Aggie_Ama]

I listen to them when I am running. And I admit slightly louder than I should. I should heed the warning and not think my trail is safe.

NEVER on a bike. I have enough trouble hearing cars over the wind!

[oxysback]

Just chiming in here:

I got a snazzy new ipod accessory that hooks onto my handlebars (www.marware.com. Great stuff!). Anyway, I got it during the winter and hooked it on while I was riding on the trainer. I thought it would be a great idea for rides in general, but when I was ready to get out on the road for the first time I felt funny using it (mostly because I didn't want to crash and break it!). Now I reserve my handlebarclipyipodthingy (yes...the true technical term) for rides on the trainer only. I think I'd be uncomfortable with anything in my ears!

[Susie]

I have to admit, I occasionally use my iPod when riding alone, but only on long rides (50+ miles) to try to keep my cadence up. I keep the volume low and I've found that I actually hear cars better than without the pods in my hears. Without the pods, the wind in my ears generally drowns out most noises, including cars until they're basically right on top of me. With the pods, the wind is blocked and I can hear things better. But again, I keep the volume low so that the music is more of a background noise and I never use it when I'm riding with others.

Susie

[Pascale]

I'm in the absolutely no headphones camp. People who say they are fine and can hear everthing since they don't turn their headphones up very loud or wear one earbud belong in the same camp as those who drink and then say they are just fine to drive in my eyes. They don't understand how dangerous they are being.


It IS possible to rely on your eyes for safety - deaf people do it all the time. People without earbuds in can be riding and not paying any attention either - spacing out in their own little world, worrying about whatever is going on in their lives.

When I was a zookeeper and was always running heavy equipment or loud hoses, you just learned to be alert with your other senses.

You know, it seems that many here aren't even tolerant of those who might ride for leisure - even those who are respectful of others, move over when faster traffic comes, even pulls off the trail or road. I suppose that just opens a whole other can of worms though.

I don't know where you come up with thinking that trail riding is inherently more dangerous than road riding either, that one just totally baffles me.

[mimitabby]

I don't know where you come up with thinking that trail riding is inherently more dangerous than road riding either, that one just totally baffles me.

I don't think trail riding is more dangerous than road riding, but the recent murder of a fellow woman biker kind of spooks me on this subject. Was she
wearing an earbud, listening to music? we'll never know but something tipped the scales against her.. I'm going to protect myself as best as I can.

[Nanci]

Which zoo did you work at?

I was a docent at Como for most of my teenage years. Still think of the Minnesota Zoo as the "New Zoo."

[Bike Goddess]

I'm with Velogirl on this one. I've never used any kind of headphones, ipods, or what have you when I'm out cycling.

I too think this is a dangerous activity regardless of where you live, cycle, run, etc. I get distracted enough with my own "self" conversations without adding mechanical devices to the mix.

[Pascale]

Which zoo did you work at?

I was a docent at Como for most of my teenage years. Still think of the Minnesota Zoo as the "New Zoo."

Nanci, I worked at the Minnesota Zoo for 14 years :)


I don't think trail riding is more dangerous than road riding, but the recent murder of a fellow woman biker kind of spooks me on this subject

I was responding to Eden's comment, and I'm not sure that's what she was referring to.

I find my own internal dialogue much more distracting - I can focus better with music because I really don't have to pay attention to music, but I don't find myself trying to figure out the world's problems in my head, either.

[Luci]

Brandi, when I lived in Newport I rode the boardwalk and HB pike path on a cruiser with the loudest breaks. That loud screech was the BEST! I never wanted to get rid of the screech because it was so effective. People thought I was flying and about to run into them, when I was barely touching the break. They moved quickly!

Last night on my ride a woman was running toward me with her ipod and EYES SHUT. I kept thinking she would move to the inside so I could pass. Only when I got close did I realize she had her eyes shut. It forced me into the lane of traffic. Good thing there were no cars! Now if I'd only had that cruiser's breaks! SCREEECCHHHH!!!!!! Hello?? Other people here wake up.

