Advocacy & Safety - Safe way to listen to music while riding

Admittedly, one of the only reasons I haven't gotten hit yet and why I muster up the confidence to ride fast is my hearing. I ride in a residential area, so most of the sound is the wind going through the trees, so I can always hear when a car's coming up from any direction.

But what about those of you who use your eyes instead of your ears? (Well, I guess the first question would be if anyone does that.) How do you safely listen to music and ride your bike?

I use (http://farendgear.com/xdu/) a one eared, ear bud. Wired so both channels go to just one ear bud. So only one of my ears has music/audio going to it. The other is open for the sounds of the world. I would not feel comfortable having both with audio while riding with other road users.

Admittedly, one of the only reasons I haven't gotten hit yet and why I muster up the confidence to ride fast is my hearing. I ride in a residential area, so most of the sound is the wind going through the trees, so I can always hear when a car's coming up from any direction.

But what about those of you who use your eyes instead of your ears? (Well, I guess the first question would be if anyone does that.) How do you safely listen to music and ride your bike?
I don't and for me would never ride with earbuds on I don't feel it is safe.

i bought this handle bar bag months ago. listen to it everyday plenty loud enough and excellent battery life. hook my ipod or my phone to it. i would never use earphones \m/\m/http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DR12C2/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

The only time I am on my bike and listening to music is when I'm riding my bike on rollers. I will not willingly give up any part of my ability to hear motorists; too much is at stake.

It's kind of funny. I think it is fine to ride without a helmet, although I tend to wear one. I think mirrors add much to safety, although my wife uses one on our tandem. However, I really wonder about the judgment of people who willfully block off part of their hearing. I guess I should just get over it, just like I hope those who harp on helmets and mirrors will get over it too. I'd rather folks rode with earbuds than drove without them.

Haven't tried it but it's probably okay to use earphones on a MUP- heck, just look at all the others doing it!:lol:

I use ear buds in one ear playing music on low volume, so it does not seem to interfere with hearing traffic. The key is low volume: so you can hear the music playing with just one ear.

Open headphones is the only way, plus if you're going a decent speed your hearing is already questionable with the sound of the wind.

I don't and for me would never ride with earbuds on I don't feel it is safe.

+1000

But what about those of you who use your eyes instead of your ears? (Well, I guess the first question would be if anyone does that.) How do you safely listen to music and ride your bike?
Use our eyes to see relevant traffic information, not our ears to listen to noise.

But what about those of you who use your eyes instead of your ears? (Well, I guess the first question would be if anyone does that.) How do you safely listen to music and ride your bike?
Use our eyes to see relevant traffic information, not our ears to listen to noise.

I use BOTH, my eyes and ears. I do use biking sunglasses, but that doesn't keep me from seeing what is going on. If I were to use earbuds, that would definitely keep me from hearing the traffic around me.

You may want to check the laws in your area about it. I don't ride with headphones because I'm concentrating on traffic too much to listen anyway, but if I did I'd want a single-ear system.

Music doesn't just block out sound, it also distracts you.

I live in an urban environment, and cycle most of the time in rural areas. There's really nowhere I'd feel all that safe riding while listening to music.

While the increased risk is quite small, I don't see the benefits as worth the added risk.

The only time I am on my bike and listening to music is when I'm riding my bike on rollers. I will not willingly give up any part of my ability to hear motorists; too much is at stake.

It's kind of funny. I think it is fine to ride without a helmet, although I tend to wear one. I think mirrors add much to safety, although my wife uses one on our tandem. However, I really wonder about the judgment of people who willfully block off part of their hearing. I guess I should just get over it, just like I hope those who harp on helmets and mirrors will get over it too. I'd rather folks rode with earbuds than drove without them.

Yes, Sir...I would just get over it. I ride with a helmet, use my noggin to figure out if traffic is around (look over shoulders), and listen to my Ipod (in both ears) to pass the time on my rides. All the safety ninnies need to realize that there are other senses used when doing anything...hearing is just one small part. If you ride according to the laws in your state, and use resonable clues around you, listening to music/podcasts in your ears is not going to make you a victim.

