Road Cycling - cycling with tunes...

just curious how many folks out there listen to tunes while riding - walkman, mp3, boombox, whatever. if you use headphones, is there any concern about not being able to hear traffic / other riders and/or pedestrians? do you use both headphones or only one (so you can hear the world going on around you too), or do you just keep the volume low enough to be able to hear other things? thanks in advance.

just curious how many folks out there listen to tunes while riding - walkman, mp3, boombox, whatever. if you use headphones, is there any concern about not being able to hear traffic / other riders and/or pedestrians? do you use both headphones or only one (so you can hear the world going on around you too), or do you just keep the volume low enough to be able to hear other things? thanks in advance.

You might want to check out:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=459&highlight=walkman

which gave some thoughts a short time ago. :D

Never! First off with music or whatever being pumped into your ear no matter the volumn will hinder your hearing, and you need your hearing when riding! I can usually tell what a car is going to do as it's coming up behind me by listening to the engine, is the engine suddenly accelarating? if so it may be trying to beat you to a intersection or a street and end up cutting you off to turn before you get there. Is the car tires on the pavement or on the edge of the road? could be someone not paying attention to where their going and could hit you from behind. Are tires squeeling around a corner? Could be some kid racing his car and is taking the turn wide and could end up hitting you.

There is all sorts of reasons you should keep your hearing unhindered if you think about it. And besides, when I ride, I ride to get away from noise like that so I can hear the music of nature.

I'm not advocating an position, just sharing an opinion.
I bike around NYC traffic a lot with headphones on and to me, it feels pretty much the same with or without. Maybe in a rural area where hearing cars is important, I'll wear 1 on my right side and play it light but in midtown traffic where the ambient noise is 85 dBA, it doesn't make a diff for me.
While I also understand that a "fender bender" with a car is a lot more severe, I've been bumped and bounced off the side of cars before without falling (ok I do have fallen too).

You will always hear the same (never) thing from people who ride in traffic and are on the constant lookout for cars.....it's a self preservation thing. Then you will hear never from the others who are out for a "smell the roses" experience when they ride. But I think you will find there is a class of riders that does have the ability to listen to music because of their circumstances.

I bought an MP3 player specifically for this purpose. I listen mainly to talk radio. The phones I use are foam covered and sit over the ear. I felt this would make it less likely to block traffic sounds. All that being said, it still makes me less comfortable riding, so I don't use it. . .

i like the suggestion about just wearing the right one. i've been tempted to do it myself, and never have. bottom line, if you don't feel comfortable doing it, don't do it. safety first and all. if you think you can do it and still be safe, go for it.

It is also against the law in some states to wear headphones while riding a bike.

I bought a creative MP3 Player mostly for Running, but have tried it for cycling. When I am on the roads it freaks me out. For me, part of being comfortable riding on the roads is knowing your surroundings. That means knowing when a car is coming up on you. With music playing every car is a surprise.

Now if I am riding on a trail where there are not many people (easy to do in colorado) I listen to music.

I think this is alot like the helmet/no helmet thing. Use your own judgement as when to listen or go without. Hope everyone is safe out there!

Oh yea, my thoughts are assuming that you are a competent rider. I have been hit by two other riders that couldnt keep a line and swirved right into me because 1, they didnt look. 2, they couldnt hear me announce "on your left". Dont be that guy!

If you like music but don't want to risk wearing headphones do like I do, sing when I ride, like,

"RIDING THROUGH THE DANGER ZONE DUH DA DUH,"
or
"TRUCKING, GOT MY CHIPS CASHED IN, KEEP TRUCKING LIKE THE DO-DAH MAN"

I especially like to sing on big group rides, I find the best time to start is right before the top of a hill.

Looks like I'm going against the general opinion here, but I love music while riding. When it's safe to do so, I've usually got the radio going in my right ear. I can still hear cars coming up from behind, shoulder check often just in case, and have the earbud pulled out whenever I'm riding through the city or any busy area. For those long rides on low traffic roads with good visibility, I don't see any major risk - and it sure passes the time and makes it more enjoyable for me.

Give it a try on a low traffic road you're familar with, and see what you think. You might find that music only annoys you while riding, or that you don't feel safe, or that you really like it - only one way to find out.

Overall, I'd agree that listening to music is an increased risk, but so long as you use common sense to avoid the more dangerous situations and always stay aware - you may find the benefits well worth it.

Mike

I actually used to be opposed to music, but I have found on my commute that my hearing is in no way impaired by music at a reasonable volume. In fact, what I found really kills your hearing is the wind noise. I use an in ear style headphone that seems to allow outside noise in much better than most others I have used since they don't cover your whole ear. The thing is, I also realized I never go by the sound of traffic or whatever, I am constantly scanning ahead, right, left and occasionally behind, and still do this regardless of the headphones, plus I also noticed I can still hear the cars coming up behind me no problem. Its nice to have something other than wind noise to listen to, and keeps me a bit calmer in traffic.

Dont be that guy!