I would ride with tunes on a rail trail or unpopulated area. Lots of miles here without lots of people.

[SouthernBelle]

I have to admit to using my ipod on occasion, mostly for long rides on hot days when I need to help to keep going. I use hook-over-the-ear headphones rather than earbuds.

On something of an aside, I don't exactly use music or books. There are podcasts available to a specific # of beats per minute.
These would be good for running, spinning, etc too. They are actually made for runners but are great for cadence when spinning.

At ITunes look for FitPod, Podrunner and there is one more that I'll have to mention later.

[Tater]

Another one here in the absolutely no headphones camp. It is bad enough that I am a lone female out biking/running as it is. I don't need an mp3 player on to make me look more of a victim to any potential assclown who thinks he can try something because he thinks I am distracted by my music.

I ride/run to listen to my body and to get outdoors. I need to hear my breathing, the rhythmic thump of my feet on the ground, the ratcheting of a freewheel, the wind in my face, the burn in my quads. Music plays a large part in my life, I love it. But not when it could put me in a potentially dangerous situation.

[oxysback]

On something of an aside, I don't exactly use music or books. There are podcasts available to a specific # of beats per minute.
These would be good for running, spinning, etc too. They are actually made for runners but are great for cadence when spinning.


oooOOOOooooo, I didn't know this was available! I have a hard time finding music at the correct tempo for when I ride the trainer. It's either too fast or too slow. I have about 3 walking tempo CD's, but after the thousanth time the music does tend to make you suicidal...hehe.

Thanks for the tip!

Now back to your regularly scheduled thread discussion. *ahem*

[chickwhorips]

what about mama bears???!!!

if i'm around an area that seems high risk (lots of hiding places) for running into a bear, i take off my headphones, but then again if there is a bear in the area you can usually smell them before seeing them if the wind is right.

[mimitabby]

Maybe my former life as a musician has warped my brain, but i don't need
an ipod to hear music.
I have tunes in my head always; waltzes when i want to go slow, marches when i want to go fast.

and then there's my husband, on the front end of the tandem belting out "Your cheating heart"
loud enough to scare cows... ;)

[oxysback]

Maybe my former life as a musician has warped my brain, but i don't need
an ipod to hear music.
I have tunes in my head always; waltzes when i want to go slow, marches when i want to go fast.

Ha!! I do the same thing! Except usually it's just one annoying song that won't go away. But heck...I can pedal to it!

[Eden]

It IS possible to rely on your eyes for safety - deaf people do it all the time. People without earbuds in can be riding and not paying any attention either - spacing out in their own little world, worrying about whatever is going on in their lives.

I don't know where you come up with thinking that trail riding is inherently more dangerous than road riding either, that one just totally baffles me.

I've hear the deaf arguement before and I find this to be a bad argument with bad logic for thinking that anyone is safe when using earbuds. A person who is not deaf does not spend 100% of their life accomodating to not hearing. Sure people without earbuds can be spacing out, but people who are not drunk can be bad drivers too - you still should not drink and drive. I feel the same way about the use of headphones - its an additional distraction that you just don't need and you are only fooling yourself if you think you are just as alert with them on. Do you talk on your cell phone and drive too...

As far as trail riding goes - In my experience I find that because of the crowding that one finds on trails with so many people with differing uses and differing abilities you have to be very very alert when you ride on trails. Kids, dogs, joggers, strollers, people who are going too fast on bicycles or riding erratically, street crossings - all of these things mean you have to be extra careful . An accident you might have on the road with a car may be more devestating and dangerous - but the trail poses more of a constant hazard. I know of just as many if not more people (several TE'ers even) who have had accidents resulting in broken bones and other injuries because of colliding with other trail users as I know people who have had incidents with cars.