I don't like riding on a street with them in, so I choose not too.

When I am on an MUP I will only have one ear in, I have songs that help me keep a cadence going, or listening to some sort of personal development talk. I only have it in my right ear so my left is open to hearing things that will pass me if they do, and I never have it louder than I need to. Just enough volume to hear clearly over the wind and nothing more.

I would use them on the streets IF I could trust drivers around me, but more often than not I don't because I know they are paying less attention to the road and more to their phones.

I listen to music in my head while riding. Safe, effective, and I can listen to anything I want :)

I listen to music in my head while riding. Safe, effective, and I can listen to anything I want :)

I tried that once......only got static. And Celine Dion.

I listen to music in my head while riding. Safe, effective, and I can listen to anything I want :)

Tried that once and got Justin Bieber. (Not the best bike ride, I admit...)

I use BOTH, my eyes and ears. I do use biking sunglasses, but that doesn't keep me from seeing what is going on. If I were to use earbuds, that would definitely keep me from hearing the traffic around me.

If a cyclist shuns any attenuation of noise in order to listen to traffic to get a clue about traffic conditions, swell.

Using the same logic, the ever-alert-to-ANY-stimuli-cyclist should never wear sunglasses because they might muffle some visual clue.

I always listen to radio on my Ipod, just the right ear, I keep the left ear (street side) free. I feel very very safe on my rural road, suburb street commute. If a drunk or texting/phoning driver is about to get me I don't see how earing it a second before the hit will save me. With my free left ear I know when a car is coming and if I had both ears free I would ear cars coming too, I don't see why people freak about this non-issue

Haven't tried it but it's probably okay to use earphones on a MUP- heck, just look at all the others doing it!:lol:

That's where I do it... nice low speed cruise on the local beach MUP... ahhhhhh joy.

That's where I do it... nice low speed cruise on the local beach MUP... ahhhhhh joy.

Just make sure you don't look at any of the eye candy. Can't let anything distract your 100% concentration on cycling safety; attach blinders to your helmet and use your ears to tell you about traffic if necessary. Safety first, eh?;)

If a cyclist shuns any attenuation of noise in order to listen to traffic to get a clue about traffic conditions, swell.

Using the same logic, the ever-alert-to-ANY-stimuli-cyclist should never wear sunglasses because they might muffle some visual clue.

That is beyond stupid. Good gawd. Do you need to add to your post count that bad?

Open headphones is the only way, plus if you're going a decent speed your hearing is already questionable with the sound of the wind.
Exactly. I almost always commute with music. I can still hear sound way better than the car drivers, who have their music probably louder, and are sealed up inside their vehicles. Also, there are times I can't hear my music over the wind noise (usually around 23 mph), so I don't have it that loud. I can easily hear traffic.

That is beyond stupid. Good gawd. Do you need to add to your post count that bad?

Actually, ILTB raises a great point -- you have other "cues" to use when riding. Everyone is so wraped up with hearing traffic -- do you use a mirror (head mounted or handle-bar mounted?). Can you not turn your noggin over your shoulder to see if there are cars approaching? Each rider has his/her comfort zone, and I'm perfectly safe listining to music while I ride. If not, then I guess I wouldn't be posting here. And your comment about post count shows a lack of respect. Of course, I could point to your post count (and mine) as well.

:deadhorse:

Just make sure you don't look at any of the eye candy. Can't let anything distract your 100% concentration on cycling safety; attach blinders to your helmet and use your ears to tell you about traffic if necessary. Safety first, eh?;)

Helmet... what helmet... when I ride these beach boardwalks I wear a baseball cap or my big straw hat, I usually have a beverage in a cup holder and I let the music rock.

Helmets... ha!

Helmet... what helmet... when I ride these beach boardwalks I wear a baseball cap or my big straw hat, I usually have a beverage in a cup holder and I let the music rock.

