I think it is pretty stupid if you cannot hear what is going on around you especially if you have good hearing. I have seen many pedestrians get in the way of people who are calling out "passing left". Almost always they have some sort of radio or music device in their ears.
On the flip side, totally unobstructed ares pick up the the rushing sound of the wind. Sometimes the wind muffles my hearing. A knitted hat pulled over the ears helps. What do you do to keep the wind noise down to a comfortable level?
Interesting post. Not only must cyclists be hearing puritans but so must pedestrians, in this case to listen for obnoxious cyclists. How exactly do pedestrians get in the way of bicyclists calling out their approach? If the pedestrian moves left they must be hearing just fine, the message is misunderstood because the yelling cyclist chooses to use cycling specific gibberish instead of a bell.
Who exactly do you think is supposed to yield for whom when a cyclist approaches a pedestrian, especially from behind? And what are those pedestrians supposed to do when a bicyclist yells "on your left" at them- Jump sideways at the sound of any bicyclist who calls out at them?
What do I do to keep out wind noise? - I turn the volume up on my mp3 player, that's what.:)
Treespeed
04-29-08, 05:06 PM
It's nice to see that even after being away for a few months that the same old BS is getting rehashed to death.
To address those who assert that it's illegal to ride with headphones in California apparently the officers in the LAPD cruiser that passed me this morning with a wave had better things to do with their time than arrest me for riding and listening to music.
KrisPistofferson
04-29-08, 05:10 PM
This thread really isn't worth getting this upset over. I merely gave my opinion, and had no idea I had to fall into one of two camps for such a Manichean conceptualization of the debate. Wipe the foam off your lips, people.
Allister
04-29-08, 06:29 PM
That is correct Allister. The difference is that I write that it is an opinion. Moreover, I make it clear -- at least make an attempt -- what my inferences are based on.
Not every opinion is worth anything, especially when they're based solely on guesswork and specualtion, as yours, by your own admission, clearly is. But if someone calls you out for the baseless opinion that it is, you feel the need to ask for empirical proof? Please.
Is it so hard for you to accept that people that have some experience in the matter might know something about it that you don't? Is statistics all you will believe? How about you actually try it out for yourself before forming an opinion? At least then it might have some basis in fact. Nothing we say, and no statistic we can show will prove anything to you. Only experience can do that.
In the greater scheme of things, this is really a non-issue, and certainly not worth the pages of debate that it regularly stirs up here. Surely there's bigger fish for the safety nannies to fry.
JoeyBike
04-29-08, 09:22 PM
Biking in my town is dangerous enough by nature and I ride very aggressively. So I would never give up my hearing willingly. However, on a long boring bike path I could see the attraction.
My answer to the poll would be NO. I never ride plugged-in to a ZombiPod.
JoeyBike
04-29-08, 09:33 PM
Who exactly do you think is supposed to yield for whom when a cyclist approaches a pedestrian, especially from behind?
I yell "!HEADS UP!" from a reasonable distance behind them. Loud. If they remain tuned out I just pass with as much space as I can get. Hardly ever have a problem, unless there is Hands Across The Path For Peace iPod Zombie March two or three abreast. If that happens and HEADS UP gets no response, I kick in the jets and brush two of them going fast as I can. They jump and scream like little girls, sometimes knocking each other down. That's the price they pay for having their heads jammed up their chili-exits on a roadway.
I-Like-To-Bike
04-30-08, 06:21 AM
... I kick in the jets and brush two of them going fast as I can. They jump and scream like little girls, sometimes knocking each other down. That's the price they pay for having their heads jammed up their chili-exits on a roadway.
Look out all you irresponsible pedestrians, a responsible all ears/all the time cyclist is coming at ya!:rolleyes:
chipcom
04-30-08, 07:07 AM
I honk my horn from a reasonable distance behind them. If that happens and the horn gets no response, I kick in the gas and brush two of them going fast as I can. They jump and scream like little girls, sometimes knocking each other down. That's the price they pay for having their heads jammed up their chili-exits on a roadway.