[SheFly]

It is also important to remember that in some states (including Mass), riding with earphones is ILLEGAL.

SheFly

[Brandy]

As far as trail riding goes - In my experience I find that because of the crowding that one finds on trails with so many people with differing uses and differing abilities you have to be very very alert when you ride on trails. Kids, dogs, joggers, strollers, people who are going too fast on bicycles or riding erratically, street crossings - all of these things mean you have to be extra careful . An accident you might have on the road with a car may be more devestating and dangerous - but the trail poses more of a constant hazard.

I totally agree. As a new rider I started out on the bike path, but after one short month on the bike, summertime hit and so did the crowds at the beach. I quickly realized that I was safer on the roads and took my riding there. Right now the only time that I attempt to ride the beach bike path is in the early morning, usually starting before it's light out. The only people out are other people exercising or the surfers. Not wanting to ride alone in the dark this morning, I waited until later than normal to leave the house and just that one hour made a huge difference in the crowds on the path and the number of hazards that I encountered.

[Brandy]

I have tunes in my head always

Same here! Right now it's Girl by Beck. :D

[Brandy]

Brandi, when I lived in Newport I rode the boardwalk and HB pike path on a cruiser with the loudest breaks. That loud screech was the BEST! I never wanted to get rid of the screech because it was so effective. People thought I was flying and about to run into them, when I was barely touching the break. They moved quickly!


That's what I need...squeaky brakes!!! :D

[Bikingmomof3]

No headphones are allowed here. I think we (my family and myself) need to hear what is around us. so, while we ride, no iPods are allowed.

[GirlWonder]

I've used my iPod at the gym in the past on the treadmill and on other pieces of cardio equipment. One time I tried running with it in a park. A small park mile loop...partly a trail...partly paved walkway. I went around one time with the thing and was paranoid the entire time (especially on the trail...which had a few bushes where someone could hide). Despite the volume being very low (and being able to hear the pounding of my own feet)...I was convinced that someone could sneak up behind me and I wouldn't hear them.

I went back to the car and took it off to finish my run. I'd never think to listen to it while riding.

Wind noise can't be helped...but I don't want to miss ANY noise near me if I can help it. Plus, as another poster said...wearing visible headphones might just make someone think you aren't paying attention...and makes you a bigger target than someone who isn't wearing headphones.

[DDH]

I agree it may be a bit more dangerous to wear headphones or earbuds in your ears and listen to music while riding. I do not agree however that it can be compared to a drunk driver. A drunk driver puts himself and whom ever he or she comes into contact with in danger.
If I listen to music while riding by myself on a lone rode, if there is danger, it is only for myself.
I live in the country and most of the rodes I ride have large shoulders on them. The traffice at the time I ride is minimal, and if someone is going to hit me while riding on that large shoulder they are going to hit me whether I hear them or not. I do however keep the earbud out of the side that is by traffic. I think there are exceptions in every situiation and everyone's is different.
The music motivates me and keeps me moving even when I am hot and tired. I am riding to lose weight and get healthy and set some goals for myself. I am not out there racing in competition, or riding the mountain trails with turns and bumps everywhere. In those cases, yes it would be a dangerous thing to be listening to music when you need all concentration on what you are doing.
Anyway, I guess I am just trying to make a point that situations are different and the rules aren't always set in stone.

[Eden]

My point is not that earphone wearers are as dangerous as drunk drivers, but that earphone wearers who staunchy say that they are just as alert and can hear fine with them on are just as deluded as those who drink and insist that they are fine to drive.

and someone else brought this up - in many places including here in Washington it is illegal to ride a bike with earphones on - so it is a rule here.

[greenmachine]

I'm in the "no headphones" camp as well. I've never done it; never will.

I lost the hearing in my right ear, nearly 30 years ago, when I crashed my bike. Even if I had hearing in both ears, I wouldn't do it, and I avoid cyclists that do. I fail to understand those that feel it does NOT impede their awareness around them.

