I listen to my iPod on all my rides except when I ride with someone else. I was a little skittish at first but I bought myself a 20$ bar end mirror that is hands down the BEST safety investment I have made (besides my helmet of course). I don't have to keep looking back for cars, I can see then way behind me before I need to make a left turn, and so on. I never though I would ever need a mirror and after riding 20 years I finally have one and simply cannot ride without now. When I bought my new bike this summer the first few rides were without a mirror and I felt a bit nervous. Putting the mirror on was the first upgrade I made. I urge you if you listen to music to get some kind of mirror- either bar end or helmet.