Music & Cycling: Am I crazy?

I've gotten a lot of slack in the past for listening to music through an earpiece while cycling, and I was wondering if anyone else does this on occasion? I'm not a competitive rider, so I don't go too fast, and I typically listen to quiet classical music, but I guess it could become a problem if you have trouble hearing cars, other bikes, etc..

And I just got a great new CD for mother's day, too -- not from my daughter, she's too young to barter, lol. It's this great classical CD by the singer Katherine Jenkins, I would highly recommend it, not sure if anyone else here listens to her or classical vocalists in general. I really like Andrea Bocelli, too, he had a great concert at the Universal Amphitheatre near my house recently. That's me, craving music constantly, hence the possibly dangerous habit that I've developed.

Maybe I should stop, I dunno? Listening to Puccini or Verdi while taking in a great view of the coast.. :)

Jasmine

When I ride alone, I always bring my iPod. I keep the volume low enough where I can hear what's going on around me. I don't ever ride with headphones with others though, so I can hear communications etc. So you're not the only rule breaker :) I know in some states it's actually illegal to ride with headphones, but I don't think I've ever heard of anyone getting pulled over.

You aren't alone except when you are alone. And when I ride alone I bring my Shuffle. I can still hear the traffic. In fact I prefer the slightly muffled traffic noise. Full on traffic noise is a little too loud and nerve racking. If I'm riding with others, I leave the shuffle at home.

I'm not the greatest singer, but also sing aloud as I ride. Maybe that is why I have to ride alone as often as I do.

skm

I'm one who doesn't ride with headphones/music. I do most of my riding on quiet, narrow country roads and it's hard to hear a car coming up until they're right on top of you. Same for cyclists. They're usually good to let me know if they're passing, but I almost never hear them until the very last second. I'm concerned that I'll be too cut off from what's going on around me if I ride while listening to music, much as I'd love to do it.

JasCali... I was an opera major in college, but I don't listen to it much now. I'll have to check out Katherine Jenkins. Kiri Te Kanawa was always my favorite soprano for true opera... so pure and beautiful and not too heavy. And I love Elly Ameling for art songs and lieder.

I inched my way to riding with headphones, well I just put it in my right ear. I was the only one of our little trio (husband and friend) that didn't ride listening to music. I have an IRiver as I heard it was pretty decent and got it with my Amex points. I download music mostly from movies Phantom of the Opera, Pearl Harbour, You've Got Mail and others. This was the third step after getting use step one, new road bike, step two, clippless pedals.

I have to admit, it is quite nice when riding alone and this reminds me, better get some batteries during lunch. Yes, an IRiver takes 1 double A battery and lasts a very long time. But every so often you get a little buzzing sound I guess if I hit a frequency area or something.

~JoAnn

I listen to music, very low. I usually ride alone. I use a small walkman that clips on. Will probably get an IPOD soon.

I listen when I am alone, which is most of the time...99%
I am on country roads too, almost every ride the wind blows so hard/loud when I haven't had the music I still can't hear the cars, just from wind alone, I might as well enjoy the noise in my ears filled with music to motivate me. I use my eyes often and keep to the road in a consistant manner as I can, and look before I move into lane further in. I will also signal a bit before I look so that if someone is there they will not be nervous of my possible movement that may occur when looking behind me if there is someone behind me. Communication is key.

Rarely, no music is nice, but only very rarely takes place 1% of time when I am riding with another and want to hear the other person when they speak to me.

...if I don't have a spare battery to replace the other is when wind takes its place :eek:

I don't think it is bad to have music, as long as you have it to a volume that keeps you safe and motivated at the same time-
much like having your protien bar(cake) and eating it too :p

I listen to the music of my tires on the rough, chip-sealed roads.

I listen to the oak titmouse and olive-sided flycatchers calling (and this time of year, the warblers and wrens singing).

I listen to the flow of the streams that I follow and cross.

I listen to my breathing and sometimes to my heartbeat in my head.

These things so much define my solo rides...I can't imagine blocking them out or distracting from them with recorded music!

Must be nice....
No, I hear what your saying, but the wind is so strong the only thing I could hear out of those you mentioned was the heartbeat in my head-- internal

Very nice, your surroundings, I would enjoy that too!!

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Originally Posted by yellow

I listen to the music of my tires on the rough, chip-sealed roads.

I listen to the oak titmouse and olive-sided flycatchers calling (and this time of year, the warblers and wrens singing).

I listen to the flow of the streams that I follow and cross.

I listen to my breathing and sometimes to my heartbeat in my head.

These things so much define my solo rides...I can't imagine blocking them out or distracting from them with recorded music!

