I get annoyed at the headphone wearers who are oblivious to everyone and everything around them. That said, not ALL folks who wear headphones tune out their surroundings, as I regularly pass a few who will wave as I warn them that I'm passing on their left. My concern is that you see the buds in/earphones one and you just don't know what to expect as you approach them. Invaribly, some will drift into your lane just as you approach (do those IPOD earbuds have a magnetic force that are attracted to bikes?) I've taken to warning, loudly and often, as I approach and they are non-responsive.

The bottom line is that we all have a responsibility to others when we are using multiuse trails or public roads. The story of the TE gal who could have drown in stream when run off the trail by the "mad aerobar chick" -- who apparently was NOT wearing headphones but was completely wrapped up in herself -- serves as a good reminder to all of us.

If someone chooses to tune out their surroundings and gets hurt due to their inattention, I cannot feel sorry for them. It's a Darwin thing, in my opinion. As long as they don't take out someone else when they have that inevitable accident.