MapMyRide Community - ipod while riding?

ipod while riding?

wanderingkale — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 21:11:14 -0600

Mk1Racer:
TimmyH:In line with ipedal...what's the justification particularly for the "it is illegal to wear headphones and listen to music while operating a vehicle" position? Surely it's not because you can't hear whats going on outside the vehicle....what do deaf people do for goodness sake?

Not sure about where you're from, but I think if you check in most states, you can't get a driver's license if you're deaf.

And to Chiprako, I have no problem with your position provided that you're treated the same way people that don't wear seatbelts are treated. If you're in an accident, and you're not wearing your seatbelt, the responsibility for your injuries is on you. That includes the medical expenses. I could care less if you do things that put you at risk of being injured, just don't expect someone else (including your insurance company) to pick up the tab should you get hurt.

Actually, in every state the deaf are allowed to get a license if they pass the written test and road test. Some states require an additional test or class of license, but all states allow it.

http://hana.freedomblogging.com/2007/04/30/you-cant-do-that-youre-deaf/

http://cochlearwar.com/deaf_can_do.html

Frankly, it's been my experience that most drivers have their stereos louder than my headphones ever would be. When I do listen to my ipod, I just plug in one of the earplugs and tie the other one off (which is legal).

ipod while riding?

KWellborn — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:24:08 -0600

To the few that have said that they do not wear a helmet when they ride, this is a very very bad idea. Not wearing a helmet is not like not wearing a seat belt. It is more like riding on the front bumper of a car. Cars are hard and the concrete is harder. This doesn't even take in the sun protection it provides to those of us who's hair isn't quite what it used to be.

On the subject of music while riding. I like all the suggestions about the different speakers to attach to the bike etc. I have to admit that I have used my ipod with ear buds while riding. If I was in town and sharing a lane I at the very least took the left one out, when there is a shoulder to ride on I guess I didn't see the point. I started rethinking this practice after I started riding with a buddy. He and I often talk off and on, yell out our paces, shout encouragement etc, so I would turn it off or take them out during these times. I really noticed how much more I heard and was aware of. I still put them in sometimes, but I keep the volume down. I am asking for that iride speaker thing for Christmas, thoug.

Wear a helmet people. If you have a spouse and kids you owe it to them. A kid shouldn't grow up without a parent or with an impared parent because their mom or dad was too cool to wear a helmet.

PS I think if you were really interested in wearing a helmet you could find one that fits your tiny head.

ipod while riding?

JoshuaFinch — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:15:13 -0600

I wear both ear buds in. Then again, I am lucky and even though there is a lot of traffic here in Tampa, I live in an area with nice wide and debris-free bike lanes. Then, about two miles south the bike lane ends, but a nice bike path that is motor-free begins which brings me to a cycling park that has a 7 mile closed loop. I figure that if I get hit, I'm dead and it more than likely wasn't my fault. You know why? Because I ride like I drive- eyes scanning constantly and head looking behind (since I don't have a mirror and it gives drivers the sense that I do know what I am doing). I also make sure that I make all the hand gestures I can while riding and I even stop at places I don't have to because I know where cars come out. That being said, if I go to a place that I don't usually ride at I will not ride with head phones. I want to be familiar with the traffic pattern before doing that. The only drawback, as someone else pointed out, is my inability to hear small things happening to my bike. Which could be scary in some cases, but since I know my roads (and bike park! Flatwoods may be boring but its hellah safe; and what else can beat seeing turkeys, deer, bob cats, migrating birds, and wild boar at the edge of Tampa?) ..I feel safe Oh- and surprisingly the drivers around where I live are either A- used to bikes or B- moving bumper to bumper so they don't really give a darn (lol) that I am there :p

ipod while riding?

avernon2000 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:43:30 -0600

Im a proud MP3er. I ride with headset on as loud as i can take it. I understand its not for everybody. But thats part of the reason why i ride sunday and saturday mornings at 7am. No traffic.

ipod while riding?

KWellborn — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:21:29 -0600

Here in Abilene, TX where there is a church on every corner, the traffic gets pretty busy on Sunday mornings. I go to church myself, but with so many churches there is a church service starting on the hour, every hour. A lot of times I ride before church, but for a lot of the old folks here Sunday is the only day they take the two ton Buick out. I used to ride with head phones, but I don't anymore. I have my ipod with me, though, just in case.

ipod while riding?

mikep — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 15:35:41 -0500

Terrible idea to ride with headphones on a open road. You need all your senses when you're in traffic. I do some trail rides with sport style headphones when the trails are at low usage (usually weekday mornings). I been on rides with people who wear one headphone in their left ear only, I guess this is an OK compromise but personally I'd rather leave the tunes on the trails.

ipod while riding?

bikezilla — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:13:47 -0500

90% of my riding last season was "rails to trails". A lot of very long stretches with no road crossings. My MP3 players is fantastic during those parts of the ride. But I always pull out the earbuds as soon as I'm in sight of any road; dirt road, highway, whatever. Scares the crap out of me to think I might not be able to hear traffic coming.

ipod while riding?

tmaeus — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:12:12 -0500

I ride with headphones all the time. In fact, having an hour (more now, but at the time...) to myself to listen to music was a significant factor in my transition from strictly commuting to riding recreationally.