Fixed it for ya, Mr. Cager on a Bike.
invisiblehand
04-30-08, 08:25 AM
Not every opinion is worth anything, especially when they're based solely on guesswork and specualtion, as yours, by your own admission, clearly is. But if someone calls you out for the baseless opinion that it is, you feel the need to ask for empirical proof? Please.
Oh ... it isn't a wild guess. If you want to discuss the inferences, we can. I think that I put my comments into the correct context.
ILTB has a history here. I assume you are familiar with his arguments and calls for proof. Given his stand against "wild speculation," he should face his own standards or end his hypocrisy. To be honest, I figured that he knew something that I didn't when he first made the statement. He is typically careful with factual statements. So I asked.
Is it so hard for you to accept that people that have some experience in the matter might know something about it that you don't?
Of course not. Why do you ask?
Is statistics all you will believe?
Of course not. My comments in this thread would suggest otherwise. Why do you ask?
How about you actually try it out for yourself before forming an opinion?
What makes you think I do not try things out before forming an opinion? Mind you, at least within reason. I still think riding a bicycle down the center of a freeway against the flow of traffic is unsafe despite never trying it.
At least then it might have some basis in fact. Nothing we say, and no statistic we can show will prove anything to you. Only experience can do that.
Well, do you believe black holes exist? There is no picture of it. I assume you have not experienced a black hole.
What do you mean by prove? If you mean, something that I believe is true, then you are wrong. There are things that I believe true that I cannot prove scientifically.
In the greater scheme of things, this is really a non-issue, and certainly not worth the pages of debate that it regularly stirs up here. Surely there's bigger fish for the safety nannies to fry.
:lol:
Hah! That is certainly true about the vast majority of A&S Allister. Again, with regards to my personal thoughts about headsets, I think my statements are put into the right context. I don't go around telling people to wear helmets or ride headset-less. But if someone asks me for an opinion, I would tell them accordingly.
Allister
04-30-08, 05:50 PM
Oh ... it isn't a wild guess. If you want to discuss the inferences, we can. I think that I put my comments into the correct context.
I'd certainly be interested.
What makes you think I do not try things out before forming an opinion? Mind you, at least within reason. I still think riding a bicycle down the center of a freeway against the flow of traffic is unsafe despite never trying it.
Well, it's pretty easy to visualise that something like that isn't a particularly good idea, and the number of wrong way cyclists that get hit backs it up. It's not a very good example though. The 'risks' associated with headphone wearing aren't quite so readily apparent, hence the frequent arguments that crop up about them.
Well, do you believe black holes exist? There is no picture of it. I assume you have not experienced a black hole.
I admit I'm not well informed on the subject, but I undestand that much more qualified minds than mine believe they exist, at least in theory. That's kind of my point. When weighing the merits of varying opinions, the qualifications and experience of the opiner are fairly important.
I don't go around telling people to wear helmets or ride headset-less. But if someone asks me for an opinion, I would tell them accordingly.
It's one thing to state an opinion, but opinions aren't formed in a vacuum, or if they are they are kind of worthless. How that opinion is formed is fairly relevant.
Dangerfairy
05-01-08, 06:23 AM
I own a ipod, but only uses it when gymming or jogging. NOT when taking the road. Im still n newbie on roadcycle, and not be able to hear anything will scare the crap out of me. If cyclist with experience do decide to go with earphones, its their choice, but personally I think its irresponsible and dangerous.
Jtarkey
05-01-08, 08:07 AM
I listen to my Ipod While Riding. I keep the volume low so I can hear everything around me as well. I could see it being hazardous in some ways since it does slightly impare one of my sences but I don't really worry about it. I'm more worried about something being wrong with my bike and it making some sort of sound that I can't hear while listening to headphones. To each his own I guess. I would say it is a bad idea if you have the headphones on full blast.
invisiblehand
05-01-08, 08:48 AM
When weighing the merits of varying opinions, the qualifications and experience of the opiner are fairly important.
