Listening to an MP3 Player while Riding... Pro's & Cons???...
12-21-09 | 07:10 AM
#126
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
From: Kimpo, S. Korea
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Expert 09, Custom 2013 Bike Friday Pocket Rocket
"Music has always been a matter of Energy to me, a question of Fuel. Sentimental people call it Inspiration, but what they really mean is Fuel. I have always needed Fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio."
— Hunter S. Thompson
personally i carry an ipod but don't use it often. I love listening to music on my bike though. it's one of my favorite simple joys. To me it's really about where i'm riding. when i hit a bike road or a bridge the first thing you'll see me do it stop to turn on the music. but mostly no i don't take the chance.
— Hunter S. Thompson
personally i carry an ipod but don't use it often. I love listening to music on my bike though. it's one of my favorite simple joys. To me it's really about where i'm riding. when i hit a bike road or a bridge the first thing you'll see me do it stop to turn on the music. but mostly no i don't take the chance.
12-23-09 | 06:56 AM
#127
Thread Starter
Banned.
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 981
Likes: 0
"Music has always been a matter of Energy to me, a question of Fuel. Sentimental people call it Inspiration, but what they really mean is Fuel. I have always needed Fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio."
— Hunter S. Thompson
— Hunter S. Thompson
12-23-09 | 07:06 AM
#128
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 822
Likes: 0
From: Merrick, NY
Bikes: 2009 Mercier Galaxy (custom build), 2008 Argon 18 Mercury
I will not judge anyones decision on what to do (as that gets you slaughtered in this place), but I personally never wear headphones when riding and I never would. I also do not when running either.
For biking reasons the reality for why I don't use it on the bike is I don't feel safe not being able to hear the traffic around me especially being that people are such poor drivers around here. I also don't use it on the path as it gets a bit crowded sometimes and I need to be able to hear as well as see whats going on so I don't get smacked into by a kid or something. For running reasons as well the music screws up my pace, I spent many years in high school running without music and now to add it in just confuses my pace too much.
And in NY it's illegal to ride with headphones anyway as established earlier in this thread. Not that I think a cop would ever bother someone for it but you never know...
For biking reasons the reality for why I don't use it on the bike is I don't feel safe not being able to hear the traffic around me especially being that people are such poor drivers around here. I also don't use it on the path as it gets a bit crowded sometimes and I need to be able to hear as well as see whats going on so I don't get smacked into by a kid or something. For running reasons as well the music screws up my pace, I spent many years in high school running without music and now to add it in just confuses my pace too much.
And in NY it's illegal to ride with headphones anyway as established earlier in this thread. Not that I think a cop would ever bother someone for it but you never know...
12-23-09 | 11:43 AM
#129
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
Funny -- for me, I listen to either talk radio podcasts or music that matches my running pace. Otherwise, the mismatch of tempos starts to make me stumble and run weird.
12-23-09 | 11:26 PM
#130
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
What about the morons who don't realize that it is possible to use a single earbud and still hear your surroundings just fine?
12-24-09 | 01:07 AM
#131
Not to mention the ones that do not understand that at a reasonable volume, cyclist can hear traffic just fine with both earphones in. But at 25+mph, the wind noise blocks most all hearing.
12-31-09 | 01:08 PM
#132
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Bikes: Cervelo RS
I will share one experience where I would have been killed if I was listening to earphones on my bike. I was with 2 other cyclists and we were crossing a busy 4-lane hiway with a center turn lane. The other 2 were stopped out in the center turn lane and I was just crossing the two lanes to get to the center. I looked to my right and there was one car stopped in the turn lane to my right and I didn't see (or hear) any other cars coming from the right so I was about to continue across the remaining 2 lanes. Then I heard one of the other cyclists say "car". There was a car coming but I couldn't see it because the car in the turn lane blocked my view. If I hadn't heard him say "car" I would have ridden out right in front of that (hidden) car which was travelling fast enough to kill me. When he said "car" it was loud enough to hear but he didn't shout it. If I had music playing and didn't hear him I wouldn't be here posting this now. Besides learning that being able to hear as clearly as possible is a good thing, I also learned that you do not cross a road unless you can see there are no cars coming - if your view is blocked you have to assume there is a speeding car behind whatever is blocking your view.
