Advocacy & Safety - Here's a courage device for those intimidated by traffic and noise

Just got a pair of these Bose Accustic Noise Reducing Headphones.

They really work great. I wore them on a recent trans-Pacific flight and it was like being in another world. All the white noise was gone and the music was so clear. I even wore them without the music on just to kill the noise.

Anyway, it occurred to me that these are just the ticket for bicyclists who are intimidated by traffic and the frightening sound of motorists coming up from behind and zooming around you.

Can't wait to try these babies in heavy traffic!

http://www.bose.com/assets/images/shop_online/qc2/qc2_si_lg.jpg

That's the ticket. Tired of hearing cars coming up behind you?

you know, I always hate it when I can hear a moron coming up behind me. Besides scientists say that hearing is a good part of your balance, if you aren't able to hear your surroundings you won't be riding in a very straight line.

Not to mention how the hell would you wear a helmet with those things? and another thing..unlike helmets, Boss does not offer a crash replacement policy on it's headphones.

Right. Have fun with that. Although I won't be at the funeral...

This is the only courage device I need:

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:AEU0FRhH_Y3QmM:http://selectroclash.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/booze.jpg

is it April 1st again? ;)

you know, I always hate it when I can hear a moron coming up behind me. Besides scientists say that hearing is a good part of your balance, if you aren't able to hear your surroundings you won't be riding in a very straight line.

Not to mention how the hell would you wear a helmet with those things? and another thing..unlike helmets, Boss does not offer a crash replacement policy on it's headphones.

Good point about the helmet. As you pointed out, I could NOT wear the headphones and the helmet at the same time. I hadn't thought of that. Something had to give, so I tossed the helmet.

Boy, these things really cut out the traffic noise! It is like bicycling in my own little world with cars just floating around me ~~waaave~~

death device right there


you need all your senses operating at full capacity to be safe. having a computer chip
decide what noise is droning background noise and canceling it out is extremely bad mojo
on a bike.

great for the office though....no good for death metal cagers

I can see them working well at home. We have a two year old....

My choice would is not to wear any headphones / earphones whilst on a bike, nuff said.

This could combine well with the iPhone! You could wear these and watch a music video on your iPhone - you'd just need the handlebar mount. That'd be pretty *****ing... surround sound + video + bike commute.

surround sound + video + bike commute.

= accident :innocent:

Atta boy Mikey... that's quite a haul you've gotten already.

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/Pig_Chaser/norseafishbt1.jpg

I like Mike's sarcasm (at least, I hope it is). Reminds me of some of the cruiser-riding sort (not to mention FG/SS) around here - in their own little world. Almost impossible to get their attention if you wished to.

-Kurt

Just got a pair of these Bose Accustic Noise Reducing Headphones.

They really work great. I wore them on a recent trans-Pacific flight and it was like being in another world. All the white noise was gone and the music was so clear. I even wore them without the music on just to kill the noise.

Anyway, it occurred to me that these are just the ticket for bicyclists who are intimidated by traffic and the frightening sound of motorists coming up from behind and zooming around you.

Can't wait to try these babies in heavy traffic!

http://www.bose.com/assets/images/shop_online/qc2/qc2_si_lg.jpg

Get some of these too. Paste them on the foreheads and helmets of all the other members of the sanctimonius club.

I know you're trolling, but I never ride without these (http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Labs-51MZ0085AA007-EP-630-Headphones/dp/B000LVIC58/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_0). In ear phones are much better at isolation than cancellation phones.

oh , I'm just playing along. Should be clear from the April 1 comment earlier :)

Does anyone agree with me here that wearing anything that restricts your hearing is one of the most dangerous things you can do for safety on a bike?

Does anyone agree with me here that wearing anything that restricts your hearing is one of the most dangerous things you can do for safety on a bike?

mmmmm nah. I don't think wearing headphones is one of the most dangerous things you can do on a bike. There are lots of other more dangerous things like riding with chopsticks in your nose or riding backwards or riding with your feet on the handlebars with one hand in the air like this girlie:

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/FIP/CY-00010-C~Girl-Trick-Riding-on-Bicycle-Posters.jpg

I like Mike's sarcasm (at least, I hope it is). Reminds me of some of the cruiser-riding sort (not to mention FG/SS) around here - in their own little world.

You forgot "riding contraflow" in their own little world after dark!

Does anyone agree with me here that wearing anything that restricts your hearing is one of the most dangerous things you can do for safety on a bike?

Nope, and because I have to deal with the collective noise of wind, bus brakes, bus engines, cops on Harleys, ricer Hondas, UPS trucks, sirens, jackhammers, and everything else, I want to know just how my sense of hearing will tell me about the hybrid Camry cab just over my left shoulder.

Might as well do some cid or e while you are out riding too! I can see it now, floating down the busy road, oblivious to all the traffic while watching your handlebars grow into evolving flowers and feeling like all the drivers out there love you and you love them, because, afterall we are all one, Right?

errrrrrrrrrrr.... booom.

Just got a pair of these Bose Accustic Noise Reducing Headphones.

