Music & Cycling: Am I crazy?

[Pedal Wench]

The law and practical thinking both are opposed to 'stereo' headphones. When I'm on a bike trail, I'll use an earphone in my right ear only. My left ear is clear for approaching cars(at intersections), cyclists, sirens, etc. You can even wire the headphone cables to combine both channels into one wire, so you get a full mono signal in that one ear, instead of half of a stereo signal. When I'm on the road, I tend to want all my senses concentrating on my surroundings, but I'm riding on busier streets - I might feel differently if I was on rural roads. I do love my iPod on the trail though.

From the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
http://www.helmets.org/bcstudy.htm
#5

Background
Several deaths of cyclists have been reported in Ontario that were linked directly to the use of stereo headphones. We have all seen people riding bikes or driving cars seemingly completely in their own space and little aware of what is going on about them. Cyclist users of headphones, indeed any users who are engaged in an activity that may pose dangers to themselves or others through inattention to what they are doing, should be made aware of the dangers inherent in the use of these headsets in certain situations.

Recommendation
A study should be conducted into the incidence of stereo headphone use in conjunction with bicycle accidents with a view to supplementing bicycle education programs about the dangers of such use and, depending on the outcome of the study, consider recommendations for the prohibition of such use in certain circumstances.

[Irulan]

one could give the same argument against music use on the trail too... can't hear riders coming up behind you etc.

irulan

[SadieKate]

When I'm on the road, I tend to want all my senses concentrating on my surroundings, but I'm riding on busier streets - I might feel differently if I was on rural roads. I do love my iPod on the trail though.

You know, I am much more likely to zone out into the zen of riding on rural roads and on the trail. My ears are perked up all the time in the 'burbs, but I can constantly be surprised on country roads and on dirt.