But as others have said, I listen at a low volume, and I can still hear almost everything else too, it’s just muffled. I have been doing this since I was little kid (with the big yellow brick sized Sony “Sports Walkman), so maybe I’m just used to it. Then again, I do most things with my earphones in- read, study, work, exercise, type… heck, I have them in now (I am an excellent multitasker). To other’s points that they don’t like riding next to folks wearing them, I guess that is a valid argument, but I very rarely ride with other people. I mapped out my route so that I always have a wide shoulder or am in a bike lane. I don’t know, I guess that you do your thing, I’ll do mine, and we’ll all keep the cranks turning.

Speaking of Darwin, I sure hope you never have any children.

every rider I see with headphones I want to push off into a ditch

So you also cannot think of ONE instance where you can listen to music?

Well, not while on a moving bicycle perhaps.

For me, I shake my head at riders who are crankin' the tunes ONLY because I can't believe they don't appreciate the sound of what's naturally around them. Much of my cycling nirvana comes from the sounds that are all around. From the smooth chorus of the crank spinnning the chain around to the whir of the spokes to the tires rolling smoothly on the ground... it seems like you would lose that connection between us, the bike and the road.

But, do what you want. I'd never vote for a law banning headphones on the bike - or even a law requiring a helmet. It's your choice; do what you want!

Shouldn't you be driving a Ford F-150?

So given the choice you'd dump cycling?

You're really a guy who likes music that also happens to own and ride a bike, rather than a cyclist looking to use music as another tool in their training plan?

Nothing wrong with that. At least you're honest about it !

I use sound from behind all the time. There are several spots on my training routes that have bad pavement and holes on extreme right side near shoulder. If possible I need to avoid them and ride closer to middle. But they are also in extreme downhill sections where I am at speed and in corners where it's not safe to look behind. I give a quick look behind before I start the scetions, then I use my hearing most often to ascertain if anyone's close behind and if I need to move to right. I do this things without an real thought - I've been riding so long that using hearing with vision is just part of how I ride.

But that's just me. I can't dictate to anyone about using music. I just think it poses more risk, and more risk than I am willing to assume.

I'm sure he's not alone. Music or cycling, easy choice for me too.

And one more thing, all you guys talking about sound from behind....I much prefer vision from behind. I think a lot of you aren't very good at that.

All people who think that you can't hear just fine if you have one earphone in and the volume at a reasonable level can STFU.

Emergency sirens, open motorcycle exhaust (several shops in town, including a HD dealership) and other 'urban' sounds aren't what I'd call natural.

I listed a few artists that are generally in my 'riding' playlist, but more often than not I've got an ambient sounds rainstorm playing.

Absolutely, it's possible to listen to music on a bike in an unsafe manner, but to paint everyone with the same brush, regardless of their situation and/or circumstances is ridiculous. Not everyone is wearing sealed-ear buds blasting KMFDM at 120db.

Let me guess, chewing gum and walking at the same time is a hell worthy trespass.

Man, this thread should be a Sticky for Life along with We're Going to Yell at You.

. .

OMG! Such vitriolic venom on a Monday morning over, of all things, music.

This is sort of like a religious war -- killing each other over who loves God the most. Ridiculous!

THIS IS RIDICULOUS, PEOPLE!!!



How's a guy supposed to enjoy his popcorn under conditions like this?

reggae is awesome!

what? I guess I touched a nerve. clearly, you have no sense of humor -what so ever. I love how people trapped by their small minds immediately gravitate to personal insults.

I'd really love to listen to music on the bike. I'd bet it would add 0.5 mph to my solo pace. Thing is I don't in any way like reducing my chances of avoiding an accident. I do however jam while on the trainer.

Original troll OP got what he wanted.

nah if I drove an F-150 i would just shoot squeeze mustard at cyclists

Sorry, your post was so similar to all the other anti-iPod posts. Natural selection and all. Kind of hard to tell you were joking.

So you do think that people can ride safely with music in some circumstances. Join the club.

Oh, and I think we call that irony.

I have a problem with morons.

Us too obviously. Sure a lot better than beating my dog or something.

Ipod lets me:

• Ignor riders I pass or are oncoming. No need for a wave unless I think they are worth it.
• Listen to hours of music at a time, not the minutes I get in my car or home, and anything my heart desires - not the compromises I make in group listen.
• Pretend I am in the secret service.

Safety:

• I'd rather not hear "it" coming.

Problems:

• The friggin cords. I need to find some buds with coils.
• Bud rash.

Future?

• All my computer functions on the pod with a pretty girl with a German accent telling me my: HRM, altitude, power, speed, cadence etc...
• Team color pod cases.
• Pods with voice command shifting.

Ya know what - voice command shifting ain't that far fetched.

Course I would. Cycling is just a fun hobby of mine. Music, on the other hand, was with me long before cycling, and will be with me long after (though I have no plans to stop cycling).

Agreed on both counts.