...
It's one thing to state an opinion, but opinions aren't formed in a vacuum, or if they are they are kind of worthless. How that opinion is formed is fairly relevant.
No argument here with the above.
As I mentioned earlier, my inferences are based on some readings and news programs with regards to driving a car, human perception, and distractions. I am having trouble remembering the specific magnitudes of the results -- I recall simulation studies, studies where they had cameras in cars, and accident reports -- but the researchers concluded that distractions -- some of which specifically included loud music -- were a significant factor. One of the interesting "side notes" in this collection of research was that music < books on tape < conversation with regards to the amount of distraction as it relates to accidents. There were some other important points. I got the sense that a lot of the "distraction effect" had an interaction with age, gender, and experience.
Of course, this also depends on whether you believe that driving a car is similar enough to riding a bicycle to make the inference. An obvious difference is that in a car, if your mind wanders a bit, there is a chance your speed will creep up whereas on a bicycle I would think that the natural response would be to slow down. One plus is that there are a lot of resources that go into auto driving studies. So you might think that the quality of the data and amount scrutiny would be higher.
I assume you are not particularly interested in my own anecdotal observations. I don't see why mine would be better or worse than your own.
... got to run. I will try to finish my thoughts later.
EDIT: The italics is simply to distinguish parts of the sentence ... not give any emphasis.
JoeyBike
05-05-08, 07:02 AM
I honk my horn from a reasonable distance behind them. If that happens and the horn gets no response, I kick in the gas and brush two of them going fast as I can. They jump and scream like little girls, sometimes knocking each other down. That's the price they pay for having their heads jammed up their chili-exits on a roadway.
Fixed it for ya, Mr. Cager on a Bike.
Chip, you got it wrong buddy.
If you were biking down the center line on a two-lane narrow highway with your iPod blaring, and a motorist honked from a reasonable distance behind you with no response from you, then honked again from a closer distance - again no response.....would you deserve to be brushed? I think so.
Now picture this: You and two of your buds were biking down the same two-lane roadway. You are still on the center line and each of them are in the center of each lane - three abreast. A car full of preachers rolls up behind you at 55 MPH and honks from a reasonable distance. Then honks from half that distance - still you all ignore them. Regardless of what they choose to do next, do you DESERVE to be brushed? I think so.
chipcom
05-05-08, 07:28 AM
Chip, you got it wrong buddy.
If you were biking down the center line on a two-lane narrow highway with your iPod blaring, and a motorist honked from a reasonable distance behind you with no response from you, then honked again from a closer distance - again no response.....would you deserve to be brushed? I think so.
Now picture this: You and two of your buds were biking down the same two-lane roadway. You are still on the center line and each of them are in the center of each lane - three abreast. A car full of preachers rolls up behind you at 55 MPH and honks from a reasonable distance. Then honks from half that distance - still you all ignore them. Regardless of what they choose to do next, do you DESERVE to be brushed? I think so.
Incorrect, but thank you for proving me right. You ain't nothing but another impatient driver who thinks being inconvenienced gives you the right to put someone in danger. Go ahead, brush me...but don't go crying to your mommy when I take that car/bike and shove it up your butt!
JoeyBike
05-05-08, 08:08 AM
Incorrect, but thank you for proving me right. You ain't nothing but another impatient driver who thinks being inconvenienced gives you the right to put someone in danger. Go ahead, brush me...but don't go crying to your mommy when I take that car/bike and shove it up your butt!
Just pay attention and be polite to other trail users and you won't get brushed. Not by me anyway. Do whatever you want and confuse "right of way" with "I can do anything I please" and everyone will brush you.
Your kind seem to be problematic to me. You lay down in the road and complain about being run over.
chipcom
05-05-08, 08:14 AM
Just pay attention and be polite to other trail users and you won't get brushed. Not by me anyway. Do whatever you want and confuse "right of way" with "I can do anything I please" and everyone will brush you.