What band are you going to see tonight? The Merkins. And you're wearing the shirt of the band you're going to see? Gutter, don't be that guy.

Ahhh I love PCU.

Seely, you lost me.

Keep ears open,no tunes.

Seely, you lost me.
seely, i was right with you. great movie, great quote.

I bought a 128Mb MP3/WMA player last year right before an MS150. loaded it up and I've been using it ever since! I can get a full 5 hours, though I rarely use it. I load up some "high energy" songs and just get into a groove. Makes the miles fly by and since it's small, it easily fits in a jersey pocket :)

just curious how many folks out there listen to tunes while riding - walkman, mp3, boombox, whatever. if you use headphones, is there any concern about not being able to hear traffic / other riders and/or pedestrians? do you use both headphones or only one (so you can hear the world going on around you too), or do you just keep the volume low enough to be able to hear other things? thanks in advance.

Sure I do it all the time. Headphones! on TV going! but then nobody is going to hiut me on the trainer in my living room.

That bus who knows exactly where he is (but doesn't condiser the wind or road) will still be just 4 inches away!

just curious how many folks out there listen to tunes while riding -

I used to all the time. Dead battery has me music-less recently. I used to use the ear bud in both ears, more recently just one. When I ride with music again, it will only be one.

Can I hear cars coming behind me? Yes.
Can I see what is in front of me? Yes. For me, my eyes are more important than my ears (kind of like the way different people learn in different ways).

With music:
Above 25, can I even hear the music? No.
Above 22? Barely.
Can I talk to people at stops? Yes.

No Music:
Above 25 can I hear anything? Just wind and no traffic.
Above 22? A little, but not much.

Point being, that I don't think it matters much. Recently I've enjoyed just the sound of the wind and bike. Even with the headphones, I keep them so loose that they regularly fall out and I don't notice. I do like tunes for hills and repetitive training rides.

Be smart and alert. Know what is around you, what intersections are coming, the traffic rules, and do you best to be in the right spot and visible. If you do wear head phones, it is probably best to only use one (so you don't get a ticket and it may be a degree or two safer). If they distract you when you need to pay attention, don't use them. Don't be afraid to pull them out at times during a ride.





And for all your preachers who yell about this, chill. If you are so godly and correct, we will all get the Darwin award. Just go out and enjoy your riding. Statistically it is still more dangerous to be driving one of those cars than near them.

Do you have full attention being paid to your bike and surroundings? NO! Your thinking about your music, playing with the headphones,everything but that small rock in the road that you dont see because you just happen to try to adjust your headphones and cant get it in one ear and your getting pissed and then that small rock that knocks your handlebars out of your hand because the other one is adjusting the headphone,volume. Point is,ride,dont listen to music,imo of course.

Personally, I have avoided hundreds of rocks, thousands of potholes and rarely have to readjust my headphones. Sounds like you have a tough time at it.

Just a question: I wonder if you ever talk on a cell phone while driving? Perhaps you fiddle with your radio while screaming down a road at 55 or 60mph? You might consider that you actions in a car are far more likely to have dire consequences for you (and others) than having an MP3 player tucked away in a jersey pocket...

Your analogy is horribly flawed. You suggest that taking a hand off the handlebars to adjust an MP3 player is dangerous. I wonder: do you come home from every ride dehydrated? Surely you must take your hands off the bars to grab a water bottle? Or is your life so dominated by a fear of removing one hand from the bars (lest an errant rock magically intercept your tires at the perfect angle and cause you to careen wildly out of control) that you have everything on your bike laid in such a manner that you need never remove your vise-like grip from the bars? If so, please do not ever ride with or even near me since it's obvious you lack even basic control over your bike. If you cannot remove your hand from bars for 2-3 seconds for any reason, you have some serious work to do...

This has become a silly thread. Of course people listen to music while riding. Of course they make it home safely. Of course they can hear cars behind and see them ahead. And, as a previous poster so aptly pointed out, if you are relying only on your hearing while you ride, you are a menace. All it takes is one turn into the wind and you're not gonna hear crap, even your MP3 player... Your eyes are the key. Scan the road ahead. Glance behind you for cars. look down at your tires and spokes and chainringson occasion... I bet the people complaining about riding w/ music are the same ones who have their car stereos so loud they don't even hear me honk when they cut me off w/ only inches to spare during a lane change. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...

Personally, I have avoided hundreds of rocks, thousands of potholes and rarely have to readjust my headphones. Sounds like you have a tough time at it.

Just a question: I wonder if you ever talk on a cell phone while driving? Perhaps you fiddle with your radio while screaming down a road at 55 or 60mph? You might consider that you actions in a car are far more likely to have dire consequences for you (and others) than having an MP3 player tucked away in a jersey pocket...

