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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
I couldn't say it any better!Quote:
Originally Posted by greenmachine
Nope, I need all my wits about me when I'm riding.
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:)
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:
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lise
Quote:
Originally Posted by SadieKate
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. :)
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by Lise
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.
This only applies when riding on public roads, I've been told by a law enforcement official (i.e. not a "rail trail").Quote:
It's also illegal in Minnesota to wear headphones while riding a bike.
I don't know...Good Citizen...making the paths safe for others...I think I could spin this one...:pQuote:
Originally Posted by SadieKate
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. :)
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...Quote:
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 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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lise
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by SadieKate
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.
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
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....)
Pascale, you have never seen people on the north branch of the Chicago Lakefront Path! :eek: People are nuts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pascale
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. :)
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by SadieKate
I doubt that Team Danger will win many "Ladylike" awards. :p
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.
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.
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by 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
"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.
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pascale
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
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).