They really work great. I wore them on a recent trans-Pacific flight and it was like being in another world. All the white noise was gone and the music was so clear. I even wore them without the music on just to kill the noise.

I've been using a pair of classic old Sony headphones but they've got that annoying coiled cord and the older, larger plug. These look a little lighter, do they have the small plug?

I still use a helmet through, used a hack saw and pliers to make cutouts on either side and create a channel across the top.

you know, I always hate it when I can hear a moron coming up behind me. Besides scientists say that hearing is a good part of your balance, if you aren't able to hear your surroundings you won't be riding in a very straight line.


Ha, ha, ha. I was wondering why it's impossible for me to hold my line... not.

Just because some of you can't walk and chew gum and the same time don't assume the rest of the world shares your icompetence.

Does anyone agree with me here that wearing anything that restricts your hearing is one of the most dangerous things you can do for safety on a bike?

I reckon I could suggest 100 more dangerous things to do on a bike without even taking a breath.

Besides scientists say that hearing is a good part of your balance, if you aren't able to hear your surroundings you won't be riding in a very straight line.

I think you may have misheard something there, and lost your balance.

I've been using a pair of classic old Sony headphones but they've got that annoying coiled cord and the older, larger plug. These look a little lighter, do they have the small plug?


Don't let the plug type discourage your use of a courage device.
See http://www.audiogear.com/Audio-Adapters-Miniplug.html

Just because some of you can't walk and chew gum and the same time don't assume the rest of the world shares your icompetence.

+1. If you can't ride in a straight line while wearing headphones, I assure you the problem isn't with the headphones.

It's not the coordination issue, it's the safety issue of hearing the ******** truck that's coming up behind you.

That's only a problem if you can't ride in a straight line.

It's not the coordination issue, it's the safety issue of hearing the ******** truck that's coming up behind you.

OK smart guy, what do YOU DO when you hear the the ******** truck that's coming up behind you? Is a vehicle coming behind you when you ride a bicycle so unusual that you need to go in panicky rabbit mode about it?

One should be riding in a straight line and not swerving out further left. Not much different than driving really, you don't turn into the next lane without checking your mirrors and blindspots. Motorists can be completely inclosed within their cars with windows closed, air conditioner or heater on, and listening to music/radio, and they do just fine. Why not cyclists? Plus I find mirrors, or at least a head turn, to be far more reliable than listening for upcoming vehicles (which can be misleading).

Yesterday I listened to guitarist David Russell playing some Bach while riding. Gonna go get beer tonight; think I might listen to some metal. It's cold out too, so I'll be wearing a hat which will cover my ears and further impede my hearing.

Its simple really. Some people are comfortable wearing headphones while riding, others are not. Also, some people are content to allow others to make different choices, others are not.

End of debate.

One should be riding in a straight line and not swerving out further left. Not much different than driving really, you don't turn into the next lane without checking your mirrors and blindspots. Motorists can be completely inclosed within their cars with windows closed, air conditioner or heater on, and listening to music/radio, and they do just fine. Why not cyclists? Plus I find mirrors, or at least a head turn, to be far more reliable than listening for upcoming vehicles (which can be misleading).

Seriously. Do you folks think motorcyclists rely on their ears to change lanes? Having this pathological faith in the ability to hear one's way out of danger while traveling in an open vehicle above 10mph is a good way to end up dead. When you're on a road, learn to look behind you or use a mirror while riding/driving in a straight line. It works for every single vehicle on the road. I don't know why some cyclists think being on a bicycle confers echolocation. Your ears aren't worth anything on a bicycle compared to your eyes.

Seriously. Do you folks think motorcyclists rely on their ears to change lanes? Having this pathological faith in the ability to hear one's way out of danger while traveling in an open vehicle above 10mph is a good way to end up dead. When you're on a road, learn to look behind you or use a mirror while riding/driving in a straight line. It works for every single vehicle on the road. I don't know why some cyclists think being on a bicycle confers echolocation. Your ears aren't worth anything on a bicycle compared to your eyes.

+1

Regarding being able to hear the noisy truck, what about the silent hybrid that's right behind it? You simply will not hear that car (or even a hybrid SUV) over the noise.

LOL....I assume this is a fake thread.

Seriously. Do you folks think motorcyclists rely on their ears to change lanes? Having this pathological faith in the ability to hear one's way out of danger while traveling in an open vehicle above 10mph is a good way to end up dead. When you're on a road, learn to look behind you or use a mirror while riding/driving in a straight line. It works for every single vehicle on the road. I don't know why some cyclists think being on a bicycle confers echolocation. Your ears aren't worth anything on a bicycle compared to your eyes.

When I am on my motorcycle I do my best to plug the years so as little noise as possible goes in. I like to hear things when I am old.

+1

Regarding being able to hear the noisy truck, what about the silent hybrid that's right behind it? You simply will not hear that car (or even a hybrid SUV) over the noise.