Helmets... ha!

Hope the rocking music doesn't distract you from the view of the beach side scenery.

Ditto your comments...Tried the earbuds and listening to music but only once. Just did not feel I was able to keep myself safe and give myself the best when it comes to awareness to what is around me or approaching from all directions. Maybe that I am an older guy and just can't multi-task like a lot of others.

If a cyclist shuns any attenuation of noise in order to listen to traffic to get a clue about traffic conditions, swell.

Using the same logic, the ever-alert-to-ANY-stimuli-cyclist should never wear sunglasses because they might muffle some visual clue.

There is no "logic" in the above comment. Appropriate sunglasses should enhance vision under bright conditions and by filtering the UV and some of the blue wavelengths (useful in glare or hazy conditions). They do not add a distracting visual stimulus. A more accurate comparison would be to say that loud music through ear buds or traditional headphones is to hearing what texting would be to vision. I hate it when I come up behind another rider and shout "passing on your left" only to have him continue down the center of the path or lane and then startle as I pass because he was oblivious to my presence as he rocked out to Pandora through his earbuds. I really hate it when I see riders looking down at their iPods trying to find their favorite playlist while riding on a busy path or bike lane. I have seen riders at organized events who have iPods or other MP3 devices or smart phones hooked up to small external speakers in a bento box or handlebar bag. I don't have any problem with this arrangement as long as the volume isn't cranked to the point that they can't hear what's going on around them. I might even get a setup like that for my long rides out in the country. It might be the same riding with only one earbud at a moderate volume or with open headphones, but I've never tried them. Two earbuds cranked up is a bad plan.


Just make sure you don't look at any of the eye candy.

Hope the rocking music doesn't distract you from the view of the beach side scenery.

Just don't let that babe on the sidewalk or that gorgeous sunset distract you from the delivery truck that just made an abrupt stop in front of you. You sure as heck aren't going to hear him with those earbuds cranked up. There is a big difference between being aware of and appreciating the view around you and riding with your head up your butt.


Maybe that I am an older guy and just can't multi-task like a lot of others.

Or it may be that you have lived long enough to grow wiser :thumb:

Sony makes a Sport ear clip earbud that allows outside sound in, as long as the music isn't too loud. They work great, but aren't legal for a rider in this area unless you let use only one side. I routinely use the Scansound single bud, http://www.scansound.com/earphones/single-ear-stereo-earphones-1/single-stereo-earphone-with-eartips.html , you get accustomed to the music one side, traffic other side, very quickly. The brain is an amazing CPU.

I hate it when I come up behind another rider and shout "passing on your left" only to have him continue down the center of the path or lane and then startle as I pass because he was oblivious to my presence as he rocked out to Pandora through his earbuds.
[SNIP]
Just don't let that babe on the sidewalk or that gorgeous sunset distract you from the delivery truck that just made an abrupt stop in front of you. You sure as heck aren't going to hear him with those earbuds cranked up. There is a big difference between being aware of and appreciating the view around you and riding with your head up your butt.


On the other hand, I find other riders who need to announce their presence by shouting out club house jargon at every rider they pass and expect an acknowledgement from same, to be obnoxious so and so's.

On the other hand, I laff at a Cycling Cassandra who issues warnings about the need for the unattenuated ability to hear delivery vehicles stopping in front of them on a MUP.

Believe it or not, some cyclists can even safely chew gum while cycling, and do it without the sky falling down.

