Yellowbeard

Speaking of which, I notice that while music apparently counts as a deadly distraction, listening to the singing birds, rushing streams, enjoying beautiful vistas, ocean breeze and the crepuscular rays of a spectacularly sinking sun are implicitly credited as "situational awareness."

kickstart

Spin-spin-spin.....

We use our senses consciously and subconsciously. Enhancing ones senses increases our situational awareness, suppressing ones senses decreases our situational awareness. The more we suppress one sense, the more we must rely on another, therefore have less overall awareness. Its a biological fact that ones ego can't change.

I-Like-To-Bike

And of course there is that most deadly distraction - noticing and responding to waving cyclists.

baron von trail 

And when they get hit by a car, they blame the driver for not paying attention.

I-Like-To-Bike

Can you point out such a "blaming" post from "they" (people who justify running through red lights and stop signs, don’t wear helmets, don’t use mirrors and plug up their ears)?

Yellowbeard

I'll bet he can, since he didn't say that any of those things were happening at the same time, or that it wasn't totally the fault of the driver(s).

Personally, I rather sympathize with people who get hit by inattentive drivers, but that's just me.

And of course, even the charge of hypocrisy falls flat when you remember that none of those actions on the part of the cyclist preclude them paying attention.

captbixley

I believe there are many deaf people out there safely riding their bikes as I type.

BicycleNutsy701

I've started wearing earbuds while riding solo, as it keeps me from zoning out (weird, but true). I don't have a problem hearing a car coming behind me, unless its a Prius but I can't hear those without earbuds either!

vatdim

I find riding without my full attention on the road can be very dangerous. Subtracting from my ability to hear incoming cars has a detrimental effect on my situation awareness. Plus, if I want to listen to music, I'd rather have no disturbances that could have a negative effect on the tracks' quality.

SB739

Hi, OP here. Great discussion ongoing here but since I've gotten my bike I've decided not to use my headphones as the first time out, I absolutely jumped out of the saddle having been passed by a car!

It's just too risky compared to what I thought.

The wind noise alone with the helmet on and speed makes it difficult to discern vehicles so I'm playing it safe!

vatdim

You made the right choice.

fietsbob

Bike on the trainer stand they're fine. not on the street .

Phamilton

I will sometimes use one earbud, but I have come to prefer none at all. I listen to music through my earbuds a lot - at work to drown out background noise and help me focus, at home for pleasure or when the kids are being too noisy or when I'm cleaning to help focus, in the car alone really just to bring a small pleasure to an otherwise unpleasant experience - so at first it seemed logical then to listen to music while cycling but I have since found that (1) it is a very enjoyable activity to begin with that doesn't require additional enhancements, (2) that I prefer to experience all the sounds around me, to be more "in touch" with my environment so to speak (the biggest perk to cycling for me as driving in a car makes me feel isolated from the outside world - that's another, more involved conversation) and (3) for safety - maybe more of a perceived safety than a calculated one, but feeling safe while riding makes it a more enjoyable experience for me. I feel it's important to mention my perspective is from one who chooses to cycle. Someone who does so out of necessity may have a different take.

asmac

Here's an alternative to headphones:

InDesign | Web design studio

Stravacyclist79

Its illegal in Califonia to ride with both ears covered with earphones. Its also illegal to jump over the border

undocumented, but nobody seems to care. I use a bloothtooth headphone one ear.


Road Rights- Listen Up

Daniel4

I had mounted a portable speaker to my handle bar once but I could never position my mp4 radio in such a way as to avoid static and interference. If I only listened to music on my mp4 that would have been fine, but I like to listen to the radio.

No ear buds or earphones for me.

mgb

I never ride with ear buds. I often run with them (right ear only) and I find that I am more likely to be surprised by a passing bike or runner ('m slow) if I'm listening to music, even with one ear uncovered. It's a matter of how many things you can pay attention to at once. Riders, don't assume a runner hears you behind him! Runners, don't assume you'll hear any bike about to pass you!

GovernorSilver

I have less than 6 months experience lifetime riding a bike. Thus, I can't afford any distractions when I ride - so no ear buds or anything for me.

Camilo

I ride with in-ear phones 99% of the time when I'm riding alone and find it perfectly safe and very enjoyable.

rydabent

I sorry but IMO if you want to listen to music, sit on your front porch and listen to it. If you want to ride, ride. Dont do both.

BTW I have been *****ed out after saying "passing left" but not heard by someone that had ear buds in both ears.

Chris516

I totally agree. Because, Motorists' wouldn't want other motorists' wearing headphones. So, Why should a cyclist think it is okay to wear earbuds while riding.

Rockfarmer

I've often wondered about the impact of earphones. Personally, I do wear them, but I keep the music level quite low. I can hear cars coming up behind with no problem. In fact, when I'm at my average speed, I really can't hear the music over the wind noise. However, when I'm struggling uphill...slowly, the music tends to help distract from the pain. I'm riding my first Hotter N Hell Hundred in a few weeks and I"ll likely keep my wireless earphones in my jersey for the first 60 ish miles and listen to music for the last 40 or so.

mr_bill

I think you either already have agreed or will agree to *NOT* wear headphones on the HHH.

-mr. bill

dramiscram

Here in Québec it is forbidden by law to ride with earbuds but NOT if it's for a cell phone !?!?! So I bought my self earbuds with a mic on the cord, just to pretend...
I feel safe with or without earbuds...

boyleesquire

In WA it's illegal to ride with headphones in, but I do it all the time. If everyone can dive down the road in a cushy box then headphones aren't so bad, but remember no one else is watching out for you. Pay attention.