"Avoid using headsets to listen to music"

[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!

[SadieKate]

Sit down, you moron!

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.

[chickwhorips]

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!

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?

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.