12-31-09 | 01:49 PM
#134
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 5
I will share one experience where I would have been killed if I was listening to earphones on my bike. I was with 2 other cyclists and we were crossing a busy 4-lane hiway with a center turn lane. The other 2 were stopped out in the center turn lane and I was just crossing the two lanes to get to the center. I looked to my right and there was one car stopped in the turn lane to my right and I didn't see (or hear) any other cars coming from the right so I was about to continue across the remaining 2 lanes. Then I heard one of the other cyclists say "car". There was a car coming but I couldn't see it because the car in the turn lane blocked my view. If I hadn't heard him say "car" I would have ridden out right in front of that (hidden) car which was travelling fast enough to kill me. When he said "car" it was loud enough to hear but he didn't shout it. If I had music playing and didn't hear him I wouldn't be here posting this now. Besides learning that being able to hear as clearly as possible is a good thing, I also learned that you do not cross a road unless you can see there are no cars coming - if your view is blocked you have to assume there is a speeding car behind whatever is blocking your view.
12-31-09 | 03:35 PM
#135
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
And that's 25-mph wind speed, too, not necessarily ground speed. Riding along at 15 mph with a 10 mph headwind is just as loud as cruising at 25 with zero wind.
12-31-09 | 04:04 PM
#136
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 2
From: Pacific, WA
Bikes: Custom 531ST touring, Bilenky Viewpoint, Bianchi Milano, vintage Condor racer
Edit.: Some Googling reveals that wearing headphones on your head while operating any vehicle on public roads is illegal in New Jersey, New York, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Washington, New Hampshire, California, Colorado, Maryland and possibly many others so my bet wouldn't be that far off.
The law on earphones in general, part 2 below:
RCW 46.37.480
Television viewers — Earphones.
(1) No person shall drive any motor vehicle equipped with any television viewer, screen, or other means of visually receiving a television broadcast which is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat, or which is visible to the driver while operating the motor vehicle. This subsection does not apply to law enforcement vehicles communicating with mobile computer networks.
(2) No person shall operate any motor vehicle on a public highway while wearing any headset or earphones connected to any electronic device capable of receiving a radio broadcast or playing a sound recording for the purpose of transmitting a sound to the human auditory senses and which headset or earphones muffle or exclude other sounds. This subsection does not apply to students and instructors participating in a Washington state motorcycle safety program.
(3) This section does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles, motorcyclists wearing a helmet with built-in headsets or earphones as approved by the Washington state patrol, or motorists using hands-free, wireless communications systems, as approved by the equipment section of the Washington state patrol.
[1996 c 34 § 1; 1991 c 95 § 1; 1988 c 227 § 6; 1987 c 176 § 1; 1977 ex.s. c 355 § 40; 1961 c 12 § 46.37.480. Prior: 1949 c 196 § 11; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 6360-98d. Formerly RCW 46.36.150.]
RCW 46.61.667
Using a wireless communications device while driving.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a person operating a moving motor vehicle while holding a wireless communications device to his or her ear is guilty of a traffic infraction.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to a person operating:
(a) An authorized emergency vehicle, or a tow truck responding to a disabled vehicle;
(b) A moving motor vehicle using a wireless communications device in hands-free mode;
(c) A moving motor vehicle using a hand-held wireless communications device to:
(i) Report illegal activity;
(ii) Summon medical or other emergency help;
(iii) Prevent injury to a person or property;
(d) A moving motor vehicle while using a hearing aid.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section does not restrict the operation of an amateur radio station by a person who holds a valid amateur radio operator license issued by the federal communications commission.
(4) For purposes of this section, "hands-free mode" means the use of a wireless communications device with a speaker phone, headset, or earpiece.
(5) The state preempts the field of regulating the use of wireless communications devices in motor vehicles, and this section supersedes any local laws, ordinances, orders, rules, or regulations enacted by a political subdivision or municipality to regulate the use of wireless communications devices by the operator of a motor vehicle.
(6) Enforcement of this section by law enforcement officers may be accomplished only as a secondary action when a driver of a motor vehicle has been detained for a suspected violation of this title or an equivalent local ordinance or some other offense.
(7) Infractions that result from the use of a wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle under this section shall not become part of the driver's record under RCW 46.52.101 and 46.52.120. Additionally, a finding that a person has committed a traffic infraction under this section shall not be made available to insurance companies or employers.
[2007 c 417 § 2.]
Notes:
Intent -- 2007 c 417: "The use of wireless communications devices by motorists has increased in recent years. While wireless communications devices have assisted with quick reporting of road emergencies, their use has also contributed to accidents and other mishaps on Washington state roadways. When motorists hold a wireless communications device in one hand and drive with the other, their chances of becoming involved in a traffic mishap increase. It is the legislature's intent to phase out the use of hand-held wireless communications devices by motorists while operating a vehicle." [2007 c 417 § 1.]
12-31-09 | 04:19 PM
#137
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 2
From: Pacific, WA
Bikes: Custom 531ST touring, Bilenky Viewpoint, Bianchi Milano, vintage Condor racer
For those of you who think you can't hear while riding with music, but have no worries about driving a car with your windows up, I have an experiment for you to try.