When we should always strive to be as predictable as possible when cycling, I feel it has the potential to add an element of unpredicability that doesn't need to be there. Why not give yourself the best chance possible to be safe?

Food for thought...

[mimitabby]

I'm in the "no headphones" camp as well. I've never done it; never will.


When we should always strive to be as predictable as possible when cycling, I feel it has the potential to add an element of unpredicability that doesn't need to be there. Why not give yourself the best chance possible to be safe?

Food for thought...

I couldn't say it any better!

[tulip]

Nope, I need all my wits about me when I'm riding.

[pyxichick]

It's also illegal in Minnesota to wear headphones while riding a bike. Check your local state laws. Maybe save the ipod for trainer days:)

[Lise]

This should be a poll thread!

I'm solidly in the no-headphones-when-riding camp. Riding in Chicago is dangerous. People, cars, animals, potholes, broken glass, etc. I need to be very sharp, alert, scanning the road all the time. That's part of what I enjoy--it makes me feel really alive. I make up songs about the traffic, usually sort of magic spells to keep me from getting hurt! I also tend to sing either Amazing Grace or Amarillo By Morning on the bike. Or when I want to get a driver's attention, I'll sing "Hello, hello, this is Romeo..." (Melissa Ethridge).

I run with the headphones--my own disparaging inner critic gets too loud otherwise. Fortunately, on the bike, I feel like a superhero (go Team Danger!)

I hate riding around people using headphones. They can't hear me, even if I yell. They're oblivious to everyone around them. Who knows when they'll decide to rock out and fling their arms up in the air? The WORST are rollerbladers. Dancing on wheels on a crowded path. Insane.

Right up there are people talking on their phones while riding. Really unsafe. My favorite is still the guy I saw on the lakefront path this spring: On rollerblades, one arm in a cast and sling, the other arm holding a dog's leash, and talking on his cell phone. Sit down, you moron! :eek: :rolleyes:

[SadieKate]

Sit down, you moron! :eek: :rolleyes:Guess you're not getting the Team Danger Good Citizen Award. Hmm, guess I'm not either since I have a tendency to blurt stuff out. It's up to you, MP.

[maillotpois]

Guess you're not getting the Team Danger Good Citizen Award. Hmm, guess I'm not either since I have a tendency to blurt stuff out. It's up to you, MP.


No, no. That kind of comment is perfect for Team Danger.

And I am in the NO camp on headphones. I only use them on the trainer. While riding I like to listen to the animals, breeze, creek, my own swearing, whatever. And the song in my head. Which varies. I think right now it is still Long Tall Texan by Lyle Lovett. But I haven't been on my bike in a while to check. :)

[chickwhorips]

Right up there are people talking on their phones while riding. Really unsafe. My favorite is still the guy I saw on the lakefront path this spring: On rollerblades, one arm in a cast and sling, the other arm holding a dog's leash, and talking on his cell phone. Sit down, you moron! :eek: :rolleyes:

i don't get that one. if your on a phone, why are you trying to 'work out'? doesn't that just ruin the whole idea of getting away and doing something for yourself?

i'm so happy there is no cell phone coverage here just for that reason. hate being around people that are trying to do to many things at once.

[Pascale]

It's also illegal in Minnesota to wear headphones while riding a bike.

This only applies when riding on public roads, I've been told by a law enforcement official (i.e. not a "rail trail").

[Lise]

Guess you're not getting the Team Danger Good Citizen Award. Hmm, guess I'm not either since I have a tendency to blurt stuff out. It's up to you, MP.
I don't know...Good Citizen...making the paths safe for others...I think I could spin this one...:p

OK, I'll grant you I'm totally out of the running for Miss Congeniality.

PS: Pascale, I love the picture of your Borzoi! What a pairing of avatars, eh? From borzoi to dachshund. :)

[Pascale]

I hate riding around people using headphones. They can't hear me, even if I yell. They're oblivious to everyone around them. Who knows when they'll decide to rock out and fling their arms up in the air?

