"Avoid using headsets to listen to music"

[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.

[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!