Headphones and Cycling! Is it safe?

[NigC]

I abhore the earpiece that comes with my phone/MP3 player/whatever-else-it-does and refuse to have it anywhere near my ear. Plus, I don't think I'd get more than 50 yards without the piece of crap falling out or being uncomfortable and needing adjusting

Having said that, I wouldn't want my hearing ability compromised at all while I'm cycling, as for me, it is an extremely important sense. So I see no reason in investing in a better earpiece anyway.

Whilst driving, yes, the radio is on, although never so loud that I couldn't hear a horn blast if I needed to.

 

[Tinuts]

I use hearing to judge the car speed behind (oh yes you can, even electric ones) and the attitude of the driver.... like Marinyork says, it's a bit like bat sense..... (even though I have just average hearing).

More sadly, I like to hear a perfectly tuned drive chain whirring away....... I hate rattles, cars/bikes...drives me nuts, so I ensure it all works.......

Yes, indeed. It's all about awareness of what's going on around you.

I tried headphones once and found that it reduced my awareness by a worrying amount. As far as I'm concerned any reduction of awareness while on a bike (as with so many things) is unacceptable.

Consequently, I don't wear headphones and would advise any other cyclist to dispense with them unless, of course, they come from the planet Krypton and have superhuman auditory powers.

 

[BentMikey]

Personally, riding in a big city, I come across a lot of mini-roundabouts in residential areas that have narrow streets, and four storey buildings. There is no way that I can see the approaching traffic, so I like to try and hear them coming. I would feel a bit vulnerable at all times on the bike with headphones.

Until the day that you meet an electric vehicle that fails to give way and smashes into you. Maybe slowing down and looking would be a much more effective strategy?

 

[nich]

I'm so buzzed and full of adrenaline when I'm cycling to work that I don't mind the noise of cars and engines, along with my heavy breathing!

 

[Ste T.]

Depends where I am. On a cycle path or quiet lane I may have my lefthand earpiece in for womens hour, you and yours, from our own corrospondent ect, and yes...I confess... the Archers . I tend to listen to Radio 4 so its not very loud and stereo doesn't matter. In a built up area, in town or city, I just dont like the sensation it gives of being apart from your surroundings .There is probably a statistic some where on how many cyclists killed or injured had them on. Could make interesting reading.
The ones that amaze me are those who have them on and pull out to pass parked cars with out a glance over their shoulder first. Eeek!

 

[Crankarm]

Depends where I am. On a cycle path or quiet lane I may have my lefthand earpiece in for womens hour, you and yours, from our own corrospondent ect, and yes...I confess... the Archers . I tend to listen to Radio 4 so its not very loud and stereo doesn't matter. In a built up area, in town or city, I just dont like the sensation it gives of being apart from your surroundings .There is probably a statistic some where on how many cyclists killed or injured had them on. Could make interesting reading.
The ones that amaze me are those who have them on and pull out to pass parked cars with out a glance over their shoulder first. Eeek!

They would do the same whether wearing headphones or not. They're more often seen riding BSOs.

 

[Domeo]

I've been listening to music for virtually all my (road) riding for the last 20 years. I commute daily, with a round trip of 25-30 miles into central London. I have not had any problems. Looking around and taking everything in visually is more important than sound. After all there are other users that you wouldn't hear anyway such as pedestrians, other cyclists and electric cars. I look before I make a move.

 

[BentMikey]

This is a good example of not looking and just changing lanes. Was he relying on his hearing?


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CI62KJ4Ekw4

 

[NigC]

I don't think anyone is suggesting they "rely" on their hearing (are they?). Rather, it's an extremely useful additional sense that shouldn't be ignored. Obviously looking before making any manouvre is vital too

 

[BentMikey]

If you find hearing extremely useful, then you're not looking enough. I'd be willing to bet that seeing your riding on film would show that clearly.

 

[adds21]

I tried headphones for a few trips, but found that when in town, I couldn't hear what I was listing to properly unless I had the volume up so high as to block everything else out, and I, personally, didn't like that. When in the country I'd rather listen to the "county noises" (or lack thereof).

That said, I'd defend anyone else's right to use headphones if they so wish.

 

[NigC]

If you find hearing extremely useful, then you're not looking enough. I'd be willing to bet that seeing your riding on film would show that clearly.

I know, you told me before I am looking round more often (I think anyway)

My point is that your hearing is an additional sense that if working as expected, should not be excluded. Only people with hearing difficulties will have heightened their other senses to make allowances for their lack of hearing.

I've certainly noticed a bike behind me when preparing to turn right - I hadn't heard them but I did see them, so looking round is still vital.

Being able to hear traffic and other noises just gives you a better understanding of your environment.

 

[BentMikey]

I know, I use my hearing sometimes. I do tend to feel like I've failed when I hear a vehicle near me before I've seen it. Find it quite embarassing.

 

[adds21]

Only people with hearing difficulties will have heightened their other senses to make allowances for their lack of hearing.

Not sure about that, not in this case anyway.

Touch & Taste - Not much use on a bike unless something has gone horribly wrong.

Smell - I do occationally smell a car, but I don't think it's of much use on a bike, espeically as you're more likely to smell something you're heading towards

Sight - Is the obvious one - Do deaf people have better eye sight? And even if they do, would it make that much difference as a cyclist? I tend to think that if you can't see a car, you're in trouble anyway...

 

[dodgy]

I know, I use my hearing sometimes. I do tend to feel like I've failed when I hear a vehicle near me before I've seen it. Find it quite embarassing.

I don't get that, it sounds like you expect to turn around enough times to see every single vehicle that passes you - before it has passed? You must have a neck like an owl's

I have a tiny unobtrusive mirror on my road bikes, most people don't even know it's there, but it's quite handy (for seeing other riders trying to catch you ).