Listening to music while riding - harmless or hazardous?
I have always wondered with this. Is it legal to wear your ipod while riding? What hazards does it place on other road users/peds etc.
I am a bit against it personally, as the ear phones with loud music can impede ones ability to listen and concentrate on traffic etc. especially if you are riding in a group scenario. Someone with ear phones rides off while people at the rear may have had a fall etc.
What are the legalities of this, pro's & con's? For or against? Please keep the discussion civil.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Adam Williss on -
As a kid I used to hoon on my BMX all over the paths in the Hallett Cove Conservation Park!!! Was great fun! Without a helmet too.....(should I say that???).
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Permalink Reply by Matt "Boz" on -
Must say - have tempted to take the mountain bike over for some of those downhills - and take the 4wd to some of those tracks in the wet :-)
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Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on -
so only had to worry what was ahead of me
Snakes most likely :)
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Permalink Reply by Matt "Boz" on
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Off topic - almost did step on a snake two weeks ago :-(
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Permalink Reply by Stephen Battye on -
me too
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Permalink Reply by Dario Gautama on -
I love music too and I always play music while driving, but for riding is a bit different.
While riding, just let wind and bicycle's chains plays music for your ears, to me its what is a great thing about cycling.
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Permalink Reply by Frank on
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Refuse to ride with a guy in our group that is wired!
Its hard enough to stay tight and communicate. No way>
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Permalink Reply by Mike Brisco on -
Listen to music - but fit a rear view mirror and use it often!
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Crazy, cars are getting quieter all the time, hybrids can run on stealth or battery only and no way u hear them!
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Permalink Reply by Paul Inglis on -
I listen when riding all the time. Not on group rides because that would unsociable and rude but on my own most of the time. As far as I know it's completely legal. Anyway, most people would it is acceptable to listen to your stereo while driving, and being in a car insulates the driver from sounds as well. Cyclists don't have this problem and traffic is almost always loud enough anyway. When riding fast(eg. descending) the wind noise is too loud to hear anything from behind anyway. I use my eyes for situational awareness more than my ears anyway. This is what works for me but it may not work for everyone else. Would anyone have a problem with a deaf cyclist on the road?
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Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on -
I wouldn't, but how would one know there was a deaf cyclist around if you were to approach them from behind and they were unaware of your presence?
This situation is a bit different as most people have a choice of listening to their surroundings or not.
That's purely my opinion.
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