Your kind seem to be problematic to me. You lay down in the road and complain about being run over.
My kind? What kind is that...please, tell us, I'm sure everyone here will get a good laugh from your perception.
You are part of the problem, pal, impatient, in a hurry and rude.
I don't get brushed, but if someday I am walking on a trail and you decide to do so, I hope your insurance is paid up. Ain't no excuse for bad manners and neither the type of vehicle you are using, the speed you are going nor the type of horn you use, give you the right of way. Passing safely is the responsibility of the person doing the passing. I know that's inconvenient for you as you race down the MUP with delusions of being in the TDF, but so sorry, learn to live with it.
dobber
05-05-08, 09:16 AM
I use to regularlly use my iPod Shuffle during my work commute. While I enjoyed the great outdoors, after a year or two up and down the same 8 mile stretch of country road, things were getting monotonous. And I missed listening to Bob & Tom. I usually just had one earphone. Never had issues even when running to gauntlet along the road directly to the plant.
For my long distance rides I'd often take along my iPod Nano with both earpieces. I'd usually listen to audiobooks or some type of light music. My rides were usualy a mix of State Highways and rural roads. Again, never any real issues although I probably maintained a higher level of awareness.
I found the Slip (http://www.slipstreamz.com/content.asp?subID=8) to be highly effective for listening to music while riding. They're also surprisingly effective at keeping ones ears warmer in the cold weather.
I am having trouble with sun glare on my iPod Video though. Anyone else watching videos while riding?
Treespeed
05-05-08, 01:12 PM
Chip, you got it wrong buddy.
If you were biking down the center line on a two-lane narrow highway with your iPod blaring, and a motorist honked from a reasonable distance behind you with no response from you, then honked again from a closer distance - again no response.....would you deserve to be brushed? I think so.
Now picture this: You and two of your buds were biking down the same two-lane roadway. You are still on the center line and each of them are in the center of each lane - three abreast. A car full of preachers rolls up behind you at 55 MPH and honks from a reasonable distance. Then honks from half that distance - still you all ignore them. Regardless of what they choose to do next, do you DESERVE to be brushed? I think so.
Strawman.
JoeyBike
05-05-08, 07:29 PM
My kind? What kind is that...please, tell us, I'm sure everyone here will get a good laugh from your perception.
You are part of the problem...rude.
Rude? What name do you have for people strolling down a MULTI-use path with their heads up their iPods, blocking the path with no concern whatsoever for other trail users trying to enjoy the path too??? You don't call that rude?
Are you from NY?
chipcom
05-05-08, 07:55 PM
Rude? What name do you have for people strolling down a MULTI-use path with their heads up their iPods, blocking the path with no concern whatsoever for other trail users trying to enjoy the path too??? You don't call that rude?
Are you from NY?
I dunno, you're the muppet, what do you call them?
Me, I see them as no different from any other traffic.
Rude, clueless or not, it is still YOUR responsibility to pass them safely and not act like the typical impatient, rude, dickwad driver.
Are you from Joisey?
Bet you love 'brushing' Amish buggies who have the gall not to get out of your way too.
You probably get a nut from 'brushing' those damned deaf cyclists who dare not clear the way for you too.
So much for southern manners, eh...jerk.
JoeyBike
05-05-08, 10:28 PM
What is it with the ever increasing number of cyclists that ride around totally oblivious to their surroundings while plugged into their iPods? They hear nothing, are aware of nothing...
David
Just thought I would quote the OPs original question.
Now we know "What is it?". They don't give a darn. Question answered ^
Bikepacker67
05-05-08, 10:37 PM
Rude, clueless or not, it is still YOUR responsibility to pass them safely and not act like the typical impatient, rude, dickwad driver.
It's like these folks have never been at sea!
Riding on a MUP is a lot like taking a speed boat out of the harbor.
Ohh... and BTW people, MUPs aren't roads.
