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.