Listening to Music via Headphones?
 

Safe or unsafe? I’ve seen some other cyclists with air pods and other headphones on and though what a great idea to listen to some tunes while riding. But then I realized maybe it’s not such a good idea? Can’t hear if cyclists are coming up behind or if there’s cars or sirens. Basically can’t hear anything at all!

What are your thoughts on this and if you do listen to music, any tips to be able listen and keep safe at the same time?

Stick to carrying a boom box on your shoulder, much safer and cooler looking to boot

If you're on the road...unsafe. Yet, I see lots of people doing it. On a MUP...maybe OK.

But my personal preference is to go au naturel. I like hearing all the things that are going on around me whether they pertain to my safety or not.

Dan

It's far better than causing noise pollution with a speaker.

Use one earbud if you want to hear cars too.

^ I agree with @_ForceD_'s sentiment completely. I prefer to hear the sounds around me.

Safety isn't the only consideration. The larger question is why folks need something playing into their heads in order to ride a bike...

Conversely, I see professional athletes (not hockey players, fortunately), who have personal music piped into their brains while they warm up. This may be to drown out distractions, pump up adrenaline, or permit relaxation leading to focus. It's not unusual for professional disc golfers to have headphone music during competitive rounds, and I'm guessing it's for one of the above reasons.

If a loved one asked me for advice, I'd recommend not doing it. If an internet stranger were to ask me, I'd say do whatever you want to do. If you're killed as a result, so be it.

Get a bone induction headphones

Just a bit off topic...but this reminds me of a funny headphone thing I witnessed once. When my now college Jr. son was in high school he played hockey. During the summer rec league, sometimes I'd end up operating the scoreboard at games. I once saw a kid come into the penalty box, and when he sat down he reached into he sweater collar and pulled out ear buds. He said he had an old iPod mini stashed somewhere down in his equipment.

Dan

What could possibly go wrong? This is a serious question not meant to be sarcastic.

I appreciate everyone’s input regarding this! It seems obvious to me that I shouldn’t have any headphones with music playing to me. I do enjoy hearing the noises from being outdoors but I tend to associate listening to music with working out. It helps me get pumped and push myself even more. But of course, I value my life way more than to have tunes playing while I ride!

On your left......

On your LEFT......

ON YOUR LEFT!!!!!!!!!!

I don't like earbuds.

Depends on your riding conditions ---- I wouldn't if I were urban, but my typical road route is a lake road that is heavily travelled by cyclists and light auto traffic during the week, so I use earbuds

I use them mountain biking too if I get to the trailhead and there are only a couple of cars, --- but if the trails are packed I skip them . Im not very fast and I dislike the idea of holding somebody else up if I cant hear them coming up behind me

Not a dog thread, but it will do.

I find that a lot of the headphone MUP riders don't even check over their left shoulder before moving around walkers.
Even the headphone wearing runners are guilty of that.
I view headphone use on roads as Darwinism in action.

So, No, I personally save the music for on the Trainer, then I crank it.

Plus in California I think you'll find it is illegal to operate a vehicle including a bicycle using headphones in both ears.

Remember in the land-o-many laws
California....... If its not illegal, its probably mandatory !

Barry

I wear a Bluetooth headset and listen to music while riding on the road all the time. Like every day. About 10,000 miles worth in the last year. It seems perfectly safe to me. If it doesn't feel safe to you...don't wear them.

When I pass another rider I figure it's my responsibility to pass safely. This includes anticipating what he might do based on runners and walkers ahead. Why would someone pass another rider who's passing or about to pass a walker or runner? Especially on a multi-use path!

:popcorn

I ride with music every time. I also have a mirror to let me know if cars/cyclists are passing me. The bigger issue is knowing your surroundings/threats than being able to listen to tunes while you ride your bike. Mirrors, people.

If it’s a solo road ride, like a commute, or just getting some miles in, I’ll often have music. Picking songs with the right tempos can also help you hold a particular pace or cadence.
When I do, it’s only one ear, usually the curb side, depending if I’m riding or running.

If its any any kind of group (2 or more) or a high traffic situation, like downtown, then I’ll ditch the headphones.

The pair i use for cycling has has an over-the-ear hook, so it doesn’t need to seal tightly, and the volume/pause controls are right on the pod, so I don’t need to fumble around for a cord or the phone to turn it down or off. (Or louder :D )

One earbud (right ear only) is my preferred for solo rides. I use Skullcandy Method for a long list of reasons: durable in the worst conditions, good mic to take calls and send & receive text, easy to keep the unused earbud secure, not heavy; neck loop design keeps weight off your ear, easy to use buttons - even with winter gloves, ...

My general thoughts on biking with music is the same as driving with music, it's only dangerous when it's too loud. I keep the volume low enough I can easily talk with people while riding.

I have never had a conflict with another trail/road user because of my music ... but I've encountered far too many people that are a problem because their music is too loud and they can't hear a bell or verbal alerts or anything.

When they unexpectedly move over 20+ yards before they need to..... surprise!

Barry

You must have *really* wide multi-use paths if they can move over 20 yards! :foo:

People do unexpected things, especially on multi-use paths. I still figure it's my responsibility to pass them safely. This generally means slowing down to the speed of a power walker in busy areas. And I'm still able to do that whether or not I can hear them, or if they can hear me. I honestly think in my area it's better to just keep quiet and pass slowly. No matter my choice of words the reaction seems to be split 50/50 between working with me and doing just the opposite.

Funny Guy !

Yes - 20 miles wide.
but only 12 feet long.

Barry

It's funny around here (Minneapolis area), on a 25-mile ride you can go from the city, where nearly everybody gets the trail rules and we all work together well. But ride out to the exurbs, and you'll find fewer people understand the rules and you need to use more caution. On the bright side, the exurbs have significantly fewer trail users.

No.

I've done it before in the deep past, but not for a long time. Being able to hear what's going on around me is what keeps me alive when I'm sharing the road with folks driving multi-ton death machines of death. I'll do my slow jogs with headphones on, or my exercise walks, but with cycling it's a NO GO at this station. I personally am in the "this is a bad idea" camp.