Tunes while riding

[amb]

I frequently ride with my iPod, right earbud only, music at a reasonable level. I too can hear traffic, birds, people, other riders....everything. There's a lot of people on their soapbox here assuming we're unsafe/can't hear a thing. Whatever, do what works for you and I will as well. I think more often than not, it's not an iPod that makes anyone unsafe, it's their lack of following the rules of the road!!

[roo4]

I think riders/runners with earbuds in are less aware of their surroundings. Period. For those of you insisting that you can hear cars and birds and crickets and whatnot while wearing earbuds, well goody for you. That is not the question. We are not comparing your super-sensory abilities with average riders. The comparison should be your ability with earbuds as compared with your ability without musical distractions.

[ehirsch83]

If I am riding solo, I ride with one ear but in( right ear- side away from cars). I hear everything just fine. It helps with motivation on work outs- different music helps push yourself farther or on an easy recovery ride something slower and fun(jack johnson station on pandora is great).

I would never ride with them on a group ride.

I feel it is a personal preference and people shouldn't be so negative to those who decide to wear them in one ear, as long as it isn't impeding you- it is ok.

[SadieKate]

I can't believe I'm posting on this worn out topic, but I'd truly like to know if anyone who says they have the music turned down so they "hear everything" has had their hearing professionally tested in a matching environment, that is riding a bike, wind noise, single earbud (earbuds cancel noise by design), etc.

How do you know you hear everything? I really, really want to know. Seriously. Maybe you can but I want to know how you measured your hearing in this situation.

[Dr.Doo]

Nope, never use the ipod on the roads. It's not just about my own safety but that of others too. I'd no sooner block up an ear (or ears) than put an eye-patch on, or ride with one hand, not even in light traffic. There's so many more motorized numpties on the roads nowadays - which is very noticeable to me as someone coming back to cycling, for exercise and transport, after over a decade off the bike and the roads.

Another cyclist (on a non cycling) board recently recounted this...

"Over the week end, a 48 year old woman, who was training for an upcoming triathalon, was passed by a truck who swung wide, passed her on her left and turned right, the truck clipped the front wheel of her bicycle, throwing her over UNDERNEATH the rear set of wheels of the truck, and yes. She was killed. It didn't matter that she wasn't wearing a helmet. However, something L**** spoke about way back in the thread, something I never do, and was sort of shocked that people did, she was wearing an ipod in both ears and it is assumed she heard nothing."


I do admit that I ride with one ear bud in when on dedicated cycle tracks away from the roads.

[szsz]

How do you know you hear everything? I really, really want to know. Seriously. Maybe you can but I want to know how you measured your hearing in this situation.

I can hear things with one earbud in that my husband can't hear with no earbuds. I do have exceptional hearing.

I only wear one earbud and only on one training route that I do. It definitely helps me with cadence.

[amb]

Seriouly, where is the eye roll smiley face when you need one?!?! The preachiness of this thread is all a bit much for me right now.

[Miranda]

I used to ride with one ear bud in my right ear. After my dog crash, which I was NOT wearing-using my iPod, I don't use it anymore.

I went out on one ride with the one ear bud post crash... had a dog chase, and potentially could have heard him coming a little sooner without the earbud.

I love music. It motivates and enhances my ride (life). I really miss it. Riding is not the same without music.