Its really just personal preference though if you have the music up loud yeah that would be more dangerous for riding and your ears. I ride with both buds in but only have the volume up enough to kind of replace the city background noise with it. Still hear tires behind me(car and bike), people talking, beeps from crosswalk lights, or wheelchairs(both kinds). If want to listen to music but rightfully concerned about safety go 1 bud as others have suggested or speakers. Accidents happen with or without buds and odds are even if heard something a split second before without buds it would probably still happen anyways same as it most likely would with buds but Ill be honest without is a little safer than with both/one.