Or a roadie who's about to drop our a**es, lol. :lol:

^^^ um... true... :o ;)

It is like bicycling in my own little world with cars just floating around me ~~waaave~~.... you arent in your own little world. not being aware of whats going on around you puts you in danger. period


+1

Regarding being able to hear the noisy truck, what about the silent hybrid that's right behind it? You simply will not hear that car (or even a hybrid SUV) over the noise.hybrids arent silent..... afaik the prius is the only hybrid that even has the capability of running in electric only mode, and they only do it while parking sometimes

anyway, the point is that the ability to hear definitely can help. the truck mentioned is going to be a lot wider than the hybrid, and the "im about to get buzzed by a truck" alarm is only going to go off if you hear it coming.

Check your state vehicle code, it might just be illegal to wear headphones while cycling.

From California:
27400. A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, or earplugs in, both ears. This prohibition does not apply to any of the following:

(a) A person operating authorized emergency vehicles, as defined in Section 165.

(b) A person engaged in the operation of either special construction equipment or equipment for use in the maintenance of any highway.

(c) A person engaged in the operation of refuse collection equipment who is wearing a safety headset or safety earplugs.

(d) A person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of earplugs or molds that are specifically designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. The plugs or molds shall be designed in a manner so as to not inhibit the wearer's ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle.

(e) A person using a prosthetic device that aids the hard of hearing.

Amended Sec. 45, Ch. 594, Stats. 2003. Effective January 1, 2004.

I wish I were born with a freakin' radar dish rotating out of my arse along with sight, sound, mirror, ESP, sixth sense, and a rabbit's foot.

I am not willing to give up one of my useful senses when my life may - and has - depended upon it.

BUT....I ride like an idiot in traffic. I would think that a normal person on less traveled roads or MUPs would be just as safe listening to music and judicial use of a mirror.

Just got a pair of these Bose Accustic Noise Reducing Headphones.


http://www.bose.com/assets/images/shop_online/qc2/qc2_si_lg.jpg

I got a pair to wear while riding the exercycle, I got the thing backed into a corner,,,,, I am scared of what the wife might do.

hybrids arent silent..... afaik the prius is the only hybrid that even has the capability of running in electric only mode, and they only do it while parking sometimes

Every hybrid can run in electric-only mode -- that's the whole point. I've seen them doing it myself. You hear this slight electric whine, and that's about it -- even if it's a Toyota Highlander or Ford Escape, both of which often pass in front of my building. I was walking to my bike the other night to unlock it from a rack, and turned down an offer from a cab driver along the way. As the light turned green, he drove his hybrid Camry around the corner, and I didn't hear a thing from its gas engine... because it didn't even start.

He wasn't even going fast enough to make tire noise, but if I were riding in front of him, didn't look to see him, and did something stupid like try to change lanes in front of him, I would've been toast.

What do you think deaf people do when they ride?

What do you think deaf people do when they ride?

I don't think you'll ever find an answer to this. Or to the question about what motorcyclists do when riding. :D

Does anyone agree with me here that wearing anything that restricts your hearing is one of the most dangerous things you can do for safety on a bike?

Yes, hearing is the second most important sense, right behind seeing, in cycling. Many times I will hear a car before I even see it.

Its simple really. Some people are comfortable wearing headphones while riding, others are not. Also, some people are content to allow others to make different choices, others are not.
End of debate.

incorrect...

Every hybrid can run in electric-only mode -- that's the whole point. I've seen them doing it myself. You hear this slight electric whine, and that's about it -- even if it's a Toyota Highlander or Ford Escape, both of which often pass in front of my building. I was walking to my bike the other night to unlock it from a rack, and turned down an offer from a cab driver along the way. As the light turned green, he drove his hybrid Camry around the corner, and I didn't hear a thing from its gas engine... because it didn't even start.

He wasn't even going fast enough to make tire noise, but if I were riding in front of him, didn't look to see him, and did something stupid like try to cange lanes in front of him, I would've been toast.



Your right. They need to put playing cards in the spokes.

Partially deaf in the left ear, I have to rely on my eyes, looking over the shoulder and the mirror.
Speaking of music while riding, we were waiting at the light yesterday near a guy on a Harley with no muffler it seemed, and he was playing rap, loud enough to be heard over said engine noise.

Yes, hearing is the second most important sense, right behind seeing, in cycling. Many times I will hear a car before I even see it.

If I'm paying enough attention, I'll see a car long before I can hear it.

I keep talking about the other noises around me and how they're enough to mask any sound that I'd hear from a car more than twenty yards back.

Being aware of traffic farther back than that is important because of how quickly they close the distance. It takes time for me to:

1. Decide to change lane position,
2. Check to see that I'm not going to hit anything while looking back,
3. Check my mirror (again),
4. Turn and look (both for me and to telegraph my intentions to others),
5. Decide if I have space to go with my original plan,
and
6. Change lane position.

That sequence probably takes five whole seconds. That doesn't sound like a long time, but next time you're out there, pull off and watch how far a car travels in five seconds. At a mere 25 mph, it goes over 60 yards.

Think about it -- when there's traffic all around you, and you're riding near a small pack of vehicles accelerating to the next green light, how far, effectively, does your sense of hearing really reach?

Your right. They need to put playing cards in the spokes.

If they were truly hip, they'd have race numbers instead. ;)