Music on bikes

HonestAl

I've noticed a number of cycling jackets which list pockets for mp3 players amongst their features, which got me thinking about listening to music while riding a bike. I love listening to / playng music. When I'm (dare I type it? ... yep, go for it) driving along in my car I tend to listen to music all the time. Not at deafening volumes, but it's there.

But mad though I am on music the idea of riding my bike listening scares the life out of me for a simple selfish reason. I reckon I'd be so much more exposed and at risk than without it.

Before I get bombarded with messages telling me I'm being selfish by listening in the car as it distracts probably me, I suspect you're right. Selfishly on the bike I'm more worried about self preservation.

So I'm interested in your views. Do many of you ride along accompanied by music? Or does it scare you as it does me?

antfly

It`s illegal to wear hedphones while driving.I got stopped once for it by the fuzz, I was only doing it because my radio was broken.I agree,cycling with headphones is dumb and possibly illegal.

teagar

Don't think it's illegal on a bike. A bicycle isn't motorised.


Silly rule anyway. You can't use earphones but you can play your car stereo ludicrously loud?

The makers will claim that it's useful for turbo training anyway.

antfly

Perhaps it should be illegal,then,on the road.It should definately be forbidden for joggers on shared narrow cycling and walking lanes.How are you supposed to get them to move when they can`t hear you or see you?

It could also be useful for a talking gps in the pocket with one earpiece.I was considering doing that myself.

teagar

antfly wrote:

Perhaps it should be illegal,then,on the road.It should definately be forbidden for joggers on shared narrow cycling and walking lanes.How are you supposed to get them to move when they can`t hear you or see you?

Cycle on the road

And presumably you don't feel the same for deaf joggers...? :twisted:

Frank the tank

I listen to music in the car, at a modest level (I can still hear traffic)

I would never entertain riding my bike listening to an MP3 for my own safety. But like wearing a helmet I believe it should be left up to individual choice.

The H&S mob have stuck their noses into too many issues as it is, please don't give 'em any more to go at.

antfly

teagar wrote:

antfly wrote:

Perhaps it should be illegal,then,on the road.It should definately be forbidden for joggers on shared narrow cycling and walking lanes.How are you supposed to get them to move when they can`t hear you or see you?

Cycle on the road

And presumably you don't feel the same for deaf joggers...? :twisted:

I do,I meant when I am on the MTB.I did 36 miles on the road today {a lot for me} nearly all of it with a cycle path alongside the road.I often get people honking me and pointing at it aggressively but I don`t have to use it.

I can tell they are not deaf because they have wires coming out of their ears.I give deaf joggers special dispensation,i`m not a bad person.
I fall off therefore I am.

teagar

antfly wrote:

I do,I meant when I am on the MTB.I did 36 miles on the road today {a lot for me} nearly all of it with a cycle path alongside the road.I often get people honking me and pointing at it aggressively but I don`t have to use it.

I can tell they are not deaf because they have wires coming out of their ears.I give deaf joggers special dispensation,i`m not a bad person.

That's part of the fun though :twisted: I think all roadies get that kind of car reaction! Then again, if you had your music on, you wouldn't hear them honk and hurl abuse at you

antfly

I would still see the nasty hand signals though.

antfly

Frank the tank wrote:

I listen to music in the car, at a modest level (I can still hear traffic)

I would never entertain riding my bike listening to an MP3 for my own safety. But like wearing a helmet I believe it should be left up to individual choice.

The H&S mob have stuck their noses into too many issues as it is, please don't give 'em any more to go at.

Yeah but on the road other people`s safety is affected too.

Frank the tank

antfly wrote:

Frank the tank wrote:

I listen to music in the car, at a modest level (I can still hear traffic)

I would never entertain riding my bike listening to an MP3 for my own safety. But like wearing a helmet I believe it should be left up to individual choice.

The H&S mob have stuck their noses into too many issues as it is, please don't give 'em any more to go at.

Yeah but on the road other people`s safety is affected too.

.
Yes, but who is most likely to come to harm? The cyclist I would say, therefore it's up to he/she if they want to add even more risk to what is already a dangerous persuit.

If we were to be really silly we could ban cycling on roads (in the name of H&S).