There is no "logic" in the above comment. Appropriate sunglasses should enhance vision under bright conditions and by filtering the UV and some of the blue wavelengths (useful in glare or hazy conditions). They do not add a distracting visual stimulus. A more accurate comparison would be to say that music through ear buds or traditional headphones is to hearing what texting would be to vision. I hate it when I come up behind another rider and shout "passing on your left" only to have him continue down the center of the path or lane and then startle as I pass because he was oblivious to my presence as he rocked out to Pandora through his earbuds. I really hate it when I see riders looking down at their iPods trying to find their favorite playlist while riding on a busy path or bike lane. I have seen riders at organized events who have iPods or other MP3 devices or smart phones hooked up to small external speakers in a bento box or handlebar bag. I don't have any problem with this arrangement as long as the volume isn't cranked to the point that they can't hear what's going on around them. I might even get a setup like that for my long rides out in the country. It might be the same riding with only one earbud at a moderate volume or with open headphones, but I've never tried them. Two earbuds cranked up is a bad plan.




Just don't let that babe on the sidewalk or that gorgeous sunset distract you from the delivery truck that just made an abrupt stop in front of you. You sure as heck aren't going to hear him with those earbuds cranked up. There is a big difference between being aware of and appreciating the view around you and riding with your head up your butt.



Or it may be that you have lived long enough to grow wiser :thumb:

This is a sweet safety-ninny rant.

I use this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YW04MA/

Works perfect for me. It is out of stock.
This looks about the same, but may be different. It does have more complex controls as it has added functions.
http://www.amazon.com/Cosmos-Black-Multi-Function-Speaker/dp/B005WO7ECG/

Hope the rocking music doesn't distract you from the view of the beach side scenery.

Nope, and at the pace I ride those paths I get plenty of time for a good look.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-ED12LP-SLV-Earbuds-Silver/dp/B0015AM38Q/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1349373141&sr=8-20&keywords=sony+headphones

These are great headphones that allow just the right amount of ambient sound in. It truly sounds like you are listening to speakers positioned away from your head.

I laff at a Cycling Cassandra who issues warnings about the need for the unattenuated ability to hear delivery vehicles stopping in front of them on a MUP

Who said anything about a MUP? Some of us actually ride on the streets. Laugh all you want. I've scraped enough people with your attitude off the pavement to become perfectly comfortable being a "safety-ninny".

Who said anything about a MUP? Some of us actually ride on the streets. Laugh all you want. I've scraped enough people with your attitude off the pavement to become perfectly comfortable being a "safety-ninny".

Genec in post # http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/849994-Safe-way-to-listen-to-music-while-riding?p=14802963&viewfull=1#post14802963, the post that I responded to, and then you followed up with your Henny Penny response about the need for unattenuated listening for traffic. In front of the cyclist! :rolleyes:

Listening for traffic as a safety crutch for not being observant with your eyes - whatz next for the safety-ninny proselytizer? Night vision cycling goggles to help detect unlit danger lurking on the MUP and street? Or maybe GPS or cell phone detectors (or better yet spark ignition detectors) to sound a loud Danger! Danger! alarm of nearby vehicles.

If you would actually bother reading the post, you would understand (well . . . in your case, probably not) that the point was that if you were visually distracted by something not in your line of travel, the ability to hear traffic sounds may alert you to a danger that you did not see. While my example indicated an obstacle in front of the rider, the danger could come from any direction, ie the growl and running footsteps of the dog coming up from behind you, the sound of the engine and tires of the van about to pull out of the blind alley, or the starter on a parked car a few spaces in front of you hidden by the 3/4 ton pickup parked behind it.

_________________________________________________



shouting out club house jargon

I'm sorry :( I didn't realize that you didn't understand the meaning of "passing on your left". My mistake. I thought it was common English, not club house jargon. The usual response I get from almost everyone from cyclists, to joggers, to dog walkers is that they move slightly to the right allowing me to pass safely. Some even greet me or say thanks. I suppose I could shout out "Outta my way, M*#%$#*^%*!!!". Would that work for you?


Night vision cycling goggles to help detect unlit danger lurking on the MUP and street?

I'm already working on an invention to solve that problem. I call it The Headlight :rolleyes:

If you would actually bother reading the post, you would understand (well . . . in your case, probably not) that the point was that if you were visually distracted by something not in your line of travel, the ability to hear traffic sounds may alert you to a danger that you did not see.