Equating Peds to Cyclists and Cyclists to Cars on a MUP is plain ol' dumb.
JoeyBike
05-05-08, 10:39 PM
So much for southern manners, eh...jerk.
Southern Hospitality is the quality us jerks are famous for.
As for manners, if you don't have any on our MUPs, someone will certainly adjust your attitude with a sharpened elbow sooner than later.
Bikepacker67
05-05-08, 10:50 PM
Southern Hospitality is the quality us jerks are famous for.
As for manners, if you don't have any on our MUPs, someone will certainly adjust your attitude with a sharpened elbow sooner than later.
Ok... MUP manners are an issue.
For instance, when I was a cycling noob, it used to be that my pet peeve was those ridiculous powerwalkering gangs, with their rubber tipped ski-poles, rhythmically goose-stepping across both lanes and impeding my FREEDOM (dammit :p).
Now I just avoid their migrational routes when I can, and treat the times that I can't as an opportunity to study the herds.
</snark>
Treespeed
05-06-08, 12:41 AM
Southern Hospitality is the quality us jerks are famous for.
As for manners, if you don't have any on our MUPs, someone will certainly adjust your attitude with a sharpened elbow sooner than later.
Sounds like someone didn't get enough hugs growing up.
Watch out everyone, it's the internet tough guy.:rolleyes:
JoeyBike
05-06-08, 06:32 AM
Watch out everyone, it's the internet tough guy.:rolleyes:
I wouldn't do that. Elbowing someone is assault. But there are people here who would, or just squeeze you off the path.
I am polite and expect others to be polite. If they are rude and clueless then I don't care about them. But I won't touch them.
chipcom
05-06-08, 06:44 AM
Southern Hospitality is the quality us jerks are famous for.
As for manners, if you don't have any on our MUPs, someone will certainly adjust your attitude with a sharpened elbow sooner than later.
Sure it would...internet tough guys, meet em everywhere. :lol:
Must make you feel really manly elbowing clueless kids and little old ladies. :rolleyes:
chipcom
05-06-08, 06:46 AM
I wouldn't do that. Elbowing someone is assault. But there are people here who would, or just squeeze you off the path.
I am polite and expect others to be polite. If they are rude and clueless then I don't care about them. But I won't touch them.
Nice back pedal...but it seems to me that you are just as rude and clueless and those you rail against.
Two lefts make a right, but two wrongs don't.
JoeyBike
05-06-08, 07:34 AM
Two lefts make a right, but two wrongs don't.
I never claimed to be right. Don't think I accused you of being wrong at any point. OK, I went back and looked. I used the phrase "You got it wrong" plain as day.
For the record: Kids and old ladies would be very rare on "my" MUP, especially the times I use it. It is also rare that I have problems at all, or I wouldn't use the thing. Seems though, every time I have a problem it involves a person or persons positioned on the path improperly while listening to music. I can see the cord. My "polite" option would be to slow to walking speed and tap them on the shoulder, hope they don't jump into my lap or elbow me in the face from being startled, then ask them kindly if I may pass them pretty please using the space that I am entitled to on the path.
Screw all that. I just ain't that nice. Zone out at your own risk. I am not begging strangers to allow me to use the path. My brushing some knucklehead is wrong too. I freely admit that. Some people understand nothing but that kind of wakeup call. They definitely don't pay attention to signage on the path.
If you condone proper path use as a do-whatever-you-please with no regard for anyone else on this earth, then you are w-r-o-n-g. (Or just messing with me to pass the time). If you are just hating on me for brushing the occasional ZombiPod, then sir, we are in agreement that is not very nice of me.
chipcom
05-06-08, 08:34 AM
I never claimed to be right. Don't think I accused you of being wrong at any point. OK, I went back and looked. I used the phrase "You got it wrong" plain as day.