Airwave

I fail to see the logic in the argument against wearing headphones on the move.Surely a person riding a Harly D or driving a heavy goods lorry would be unable to hear whats going outside the cab,helment.This is why rear veiw mirrors/wing mirrors are used.Also being deaf or being of impaired hearing would disqualify you from using the roads.It's more important to ride with caution&have a healthy respect for other road user as a matter of course.
Perhaps all cycles should have wing mirrors,stabillisers&hearing tests at the point of sale?

Chaz.Harding

I always ride with music. ESPECIALLY on longer rides. I'd go insane with no music, AND no-one else to talk to?? Sod that... Just ppppchchchcpppcpchchcppcpchchchpcpchchc (wind in your ears noise, lol)

Maybe it is more dangerous, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. I always look around, keep my eye out for traffic etc.

Whats everyone else do if your out on your own?

Frank the tank

I generally mull things over, do a bit of mental visualisation (fantasize, if you like).

Chaz.Harding

What??!

Frank the Tank, sounds kinda psychadelic... You on LSD too mate?? :shock:

Joke

Frank the tank

Nowt psychadelic about me mate, only my wardrobe.

The Tank comes from my reputation of being able to consume a fair bit of beer and grub. Whilst simultaniously managing to maintain this Adonis like physic :roll:

howiejmidlands

Personally, in the car, i have music in the car. Loud, not loud, radio, doesnt matter. And i drive 40k a year.

On the bike,on the road, i have never used an MP3, ever. And never will.

On the bike i wear a helmet. 20 odd years ago, we used to scream and shout about not wearing them. Now, for me, i prefer to wear a helmet.

Its choice. I see riders with no helmet. It is their choice, and i will not say anything.

Earphones on a bike, their choice, same prinicple applies.

Until it is the law, its personal choice.

antfly

I am too busy dodging cars and pedestrians crossing the road with i-pods on to get bored,or just letting my mind wander.
Maybe you need to find some more interesting rides bigchazrock.

Perhaps all cycles should have wing mirrors,stabillisers&hearing tests at the point of sale?

That`s just silly.

whydoesitalwaysrainonme

i have only really listened to music once or twice on the bike, not because of danger because i look behind me anyway, but simply because it complicates the ride and i enjoy a ride without the music.

dizzydane

Every Saturday and Sunday I ride with a group, but some days it will only be my lonely self going out on the roads. If I've got a long ride to do, I'll ride with my MP3. I enjoy riding with music and am aware of the potential consequences.

Until the sun came out, it could be pretty boring riding for 6hours and I needed the music, but judging from the numbers out last weekend I may ditch the MP3 and play catch with fellow riders.

whyamihere

The MP3 player pockets provide an excellent place to put my phone.

CyclingBantam

Like someone said, all this H&S could go too far. I always wear earphones when I am cycling alone. I think it helps me to be more aware asI am very careful at all times to know what is happening around me where as without them I notice I don't quite look round as much.

Now I am not like a drunk saying I drive better after a pint or two but I think it should be personal choice. Some cars are that quiet now, I don't think it is very sensible relying on just listening out.

I must say I don't have them on too loud though so I do still hear cars/trucks coming up behind/ sirens etc.

guilliano

I wish I could use my MP3 player when I ride off road, but the inn the ear headphones don't stay in my odd ears and the neckband ones that I use mean I can't wear riding glasses. When I start road riding I'll not want to use it anyway as I'd rather be able to hear what the traffic is doing around me. Besides, riding (for me) is all about escaping from the noise and hustle of towns and enjoying the quietness of the countryside.

openvent

Just joined up,so hi all,Slipstreamz are wot you need,listen to music,cut down wind noise
still hear traffic,keep the lugs a little bit warmer and there cheap.Been using them for so long
cant remember where I got them from but still available,and no I dont look like Mr Spock when wearing them!

schmako

I always use my mp3 player whilst riding, road or mtb (when cycling on my own). Obviously not too loud so I can't hear whats going on around me (i.e. cars). Done it for the last 5 years at least, and no crashes due to them. I'd say its more dangerous to wear an mp3 player walking down the street (getting it stolen). But yeah, personal choice at the end of the day.