I'm sorry :( I didn't realize that you didn't understand the meaning of "passing on your left". My mistake. I thought it was common English, not club house jargon. The usual response I get from almost everyone from cyclists, to joggers, to dog walkers is that they move slightly to the right allowing me to pass safely. Some even greet me or say thanks. I suppose I could shout out "Outta my way, M*#%$#*^%*!!!". Would that work for you?

1. Why don't you just pass safely and keep your mouth shut?
2. Your "usual response" conflicts with the numerous posts on BF that contradict the positive results you get from shouting out "on your left". Numerous posters say they startle pedestrians and cyclists alike and often the recipient of the shouted warning moves laterally to the left.

Numerous posters say they startle pedestrians and cyclists alike and often the recipient of the shouted warning moves laterally to the left.

That's what I usualy get.

But what about those of you who use your eyes instead of your ears? (Well, I guess the first question would be if anyone does that.) How do you safely listen to music and ride your bike?

The key is paying attention. I can hear traffic fine with one or even both earbuds, at any comfortable volume, as long as I'm listening for it. I may pop them out if there is more activity than I'm comfortable with. It's as simple as that.

Most people don't realize that the vast majority of our sensory impressions are filtered out by our nervous systems before it ever gets consciously processed. Without these filters we'd be overwhelmed by an overload of sensory data. One example is the white noise of an air conditioner - you don't hear it unless it's somehow called to your attention. Background noise, keys clacking in a cubical farm. On the other hand, if someone says your name in a crowded noisy room you'll like as not hear it. Automatic filters, and what you pay attention to.

Some buds or headphones block all sound, that's not what I'm talking about. But normal earbuds in reasonable use don't; the sound is not "drowned out" because it's still there. People who don't hear it have consciously decided to isolate themselves, the exact same issue the cell phone drivers have. The problem is in their head, not their devices. So simply pay attention and you'll have as much environmental information, and just as quickly, as will any cyclist with or without headphones.

... the danger could come from any direction, ie the growl and running footsteps of the dog coming up from behind you, the sound of the engine and tires of the van about to pull out of the blind alley, or the starter on a parked car a few spaces in front of you hidden by the 3/4 ton pickup parked behind it.
...

:lol: :lol: :lol:

come on man, stop it. Now you're just being ridiculous.

Why don't you just pass safely and keep your mouth shut?

True, not every pass requires that you announce your presence and intent. If there is lots of room and I don't have any reason to believe there is any risk, I do often just slow down a bit and pass quietly. If there are pedestrians/cyclists side by side blocking safe passage, people with dogs on leashes, or when the pass is going to be close because of limited space, I announce myself enough in advance that the person has time to react and that I have time to react if their actions are inappropriate. In the case of small children, pedestrians/cyclists with earbuds blaring and heads up their backsides, or others whom I would expect might not react appropriately, I slow way down. There are times when people will do something stupid, no matter whether you warn them or not, that's just the danger of allowing humans out in public and we have to deal with it. If you yell "ON YOUR LEFT" as you blow by someone at 25 mph, of course you are going to startle them and that is not what I'm talking about, though I have seen it done many times and have had it done to me.


Listening for traffic as a safety crutch for not being observant with your eyes

I never advocated one over the other. It isn't a matter or either/or. Nor did I ever say that you can't listen to music and pay attention to traffic sounds at the same time. What I did say is that by using your vision and hearing together you fill in the gaps for better overall safety. Increased situational awareness allows me to be a bolder, not a more timid rider. The OP's question was:


How do you safely listen to music and ride your bike?

My answer is, in any manner that still allows you to adequately hear what is going on around you.

Plantronics M25 Bluetooth Headset http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-PL-M25-M25-Bluetooth-Headset/dp/B008LAMJSC

shouting out club house jargon at every rider they pass

Never said that


who issues warnings about the need for the unattenuated ability to hear delivery vehicles stopping in front of them on a MUP.