OMG, I have NEVER behaved like this. I am never oblivious to my surroundings - I keep my head up, my eyes on the road and check my mirror ALL the time. I see people LONG before I could ever hear them coming, from either direction...

[SadieKate]

I don't know...Good Citizen...making the paths safe for others...I think I could spin this one...:p

OK, I'll grant you I'm totally out of the running for Miss Congeniality.The three of us are then in deep doo-doo. Last time yellow and I rode up Mt Diablo together I called someone an A-hole. Just came out. Even kind of shocked me. But he deserved it since he scared us so much. I am trying to mend my ways and find a more ladylike way to say the same thing.

I haven't yet witnessed MP do anything similar, but I can see it boiling beneath the surface.

[maillotpois]

The three of us are then in deep doo-doo. Last time yellow and I rode up Mt Diablo together I called someone an A-hole. Just came out. Even kind of shocked me. But he deserved it since he scared us so much. I am trying to mend my ways and find a more ladylike way to say the same thing.

I haven't yet witnessed MP do anything similar, but I can see it boiling beneath the surface.

regrettably, not very far under the surface.

[Kitsune06]

I have to say I'm with Pascale.

I mostly ride without headphones/music because some of my routes take me places where such would be a dangerous distraction. I never wear them in the city. Then, I just go off the music that invariably plays in my head anyway- the Beatles, nirvana, blind melon, the Doors, etc... easygoing, pretty slowish stuff.
BUT,
When I'm on those long, empty trails and trying to keep up my cadence without a computer, I hang one of my earbuds (the ones with the hook that goes around your ear) on and listen to DGF's techno, with treble turned up, so I mostly hear "unf unf unf unf...." and the treble just as a sort of ghost over the wind noise. Honestly, if I pick up enough speed, my 1/2" plugs whistle louder than the earbud thumps, so it doesn't matter much to me either way. :rolleyes:

I might feel differently when I'm older and wiser, but now I'm young and foolish and like my thumpy music.

[crazycanuck]

I don't use an ipod or walkman or whatever else is out there while riding/walking etc mainly becuase i'm deaf in my left ear. It's better that i not use them as i'd feel a danger to myself *& would hate to cause an accident. I

I have a hard enough time distinguishing car sounds & other sounds when biking/walking-esp when it's windy or even just a bit of wind. I just memorize songs...

(this is one reason i'm a mtn biker-don't have to worry about cars...)

c

[Dogmama]

Seems like last time we had this thread, we had more people arguing for riding with headphones than against it.

I agree with Velogirl way back there - not only do I NEVER ride with headphones, but I go WAY out of my way to avoid those who are riding with headphones.

(Don't ask me about the time I road with my cervical collar on after my neck surgery though -- that was truly stooopid....)

[Lise]

OMG, I have NEVER behaved like this. I am never oblivious to my surroundings - I keep my head up, my eyes on the road and check my mirror ALL the time. I see people LONG before I could ever hear them coming, from either direction...
Pascale, you have never seen people on the north branch of the Chicago Lakefront Path! :eek: People are nuts.

I notice you're from the Twin Cities. I have relatives up there. When my cousin, John, moved to Chicago, he learned how to use his horn in traffic. When my aunt came down to visit, she was shocked when he blew his horn! "John! What are you doing?! That's so rude!" :p

I'm not surprised that you're a more responsible rider than most of us down here. :)

[Lise]

The three of us are then in deep doo-doo. Last time yellow and I rode up Mt Diablo together I called someone an A-hole. Just came out. Even kind of shocked me. But he deserved it since he scared us so much. I am trying to mend my ways and find a more ladylike way to say the same thing.

I haven't yet witnessed MP do anything similar, but I can see it boiling beneath the surface.
I know. When somebody scares me on the road, the very worst of my language comes out. Not proud. Just sayin'. On the other hand, when I yell "On yer left!" and the person/people move over, I always say, "Thank you!" as I pass. Only fair.

