Headphones and Cycling! Is it safe?
- Thread starter RedStork
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Crankarm
Guru
It would be most helpful if you could quote the relevant piece of legislation or secondary legislation to which you refer.
stevieboy378
New Member
I wear headphones while cycling, but only in one ear - I like to be able to hear whats happening around me.
I don't listen to loud music, but have my iPod loaded with lots of audiobooks. I find it very relaxing to listen to a good book on a long ride, and it helps on those inevitable dull sections that all long distance rides tend to have . . . .
I don't listen to loud music, but have my iPod loaded with lots of audiobooks. I find it very relaxing to listen to a good book on a long ride, and it helps on those inevitable dull sections that all long distance rides tend to have . . . .
Jezston
Über Member
You should try both ears - it'll sound much better and you'll still be able to hear around you
It's made me think, though - are audiobooks perhaps more distracting than music?
Or, as I found this morning, the noise of a pannier strap which has come loose and is hitting a spoke.
If I hadn't heard that clicking, it might have got caught up and locked the rear wheel, which isn't something that I'd recommend for a rush-hour commute, even in rural Buckinghamshire.
Leah
Active Member
I use earphones, but only with the music on quietly and to be honest, I concentrate so much on cycling and whats around me that I rarely remember what I have been listening to. I find they actually cancel out wind noise and often help me to pick up on engine noise behind me better.
Ravenbait
Someone's imaginary friend
Could you please advise as to which piece of legislation this would be?
I went googling and couldn't find anything. There are certainly laws in some of the US States regarding headphones while driving, but I've found nothing to indicate there is anything in UK legislation banning the use of headphones. It would be necessary to prove "driving without due care and attention".
Sam
Less so illegal, but you can be done for Driving without care and attention. If you're in a crash and it's the third party's fault they can do you on that for having headphones in, whereas one headphone makes no difference, apparently.
After asking my work manager, professional drivers (PCV, LGV and HGV) aren't allowed to use dual earpieces, but as I say if you're in an accident on another vehicle you can be held liable because of it
Crankarm
Guru
I ask again if you could please link to the legislation you are seeking to rely on, otherwise one can only conclude that your posts are purely anecdotal. It might well be that what you have been told is merely the policy of your organisation and has no basis in law.
Bromptonaut
Rohan Man
Is there an example of conviction for riding without due care and attention? My understanding was that the only option for the prosecutor was 'riding furiously' or some such thing.
Bromptonaut
Rohan Man
and on an allied subject - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-11153918 (MP3 players banned in Truro half marathon)
[QUOTE 554499"]
Correct, another piece of legislation that is slightly different is (correct me if I'm wrong) in a car you can be by the side of the road speaking on the phone with the handbrake applied in neutral with the engine still running. However in a PSV you have to turn the engine off.
[/quote]
Sorry to tell you but you've been misinformed. As long as a bus is waiting at a stop or on a stand the driver can talk on a phone, open and close doors and adjust signage on his vehicle (the glowing thing on the front, back and sides showing the route number and destination)
It's a potential question on the PCV theory test, I can't find a link but you can ask any local bus operator registered with the CPT and they'll tell you the same. The easiest way to combat it is to allow a wireless earpiece and not permit personal media equipment in the cab at all (which is our company policy), but even then there are workarounds (playing music via a bluetooth phone for instance).
Correct, another piece of legislation that is slightly different is (correct me if I'm wrong) in a car you can be by the side of the road speaking on the phone with the handbrake applied in neutral with the engine still running. However in a PSV you have to turn the engine off.
[/quote]
Sorry to tell you but you've been misinformed. As long as a bus is waiting at a stop or on a stand the driver can talk on a phone, open and close doors and adjust signage on his vehicle (the glowing thing on the front, back and sides showing the route number and destination)
It's a potential question on the PCV theory test, I can't find a link but you can ask any local bus operator registered with the CPT and they'll tell you the same. The easiest way to combat it is to allow a wireless earpiece and not permit personal media equipment in the cab at all (which is our company policy), but even then there are workarounds (playing music via a bluetooth phone for instance).
adscrim
Veteran
The rules for motorcyclists suggest the rider "Consider wearing ear protection". Surely such protection would be little better that wearing headphones.
Nah, it's fine for motor vehicle operators to block their hearing like this, or with closed windows and radio in the car. It's only cyclists that aren't allowed to do this, that or someone is talking bollocks.
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