Henny Penny response about the need for unattenuated listening for traffic. In front of the cyclist
Nope, never said that either


http://www.bikeforums.net/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by Myosmithhttp://www.bikeforums.net/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=14806690#post14806690)... the danger could come from any direction, ie the growl and running footsteps of the dog coming up from behind you, the sound of the engine and tires of the van about to pull out of the blind alley, or the starter on a parked car a few spaces in front of you hidden by the 3/4 ton pickup parked behind it.
...
:lol: :lol: :lol:

come on man, stop it. Now you're just being ridiculous.

You've never heard a dog coming before you saw it? You've never heard a vehicle before it came into view? Nothing ridiculous about it. Look at the accident reports on this very forum. Many examples of riders being sideswiped, t-boned or hit from behind, vehicles pulling out in front of them, etc. True, any direction might be an exaggeration as I have never heard of a cyclist injured by a danger coming up through the pavement or falling out of the sky, but any other direction is game.

The incident with the parked car behind a pickup happened on my ride just yesterday. A teenage girl fired up her car and pulled out without even looking even though she was parallel parked in front of pickup with a utility box and top rack. I heard her start the car a few seconds before I saw her pulling out. I doubt I would have hit her anyway, but I had a couple extra seconds to slow down and recheck the lane to my left.

Ride any way you want. I'm going to keep both my eyes and my ears open. Stay safe and have a good life.

. . . How do you safely listen to music and ride your bike?

Bird song for me.

The OP's question was:


How do you safely listen to music and ride your bike?


My answer is, in any manner that still allows you to adequately hear what is going on around you.

No one should disagree with that. I know I agree.

Unfortunately, some safety-ninnies extrapolate from their own limitations and proclaim that any and all music listening activity by any cyclist, either muffles "adequate" the hearing of all traffic sounds/noise (that they believe is) so necessary for safe cycling, or is too distracting to permit a cyclist to concentrate with laser-like focus on the alleged dangers all about them.

On the other hand, I find other riders who need to announce their presence by shouting out club house jargon at every rider they pass and expect an acknowledgement from same, to be obnoxious so and so's.
:rolleyes: You must be riding in quite an odd place. Or you are just making crap up.


1. Why don't you just pass safely and keep your mouth shut?
:rolleyes: In your case, you should be wearing a shirt that says "overly cranky" to warn people.


2. Your "usual response" conflicts with the numerous posts on BF that contradict the positive results you get from shouting out "on your left". Numerous posters say they startle pedestrians and cyclists alike and often the recipient of the shouted warning moves laterally to the left.
I suspect that the people who often get this response are doing it wrong. That is, they make the announcement too late (too close) to the person being passed.


Listening for traffic as a safety crutch for not being observant with your eyes - whatz next for the safety-ninny proselytizer? Night vision cycling goggles to help detect unlit danger lurking on the MUP and street? Or maybe GPS or cell phone detectors (or better yet spark ignition detectors) to sound a loud Danger! Danger! alarm of nearby vehicles.
:lol::lol::lol: Says the person who insists on using the world's largest mirror!

The key is paying attention. I can hear traffic fine with one or even both earbuds, at any comfortable volume, as long as I'm listening for it. I may pop them out if there is more activity than I'm comfortable with. It's as simple as that.
OK. Sounds like the "Lake Wobegon" effect.


Most people don't realize that the vast majority of our sensory impressions are filtered out by our nervous systems before it ever gets consciously processed. Without these filters we'd be overwhelmed by an overload of sensory data. One example is the white noise of an air conditioner - you don't hear it unless it's somehow called to your attention. Background noise, keys clacking in a cubical farm. On the other hand, if someone says your name in a crowded noisy room you'll like as not hear it. Automatic filters, and what you pay attention to.
Some people (it seems) don't realize that our senses show a preference for larger signals (losing the information that provided on smaller signals). That is, the sound coming from ear phones causes lower-volume traffic sound to be treated as "background noise". And that effect is increased with the psychological response to music.