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A very eloquent ditto from me. You said it beautifully, Yellow. Must be why I like to ride with you, rather why I like to follow you. :)

i listen to music... bought an mp3 player just for riding..... never had an interest in one prior to riding... and don't listen to it off the bike!

i keep it low enough that i can hear cars or carry on a conversation! i have more trouble hearing people (or cars) when it's really windy!

I just bought a RIO Carbon... don't know why its called Carbon as it looks stainless steel. Anyway I bought it specifically for riding. I have an older pair of earbuds that I'll use with my helmet. I wind the wire on the bud side aroun the helmet straps by the ears, then tie them off (gently). The bud sits a bit outside my ear rather than in it all the way. I can hear traffic noise and my favorite rockers.

I like the RIO... it's about the same size as my litle cellphone.

I am such a toy geek... next high dollar purchase - the Oakley THUMP, sport sunglassses (flip-ups) with built in MP3; earbuds attached to earpieces.

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the wind is so strong the only thing I could hear out of those you mentioned was the heartbeat in my head

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I hear you on this one! In the surrounding Chicago areas my ears start to ache when the wind is really bad. And my headphones not only block the wind from rushing in, but they also keep me motivated to ride faster, harder, and longer!

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Originally Posted by loni0908k

I hear you on this one! In the surrounding Chicago areas my ears start to ache when the wind is really bad. And my headphones not only block the wind from rushing in, but they also keep me motivated to ride faster, harder, and longer!

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Speaking of ear numbness due to whistling winds, is there anyway to lessen this effect and still maintain your hearing of important road noises? Some sort of earband to cut the whoosh? I've wondered about this when I'm riding fast - when I'm ambling, I'll enjoy the birds and streams with you, Yellow! Or the sound of my own voice singing sailor songs!

Dear Ladies,

I am shocked that so many of you use headphones/music while riding. :eek:

It is not safe, no matter how low you have the volume. It ranks right up there with not wearing a helmet. :(

Please reconsider, so that you can hear that car sneaking up behind you, or your fellow cyclist trying to give you a warning.

If not for yourself, please do it for your mother/son/SO/brother/favorite pet.

;)

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Originally Posted by profàvélo

Dear Ladies,

I am shocked that so many of you use headphones/music while riding. :eek:

It is not safe, no matter how low you have the volume. It ranks right up there with not wearing a helmet. :(

Please reconsider, so that you can hear that car sneaking up behind you, or your fellow cyclist trying to give you a warning.

If not for yourself, please do it for your mother/son/SO/brother/favorite pet.

;)

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I"m with you, I think it's a bad/unsafe idea.

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Originally Posted by profàvélo

I am shocked that so many of you use headphones/music while riding. :eek:

It is not safe, no matter how low you have the volume. It ranks right up there with not wearing a helmet.

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I agree. I would never consider blocking out the sounds of the environment I am riding through. It's our responsibility to stay as safe as possible when riding - and keeping focused on the sights and sounds of the road is much more important than listening to your favorite music.

--- Denise

Second that. I am sort of shocked that anyone would ride with music on. It's an accident waiting to happen. We wouldn't want to do anything that makes others think cyclists are irresponsible.... safety comes first.
I ride mostly on country roads and part of the fun when I'm alone is actually hearing and seeing the things you don't see in a car!

profavelo... i disagree.... i CAN hear cars sneaking up on me.... i CAN hear people to talk to them....

you know what causes me not to be able to hear cars and people (and my music)? wind noise! wind noise is WAY louder than my music.... how do you propose we stop that?

i ride the same roads... day in and day out unless i happen to get in on an organized ride... i get bored.... there aren't other options for me cuz the roads i ride are the safe ones.... the only saving grace for that monoteny (spelling) of those rides is having that music playing faintly in the background....

From the UC Davis transportation site
http://www.taps.ucdavis.edu/bicycle/...cdcyclist.html

According the California Vehicle Code, every person riding a bicycle upon a street or highway has all the rights and responsibilities of the driver of a motor vehicle. On campus traffic regulations are strictly enforced . You may be cited for running stop signs, riding at an unsafe speed for conditions, riding on the wrong side of the road or on sidewalks, wearing headphones while riding, not having legal brakes, etc.

From the California DMV site
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc27400.htm
Wearing of Headsets or Earplugs
27400. A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, or earplugs in, both ears.

From the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
http://www.helmets.org/bcstudy.htm
#5

Background
Several deaths of cyclists have been reported in Ontario that were linked directly to the use of stereo headphones. We have all seen people riding bikes or driving cars seemingly completely in their own space and little aware of what is going on about them. Cyclist users of headphones, indeed any users who are engaged in an activity that may pose dangers to themselves or others through inattention to what they are doing, should be made aware of the dangers inherent in the use of these headsets in certain situations.