Put a friend into your car, windows up. Stand next to the drivers side window and attempt to engage in a conversation with your friend in a normal voice (no raised voice, no reading lips, etc.) For most people, you will not be able to carry on a conversation without raising your voices.
Next, put your MP3 player earbuds in and play a song at a reasonable volume. My volume setting when I ride is usually about 18-22 (Max is 30)...YMMV. Next, have your friend roll down the car window. Can you carry on a conversation now?
I can easily have that conversation (and I am hard of hearing). Again, YMMV, but in most cases your hearing is LESS impaired while listening to an MP3 player at a reasonable volume, than it is driving a car with the windows rolled up.
Put a friend into your car, windows up. Stand next to the drivers side window and attempt to engage in a conversation with your friend in a normal voice (no raised voice, no reading lips, etc.) For most people, you will not be able to carry on a conversation without raising your voices.
Next, put your MP3 player earbuds in and play a song at a reasonable volume. My volume setting when I ride is usually about 18-22 (Max is 30)...YMMV. Next, have your friend roll down the car window. Can you carry on a conversation now?
I can easily have that conversation (and I am hard of hearing). Again, YMMV, but in most cases your hearing is LESS impaired while listening to an MP3 player at a reasonable volume, than it is driving a car with the windows rolled up.
This is recognized in the Washington law at least, which covers only motor vehicles. It refers specifically to headphones/earphones used "for the purpose of transmitting a sound to the human auditory senses and which headset or earphones muffle or exclude other sounds."
Wearing my headset on my bike, I can still hear the ticking of a well-oiled chain, the hiss of my tires on frost, the annoying rattle of something not quite snug on my rear rack....
01-01-10 | 09:04 AM
#138
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,062
Likes: 824
From: in a house
Bikes: Specialized Aethos, Specialized Diverge Comp E5 and 2025 Spesh Tarmac SL8 Expert
I have my iphone velcroed to my stem and watch the TDF, post on this forum, watch youtube videos and listen to all sorts of sh...t when riding...just stay out of the way as I weave across the road just like most drivers do...
01-01-10 | 09:19 AM
#139
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 822
Likes: 0
From: Merrick, NY
Bikes: 2009 Mercier Galaxy (custom build), 2008 Argon 18 Mercury
I will share one experience where I would have been killed if I was listening to earphones on my bike. I was with 2 other cyclists and we were crossing a busy 4-lane hiway with a center turn lane. The other 2 were stopped out in the center turn lane and I was just crossing the two lanes to get to the center. I looked to my right and there was one car stopped in the turn lane to my right and I didn't see (or hear) any other cars coming from the right so I was about to continue across the remaining 2 lanes. Then I heard one of the other cyclists say "car". There was a car coming but I couldn't see it because the car in the turn lane blocked my view. If I hadn't heard him say "car" I would have ridden out right in front of that (hidden) car which was travelling fast enough to kill me. When he said "car" it was loud enough to hear but he didn't shout it. If I had music playing and didn't hear him I wouldn't be here posting this now. Besides learning that being able to hear as clearly as possible is a good thing, I also learned that you do not cross a road unless you can see there are no cars coming - if your view is blocked you have to assume there is a speeding car behind whatever is blocking your view.
Oh boy no offense they are gonna tear this apart. Its not your fault its a mistake we've all made when new. Never post a what-if scenario, they will hunt you like a witch here....
01-02-10 | 01:20 AM
#140
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
Someday, somehow, the huge chasm between various schools of cycling advocacy will close and we'll have a coherent platform to present to everyone else.
Nah. Won't happen. Better just keep riding.
01-02-10 | 09:18 AM
#141
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
I will share one experience where I would have been killed if I was listening to earphones on my bike. I was with 2 other cyclists and we were crossing a busy 4-lane hiway with a center turn lane. The other 2 were stopped out in the center turn lane and I was just crossing the two lanes to get to the center. I looked to my right and there was one car stopped in the turn lane to my right and I didn't see (or hear) any other cars coming from the right so I was about to continue across the remaining 2 lanes. Then I heard one of the other cyclists say "car". There was a car coming but I couldn't see it because the car in the turn lane blocked my view. If I hadn't heard him say "car" I would have ridden out right in front of that (hidden) car which was travelling fast enough to kill me. When he said "car" it was loud enough to hear but he didn't shout it. If I had music playing and didn't hear him I wouldn't be here posting this now. Besides learning that being able to hear as clearly as possible is a good thing, I also learned that you do not cross a road unless you can see there are no cars coming - if your view is blocked you have to assume there is a speeding car behind whatever is blocking your view.
01-02-10 | 05:13 PM
#142
Two H's!!! TWO!!!!!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 12
From: Toronto, ON
