"Avoid using headsets to listen to music"

[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.

[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