Recommendation
A study should be conducted into the incidence of stereo headphone use in conjunction with bicycle accidents with a view to supplementing bicycle education programs about the dangers of such use and, depending on the outcome of the study, consider recommendations for the prohibition of such use in certain circumstances.

Dear Slinkedog,
what is "leider"?
Anne

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Originally Posted by annerol

Dear Slinkedog,
what is "leider"?
Anne

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Songs that you sing while wearing your "hosen" and drinking your brew. :D Wait for slinke's much more elegant (I'm sure) description.

entry found for lieder.
lied Audio pronunciation of "lieder" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (lt)
n. pl. lie·der (ldr)

A German art song for solo voice and piano

The law and practical thinking both are opposed to 'stereo' headphones. When I'm on a bike trail, I'll use an earphone in my right ear only. My left ear is clear for approaching cars(at intersections), cyclists, sirens, etc. You can even wire the headphone cables to combine both channels into one wire, so you get a full mono signal in that one ear, instead of half of a stereo signal. When I'm on the road, I tend to want all my senses concentrating on my surroundings, but I'm riding on busier streets - I might feel differently if I was on rural roads. I do love my iPod on the trail though.

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

From the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
http://www.helmets.org/bcstudy.htm
#5

Background
Several deaths of cyclists have been reported in Ontario that were linked directly to the use of stereo headphones. We have all seen people riding bikes or driving cars seemingly completely in their own space and little aware of what is going on about them. Cyclist users of headphones, indeed any users who are engaged in an activity that may pose dangers to themselves or others through inattention to what they are doing, should be made aware of the dangers inherent in the use of these headsets in certain situations.

Recommendation
A study should be conducted into the incidence of stereo headphone use in conjunction with bicycle accidents with a view to supplementing bicycle education programs about the dangers of such use and, depending on the outcome of the study, consider recommendations for the prohibition of such use in certain circumstances.

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one could give the same argument against music use on the trail too... can't hear riders coming up behind you etc.

irulan

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Originally Posted by Audio-A

When I'm on the road, I tend to want all my senses concentrating on my surroundings, but I'm riding on busier streets - I might feel differently if I was on rural roads. I do love my iPod on the trail though.

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You know, I am much more likely to zone out into the zen of riding on rural roads and on the trail. My ears are perked up all the time in the 'burbs, but I can constantly be surprised on country roads and on dirt.

I used a full CD player for a while, which was problematic because on several hour rides I would have to switch over CDs and carry them with me -- now I just load CDs onto a shuffle and go with that, it's lightweight, small, and works great. I understand the obvious dangers with listening, but again, I only wear a single earpiece, and a lot of the time I ride on car-less paths. I try to keep it low enough to hear around me well, too, but anyone who listens to classical music knows that it's very difficult to enjoy (and even hear) at low volumes.

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who sneaks in some music on their rides. Definitely fun, although I swear I feel guilty about it sometimes, only sometimes. :)

wow, such controversy. here's my $0.02.

when I'm on the road alone or with a group no headphones for me. I'm slightly hard of hearing so I need every sound I can get plus...I wear a headet all day and once off work sick of the &^% things.

If you ride with me be forwarned I will sing for no apparent reason, just whatever comes to mind especially when climbing.

If I'm out in the boondocks I want to hear the birds, wind, creek etc. Don't do much off road riding but if I can hear nature I prefer that to any music, best soundtrack on earth.

I find this whole need to listen to music whilst engaging in physical activities baffling. :confused:

Don't get me wrong...I LIKE music, but when I'm outside running or cycling or skiing, I'd rather be fully in tune with my surroundings in a spiritual sense (as well as for safety reasons-we have very large kitties here :eek: ). Why block it out or distract from it? I just don't get it. I guess it's just one of those things that's WAY over my head.

Does it provide motivation? Does it distract from pain you might be feeling? Does it make the time go by faster? Does it enhance your wilderness experience? I mean, there has to be SOMETHING to it otherwise so many people wouldn't do it.

To use a non-cycling example, I've noticed over the last couple of years that ski resorts have really jumped on the must-have-music bandwagon, to the point of it being amplified across half the mountain. Plus it seems that the ski resort parking lots have really become a boom-boom fest, mostly younger people playing music very loudly that is hardly musical while they suit up. When I'm in the mountains, I want to listen to the mountains, not Popular-Rappuh-O'-Da-Month. So more and more I go into the backcountry and listen to the real music of the mountains.

Lol, I have been curious about this topic too-- as I've just started cycling. Personally I decided that I didn't feel safe enough. But if someone wants to ride with headphones-- I won't tell them stop. I may choose not to ride so closely though, lol.