I doubt that Team Danger will win many "Ladylike" awards. :p

[Veronica]

I'm sure the racer boy who nearly ran into me on Wed. as he made his left hand turn w/o looking to the right, felt perfectly safe on his long ride with his ear buds. I betcha he rides hundred of miles a week that way.

It's a good thing I'm not oblivious... because he would have hit me if I hadn't changed my pace.

V.

[Trek420]

I'm in the no headphone camp.

I work in a call center, off the job I don't want anything in/near/around my ears. :mad: that discomfort I can get at work.

Then there's the hearing loss thing, I'm bad enough without headphones. and that hearing loss folks? Caused by the headphones. I wear earplugs at work now to protect what's left. Sorry to get preachy but this next generation will loose their hearing approx 20 years earlier than their elders. It's not worth it, unplug, turn it down.

I workout to unplug, to get away, to enjoy nature and other like minded people.

On the treadmill, eliptical, indoor trainer only.

[KnottedYet]

I've posted it before... this is what a sign on the Burke Gilman trail said, about 20 years ago. (the Walkman era)

Two things on this trail
Will get you dead
Having music in your ears
And no helmet on your head

[Pascale]

Pascale, you have never seen people on the north branch of the Chicago Lakefront Path! :eek: People are nuts.

I notice you're from the Twin Cities. I have relatives up there. When my cousin, John, moved to Chicago, he learned how to use his horn in traffic. When my aunt came down to visit, she was shocked when he blew his horn! "John! What are you doing?! That's so rude!" :p

I'm not surprised that you're a more responsible rider than most of us down here. :)

Lise, that's very sweet of you to say. I don't know about that, but I do REALLY to treat people the way I'd like to be treated - it seems a simple enough concept, LOL.

btw - I love the pic of your running Daschund - my neighbor has a puppy mini-dacshund and I'm trying to find a way to steal her away - she keeps coming under the fence into my yard - I think she really wants to live with ME and I ADORE her! lol

[DebW]

"Avoid using headsets to listen to music"

I always have a headset along when I'm riding. It's between my fork and head tube. Mine doesn't play music unless it's loose and I hit a bump. Then the tune is similar to Jingle Bells but far less melodic. :D

My ears, however, are free of foreign objects.

[hsmpcycle]

I am very, very, very hard of hearing. I am considered leagally deaf in both ears, so I need to wear hearing aids. When I ride, I have a very hard time hearing sounds behind me. Due to the wind and other factors. This is hard for me because when I am on a path and someone wants to pass me on my left, I cannot hear them say, "On your left!" Instead, I pay very close attention to my suroundings and a stay to the right side of the road/path as much as I can. I also check my back every min. or so to avoid being taken surprise.

Despite my hearing loss, I can, for the most part, hear almost like a normal person and love to listen to music while I ride, but not all the time. If I ride with a group of people, I don't. If I ride in town, I don't. If I ride by myself on a hwy. with very little traffic, I do. In a nutshell, it just depends on the situation and how comfortable I feel about it. I want to be responsible and cautious of my actions.

[Lise]

btw - I love the pic of your running Daschund - my neighbor has a puppy mini-dacshund and I'm trying to find a way to steal her away - she keeps coming under the fence into my yard - I think she really wants to live with ME and I ADORE her! lol
Oh, yeah, they do love to go under the fence! That's not actually Schatzi in the picture, although she looked just like that in her prime. Snapdragen found that picture for me to use as an avatar when I joined the site.

Schatzi lived to be 19. She was often the sanest member of our family! Her priorities were never out of order. And she loved to dig under fences. :D

[chickwhorips]

i went out and ran yesterday with the ipod and after posting and reading this thread i kinda felt guilty about doing it. :o
eventhough i didn't have anyone to compete on the road (this time or next).