Your analogy is horribly flawed. You suggest that taking a hand off the handlebars to adjust an MP3 player is dangerous. I wonder: do you come home from every ride dehydrated? Surely you must take your hands off the bars to grab a water bottle? Or is your life so dominated by a fear of removing one hand from the bars (lest an errant rock magically intercept your tires at the perfect angle and cause you to careen wildly out of control) that you have everything on your bike laid in such a manner that you need never remove your vise-like grip from the bars? If so, please do not ever ride with or even near me since it's obvious you lack even basic control over your bike. If you cannot remove your hand from bars for 2-3 seconds for any reason, you have some serious work to do...

This has become a silly thread. Of course people listen to music while riding. Of course they make it home safely. Of course they can hear cars behind and see them ahead. And, as a previous poster so aptly pointed out, if you are relying only on your hearing while you ride, you are a menace. All it takes is one turn into the wind and you're not gonna hear crap, even your MP3 player... Your eyes are the key. Scan the road ahead. Glance behind you for cars. look down at your tires and spokes and chainringson occasion... I bet the people complaining about riding w/ music are the same ones who have their car stereos so loud they don't even hear me honk when they cut me off w/ only inches to spare during a lane change. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones...

Never have listen to music or anything in my ears when i ride. Dont own a cell phone. Radio controls are on my steering wheel. Anything else? Hey,you want to do it go ahead,you did read my post at the end that said this was imo? Me,i think its dumb but i'm not stopping you or anyone else from doing it. Sounds like your feeling a bit of guilt. Enjoy the tunes.

Do you have full attention being paid to your bike and surroundings? NO! Your thinking about your music, playing with the headphones,everything but that small rock in the road that you dont see because you just happen to try to adjust your headphones and cant get it in one ear and your getting pissed and then that small rock that knocks your handlebars out of your hand because the other one is adjusting the headphone,volume. Point is,ride,dont listen to music,imo of course.

The question is, have you ridden with headphones? You can't make this statement until you have. I used to think the same thing but for about the past month I have ridden with the off and on and had no problems whatsoever. I use a earphone that clips securely onto my ear and doesn't block any outside noise so its not really an issue for me. The music just becomes white noise after awhile, so much more pleasant than the wind noise I was so used to!!! :D

Do you have full attention being paid to your bike and surroundings? NO! Your thinking about your music, playing with the headphones,everything but that small rock in the road that you dont see because you just happen to try to adjust your headphones and cant get it in one ear and your getting pissed and then that small rock that knocks your handlebars out of your hand because the other one is adjusting the headphone,volume. Point is,ride,dont listen to music,imo of course.

lol. Thats exactly like saying, "dont wear sunglasses because if you have to lift your hand up to adjust them and you hit a rock your going to crash."

Tuneless in SoCal. LOL Like i said,enjoy the tunes,its not for me and i must say as i ride,90% of the other riders are tuneless to.

Anything else? Yeah. you never mentioned water whether you use water bottles. As SoCal said, you'd have to lift your hand from the handlerbars. Not feeling guilty, just feeling sorry for someone who seems too terrified to take a hand of their bars.

PS You might "walk a mile" before you assume it's dangerous. I've done it both ways: yours and mine. You've only done it your way. Until such time as you've done it the other way or at least offered some proof about how dangerous headphones can be while on a bike, you're hardly a voice to considered...

Do you have full attention being paid to your bike and surroundings? NO! Your thinking about your music...

It's actually surprising how little you are able the concentrate on what you're listening to when riding in traffic. A few times I've listened to a sports program while riding, while also taping the show at home. When I listened to the same program later (on tape) I was shocked by how much I'd missed because I was focused on the road.



...then that small rock that knocks your handlebars out of your hand because the other one is adjusting the headphone,volume.

Try putting this argument to the unshakable downtube shifting brigade, and you'll be howled down in about five seconds.

On tours we bring along a CD player with AM/FM band, the player sits in a seat bag and is conected to just one smalll walkman speaker. Most of the time it's not used, but when your out in the sticks it's nice to have. The am/fm band is a must for multi day tours. It's nikce to have some idea what the next days weather will be like. WIll it be warm and sunny? will it rain... or snow?

I think a lot depends on where you ride. If you ride city or with a lot of traffic I think you need to be more cautious. If you ride country or less traveled roads, I think you can get away with a little more "distraction". In other words, ride safely for whatever environment you are in and don't take unneeded chances.

Personally I mostly ride roads that are lightly traveled and I wear one bud on the right and play at low volume. I can’t hear it at high speed, but it is nice to have when things slow down. I would not consider using it while riding in a group or in even moderate traffic.

Yeah. you never mentioned water whether you use water bottles. As SoCal said, you'd have to lift your hand from the handlerbars. Not feeling guilty, just feeling sorry for someone who seems too terrified to take a hand of their bars.

PS You might "walk a mile" before you assume it's dangerous. I've done it both ways: yours and mine. You've only done it your way. Until such time as you've done it the other way or at least offered some proof about how dangerous headphones can be while on a bike, you're hardly a voice to considered...

So your telling me even if i said its not for me but go ahead if you like it,i dont get to voice my opinion? I didnt anyone that does it is bad,just what i think are drawbacks but if its for you,go ahead its not for me for my reasons,is that ok?