I had to share this 'sighting' with you ladies though (As I said, I'm a newbie, so if this is usual my apologies): On a weekly ride that I do, typically 50+ people go. It's a blast-- you meet lots of people, etc. The last two rides-- there's a guy hauling one of those baby trailer deals-- with a stereo/boombox in it! I think it's pretty funny-- but I definitely don't complain when I hear the strains of a cool song drifting my way ;)

cheers!

Why headphones? Because I don't want to listen to other people's music. I really don't like the car as boom box phenomena, but the ski resorts are trying to attract those specific customers. At the ski area headphones. In the BC none. Kind of like in the exurbs: headphones. Out in the wilds: none.

Nothing beats hearing the canyon wren or the rush of the river or the crashing of waves. A close second is listening to a personally significant soundtrack while watching stars race across the Arizona sky. To each her own.

There are dangers to all outdoor activities. Riding a bike is dangerous. Certainly, listening to music while riding is also dangerous. Sadly, a young skier was killed by a snow machine this year while training on a race course. Seemed like everyone wanted to blame the headphones she had around her NECK... Everyone has to evaluate there own comfort level. Shouldn't we treat all other riders with caution.

Sarah

I'm strictly a roadie, so I don't get into a whole lot of wilderness on my rides. I ride farm roads mostly, so I guess I could take in some 'moos' from the cows :D For me, riding to tunes helps me go further. I adjust my speed/cadence to the beat of the music when I'm out by myself. When I'm in traffic, I usually shut the music off or turn it down as low as possible so I can hear. I've been doing this 7 years and never had a problem (knock on wood). I understand the side that this is dangerous/stupid/crazy/etc. But for me, I enjoy my solo rides more to tunes. ;)

Sorry to break the bad news to those of you who live in Colorado, but, like California, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and earphones are illegal when operating a vehicle in Colorado too.

I've been seeing more and more riders with earphones. They worry me because they don't acknowledge me when I pass, most of them don't hear me when I yell, on your left! I don't worry about them getting hurt if they swerve and hit me, that's their problem, but I do care if I get hurt!

Kathi

The "on your left" thing doesn't really work when the person you're talking to can't hear you. I've had a different experience - riding frequently on the heavily used Los Gatos Creek Trail, I have many times encountered joggers, sometimes with strollers, who give no response to my signaling that I want to pass - and then when I do pass, I see that they're wearing headphones...
But I'm torn, because I think music would perk me up on a long ride, too. However, I think the bottom line is that even though I think it would be satisfying to combine the pleasure of riding with the pleasure of listening to music, I rely on my ears to tell me what dangers are around me, like it or not. And if I weigh riding with no tunes against being hit by a car or God forbid injuring someone else, no tunes wins.
I have been considering the boom box in the basket method, though. In the right environment, I think it could work. :)

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Originally Posted by Kathi

Sorry to break the bad news to those of you who live in Colorado, but, like California, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and earphones are illegal when operating a vehicle in Colorado too.

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Actually, bicycles are considered vehicles in all 50 states, and while I haven't checked the vehicle code for all states, I suspect that earphones being illegal is more common than not.

If anyone is interested or curious about the laws in their own state (or province), MassBike has a page that links to laws pertaining to bicycles in all of the US states and most of the Canada provinces, along with a few other countries: http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/index.htm.

--- Denise

I never wear headphones & steer very clear of those who do because they tend to be in their own little world and startle easily when I come up behind them (read: often jump in my path.) I want to be 110% aware of my surroundings. If I hear a car slowing down behind me, for example, that is a big clue that it might make a right hand turn in front of me.

If wind noise is a bother, you can find small wind-ear blocks that mount to your helmet. It might take a bit of searching but they're out there.

On a personal note, I find music distracting. I want to be able to think, observe and generally enjoy being out in nature. I wear my headphones in the gym where blocking out conversations, overhead music and grunts is important. ;)

I was thinking about this out on my ride yesterday. As I said earlier, I use one earbud, but only when I'm on a path - it's a rail-to-trail path - incredibly straight, flat, and boring - especially when I'm doing centuries on it. The music keeps me motivated and keeps the pace up. I know that people argue that on the road you need to be focused, and I fully agree. But, yesterday, out on the road, without music, I got so lost in my thoughts that I realized I was paying no attention at all to the road. A pothole caught my attention, and I realized I had drifted far out into the lane. When I'm on the path, with music, my focus stays on the path ahead - the music actually keeps my mind right in the moment. Just my two pennies...

I think it may be true that some naturally alert individuals can handle riding with headphones. I'm not one of those people.

I personally love the quiet when I'm out in the mountains and don't listen to music. I am also easily distracted so I don't believe I could listen to headphones on the road (it would be bad for me and others around me).

But my hubby rides everywhere and he's using one earbud and leaves the other out. He is the most alert rider I know even with one ear with music. It seems to depend on how alert you are as an individual.

Unfortunatley even those that know they are not alert still wear headphones.