For the record: Kids and old ladies would be very rare on "my" MUP, especially the times I use it. It is also rare that I have problems at all, or I wouldn't use the thing. Seems though, every time I have a problem it involves a person or persons positioned on the path improperly while listening to music. I can see the cord. My "polite" option would be to slow to walking speed and tap them on the shoulder, hope they don't jump into my lap or elbow me in the face from being startled, then ask them kindly if I may pass them pretty please using the space that I am entitled to on the path.
Screw all that. I just ain't that nice. Zone out at your own risk. I am not begging strangers to allow me to use the path. My brushing some knucklehead is wrong too. I freely admit that. Some people understand nothing but that kind of wakeup call. They definitely don't pay attention to signage on the path.
If you condone proper path use as a do-whatever-you-please with no regard for anyone else on this earth, then you are w-r-o-n-g. (Or just messing with me to pass the time). If you are just hating on me for brushing the occasional ZombiPod, then sir, we are in agreement that is not very nice of me.
Now you're contradicting yourself...first you say you brush them, then you say you don't, now you say you do again? Let me put it in simple English for you:
1. It is YOUR responsibility to pass safely, no matter how rude or clueless the person you are passing is.
2. Brushing or whatever not only makes you a jerk, it also makes you guilty of assault and would probably provoke someone like me to chase you down, give you a public spanking and make you apologize to the person you 'brushed'.
3. If you think any of the above is w-r-o-n-g, tough crap.
JoeyBike
05-06-08, 07:17 PM
Now you're contradicting yourself...first you say you brush them, then you say you don't, now you say you do again?
I brush them. That means to me that they feel the wind created by me as I pass them. I do not touch them. I misused the term "brushed" apparently.
You obviously are the moral character god of the MUP. Good for you. I am a bad boy and deserve to be spanked. I will go and get my wife to oblige me in that undertaking right now.
chipcom
05-06-08, 07:32 PM
I am a bad boy and deserve to be spanked. I will go and get my wife to oblige me in that undertaking right now.
First thing you've had to say in this thread that makes sense! :D
JoeyBike
05-06-08, 08:03 PM
First thing you've had to say in this thread that makes sense! :D
I'm willing to end it on that note if you are.
BTW...why no pic of the Snow Bike?
chipcom
05-07-08, 06:29 AM
I'm willing to end it on that note if you are.
BTW...why no pic of the Snow Bike?
Because it won't fit in the allowed sig width...and it's just a beater hybrid.
http://www.chipcom.net/bikes/rt24.jpg
JoeyBike
05-07-08, 08:03 AM
...and it's just a beater hybrid.
Man, I don't know how you folks up yonder deal with snow on a regular basis.
When you said snow bike my mind went directly to images like this:
I own a Surly Pugsley. It's my sand bike. Draws a little too much attention for my use, but is a very fun ride.
robertlinthicum
06-06-08, 03:26 PM
Sounds like someone didn't get enough hugs growing up.
Watch out everyone, it's the internet tough guy.:rolleyes: Who didn't get the hugs--a knob who makes smart-alecky, useless, ill-informed, and *anonymous* posts, or? If the shoe fits . . .
thehum
06-06-08, 11:21 PM
Actually Chip, I agree that one can responsibly listen to music while cycling. My guess is that we would compensate by adjusting other choices; i.e., riding a bit slower, with a little more caution, adjusting the volume when appropriate. So just like I care little for helmet laws and helmet nannies, I doubt that I would support a no music law or some blanket recommendation.
However, a recommendation that one use extra care is warranted, IMO.
I completely agree. I ride with my headphones and iPod every single day *gasp!*. and safely. Never have I encountered a situation where my music impeded upon my safety. And I ride in Boston and NYC. How?
1.)Use my vision to stay alert and pay attention to cars/peds/dogs/potholes/crackheads. Signal if I need to.
2.)Keep the volume turned down enough so I can hear the swoosh of a car approaching at least 40ft behind me(that takes some adjusting) USING OPEN AIR HEADPHONES ONLY
because open air headphones sit on top of your ears and don't block out sound. With the volume turned down I can hear cars, purring cats, and the clicking of my freewheel as I cruise.
