It's just me
 

I'm creeped out by all the sound devices on this forum.
There are only two things I like less than speakers on bikes - speakers on kayaks, and headphones on bikes or pedestrians.

My '98 Moser is the quietest bicycle I have ever ridden. Even the tires barely whoosh.

Otherwise, I'm all for lights, front and rear, helmet blinkies, bike bells and stuff that makes us safer.
I always run my headlight solid, because it's rude to blinkie at pedestrians.
Run my tail-light solid in the dark (adding helmet blinkie) and run the tail-light blinkie in the day.
I have front and rear blinkies on my Metro helmet.
I mostly use them as signals - only turn them on when I want an extra measure of notice from motorists.
I've found turning on the front helmet blinkie makes drivers, who need to, recognize when you have the right of way, and otherwise, when you look straight at the driver, you will recognize from his reaction what he is going to do, be able to anticipate his next move, and plan yours.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7.../aP5280024.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7.../aP5280025.jpg

It's not just you. I'm not "creeped out", but I don't as a rule listen to music while riding, and think headphones are a bad idea (and in many states, illegal) while riding. Other have different opinions of course.

I don't like things that add to noise pollution (such as speakers on bikes and/or motorcycles). I don't have a problem with other people wearing headphones while riding, though. I feel like you should be able to ride safely even if you can't hear, as long as you're paying attention.

I'm aware that states have differing laws regarding the use of headphones while driving or riding, but they usually allow for headphones on ONE ear, if not both.

Personally, I don't usually listen to anything while walking or riding, but I do like having a radio when in a car.

Luckily, no one will ever force you to put speakers on your bike or kayak.

Part of the reason I ride a bike is to get away from it all, so of course I don't want to bring music with me.

but they will force me to listen as they ride by (or won't be able to hear me when I'm overtaking them)

it's far worse on the water, because sound carries forever - you can hear them and can't even see them

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...aaDSC00055.jpg

Just what you don't want:

luckily, they can't get that where I paddle
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7.../aP8220004.jpg
TX coast is lined with barrier islands, and there are 15,000 sq-mi less than 2' deep

I was riding with a couple of guys late at night on a randonnee. I heard a weird sound and realized it was The Smiths coming from a speaker in one guy's top tube bag. So wrong in so many ways

I wish people (including motorcyclists, yeesh they play them loud) wouldn't play music on speakers. Cars included if I can hear it.

I do enjoy listening to stuff myself, audiobooks and podcasts, spoken word stuff, through a single earbud in the right ear. It does not impair my ability to hear traffic in any way, I have tested this - I can hear cars just as far away with or without the earbud in.

As far as I know, NO state in the US forbids wearing a SINGLE earpiece while riding a bicycle or driving.

I'm a bit conflicted. On one hand; I'm in new York City. So a guy blasting a speaker on his bike wouldn't be out of place with other NYers making noises; frustrated drivers stuck in traffic honking or blasting their own music, utility companies ripping up the asphalt, etc. But on the other hand we also have paths that are free of car traffic and can be quite peaceful at times; early mornings/late nights, winter time, raining, etc. Perhaps a compromise would be for the music lovers to use one earbud. No other human or animals have to hear their music; but they'll still have a chance to hear "on yer left" or a "ding, ding".

I guess I can see the people who commute and want their speakers in traffic. It's all part of the drone and safer than earbuds.
What offends me is imposing on others in otherwise peaceful settings. And yes the bandwidth you get from a distance and in passing is always a drone without any musical presence

Loud music bothers me only during group rides, particularly guided nighttime group rides. It interferes with communication between ride leaders and their efforts to keep a large group safely together and herded through intersections.

I actually enjoy some of the music and I understand that some folks find the rhythm helps with their pacing and energy. But it's a distraction from safety efforts. They should use ear buds or turn down the volume.

But I don't want to be the curmudgeon so I don't say anything. It's really up to the group ride leaders.