Today I rode to the gym with one of my touring panniers on the side and was approached by another cyclist who wanted to talk "bikes" to me. We chatted a bit about touring and camping then the guy asked about wearing a helmet. I told him that it is mandatory in some places but the laws are mostly for the safety of those under 18. He then asked if it is illegal to wear headphones while cycling. I told him that I wasn't sure because I have never been pulled over for anything related to riding my bike. He showed me the citation. It was only for the headphones. I told him that I think they were just messing with him then he went on to tell me that the sheriffs know him and have cited him for riding while drunk, for being on the sidewalk and going the wrong way. This guy is a Chicano with tattoos all over his face, neck, arms and probably on his head so I can only imagine he has history with the authorities but what gives with the headphones?
Have any of you been cited for wearing headphones while cycling? If so, what prompted the police to pull you over?