Open air types of headphones are the only ones I would say are safe at all while cycling. Period. I can't stress this enough. I'm all for listening to music while biking/jogging on streets but I agree it's almost gaurenteed for a cyclist to be oblivious to his/her surroundings with in-ear buds or circumaural heaphones with foam cups because those types of headphones are designed to block out sound and with music blasting through those it's impossible to hear anything. I would even discourage just wearing one earbud because then you still can't hear out of that ear.
Before I wore a helmet I used these:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41BTCNXNJHL._SL500_AA280_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PX-100-Collapsible-Headphones/dp/B000089GN3/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1212814585&sr=8-1)
Now I use these:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41cujkzGt5L._SL500_AA280_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-G42LP-behind-neck/dp/B0002KQUPC/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1212814643&sr=1-11)
I own both of these but never ever ever use them biking:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Ai3O2jEUL._SL500_AA240_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-202-Headphones/dp/B000065BP9/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1212815776&sr=1-1)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416ZJ33WQ5L._SL500_AA280_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-CX-300B-CX300-B-Earbuds/dp/B000E1FYQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1212815755&sr=1-1)
3) Although this probably matter much less important than the above, I find instrumental music (without words) to be less distracting.
I seem to have a hard time getting this across to friends I've run into who have worn earbuds and even noise canceling Bose headphones while biking. Fools.
I think a poll should be recast to include an option for the type of headphones because yes, it matters.
Feathers
06-07-08, 09:47 AM
we've prohibited iPods/MP3 players on our club rides because riders who use them were consistently missing verbal exchanges and warnings.
even more problematic is that since they didn't pay sufficient attention, they were subsequently not "calling" things like potholes, glass, grates, and other potential dangers to those following.
we had *enough* and declared that those problematic music devices were no longer permitted.
BarracksSi
06-07-08, 12:02 PM
we've prohibited iPods/MP3 players on our club rides...
I wouldn't want to use an iPod on a club ride, either.
I-Like-To-Bike
06-07-08, 12:16 PM
we've prohibited iPods/MP3 players on our club rides because riders who use them were consistently missing verbal exchanges and warnings.
even more problematic is that since they didn't pay sufficient attention, they were subsequently not "calling" things like potholes, glass, grates, and other potential dangers to those following.
we had *enough* and declared that those problematic music devices were no longer permitted.
I wouldn't want to use an iPod on a club ride, either.
Just shows to go you. Riding so close together in a group on public roads that a cyclist's safety is dependent on others to call out warnings for road hazards that would otherwise be in plain sight seems rather clueless to me. I wouldn't want to be on such club rides with or without an iPod. Different strokes for different folks, eh?
Feathers
06-07-08, 04:21 PM
Riding so close together in a group on public roads that a cyclist's safety is dependent on others to call out warnings for road hazards that would otherwise be in plain sight seems rather clueless to me.
I wouldn't want to be on such club rides with or without an iPod.high-speed, tight pacelines aren't your bag, that's cool, too.
I-Like-To-Bike
06-08-08, 04:34 AM
high-speed, tight pacelines aren't your bag, that's cool, too.
That is true. My bag includes listening to and enjoying music or audio books while I ride at my own pace. Enjoy whatever type of riding you like.
To OP of this thread and other Safety Nannys who wish to control the cycling enjoyment of others for their alleged own good, it is also cool to appreciate that "clueless" may be in the mind of the beholder.
kendall
06-10-08, 12:06 PM
Just shows to go you. Riding so close together in a group on public roads that a cyclist's safety is dependent on others to call out warnings for road hazards that would otherwise be in plain sight seems rather clueless to me. I wouldn't want to be on such club rides with or without an iPod. Different strokes for different folks, eh?
My view also. The most I ride with any more is 5 people, and that's on rare occasions when everyone feels like heading out to the lake.
I'm also very prone to changing routes in favor of an interesting road or trail, hard to do with a group.