Before I started commuting, I dreamed of wearing my Grado SR-80s on the road and riding in style to my music, but once I got on the road, I realized that the sound of cars behind me were disparately vital to my survival. Hearing the way in which drivers will pass me has given me a window into the way individual neighborhoods treat cyclists, and this knowledge has saved my life more than once.

While I don't want to tell any cyclist how they should ride, I do recommend not wearing headphones while on the road. I would recommend it if you are on a bike/ped only path that does not involve traffic yet goes along a major street, but if that path involves nature areas, then you may miss that eagle or hawk passing above you, and if more people hear them, their lives may be saved as well.

Cheers!