My safety considerations? I will only use on-ear headphones, no buds. I have to be able to adjust the volume quickly and easily, without looking (controller on the cord, currently) -- volume goes way down, or off, when traffic goes up (I usually stay on low-traffic or bike-laned streets and avoid peak traffic hours). I periodically make sure I can still hear my bike, in case I've upped the volume to much 'cause I really liked that last song. Oh, and I have a mirror.

ipod while riding?

peetee — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:19:48 -0500

I think it depends on the person. Personally, I don't feel comfortable wearing the buds while riding since I have a tendency to lose myself in the music, and, consequently, become a greater traffic hazard than I already am. But I'm sure some people are more than capable of cycling and jamming to tunes at the same time, though for me those are two incompatable activities.

ipod while riding?

peetee — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:22:31 -0500

KWellborn:

PS I think if you were really interested in wearing a helmet you could find one that fits your tiny head.

HA! Agreed.

ipod while riding?

reed1299 — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:19:57 -0500

When my wife and I ride together, she has a tiny set of speakers that she zipties to the horizontal bar between the legs and she plugs the iPod into it so we can both listen and talk.

When I ride alone, I ride with one earpiece in the right ear and the ear closest to traffic, the left, without an earpiece.

One thing that I don't think has been brought up is that if you are riding on a road anywhere, you need a mirror to see behind you. I have the ones you just attach to the side of your sunglasses that look like a dentists mirror. Because even if you are riding without earphones, you sometimes can't hear cars coming up behind you if you are driving into a strong headwind. That's why you need the visual component as well.

ipod while riding?

raskren — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:23:32 -0500

Just curious,

What is the difference between the sound of a car that IS going to hit you from behind and the sound of a car that IS NOT going to hit you from behind?

ipod while riding?

Zlajo — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:58:41 -0500

I like music, but dont use ipod on rides.

1st Rides are only time of day when i can be alone with myself and my thougts and dont want to lose that.

2nd When i feel like it i sing or hum to myself.

3rd I cant enjoy music with wind and cars

But if u like it and it doesnt put other people in danger, i don't see what's that bad.

ipod while riding?

velroij — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 10:37:23 -0500

I have a mounter for my iphone, and just let play music trough the speakers, so i dont have to use earplugs ( I live in the Netherlands )

ipod while riding?

foesforchris — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:19:47 -0500

If you don't wear a helmet you're a COMPLETE IDIOT!!!!

I ride with tunes regularly, Oakley Thumps are the best for cycling. I have had many near misses with morons in cars. Its either wind or music, either way its hard to tell when an idiot is coming too close behind you, unless you have eyes in the back of your head.

ipod while riding?

exhumed — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 13:42:18 -0500

I wear mine occasionally and when I do I tend to be extra aware of the cars around me.

ipod while riding?

KMain — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:48:13 -0500

I have used bike speakers purchased online for about $30.00 (activetunes, I-ride classic) for a year now. Mounting bracket bracket was a little mickey-mouse, 1 hinge broke but unit is still functional. Would like more amplification in speakers instead of cranking my old Creative Zen at volume level 20 out of 24 to extend MP3 battery life. Also would like volume control on speakers to allow simplified adjustment as traffic and wind conditions dictate. I have really appreciated music during hard climbs and extended rides, including Seattle to Portland in July of 2008, Provence in Fall 2008. Anyone with experience of newer I-ride Pro model,(est $60.00) specifically re: volume, battery life, mounting considerations??

I echo considerations re: need for rear-view mirror & need to hear ambient noise as well.

ipod while riding?

harry2110 — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:23:53 -0500

I also use an Ipod since you wont hear the car that hits you inless its a big desiel. Also if we cant use headphones then cars shouldnt be allowed to have radios since they also do the same thing for them. The comment that you need all your senses is wrong if you ride over 18mph its going to be either a wind noise or music.

ipod while riding?

Zayce — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:32:38 -0500

I have a new i ride pro and am completely satisfied! I got the original i ride pro with the battery problem 1st but active tunes quickly replaced it with the newer one with the good battery absolutely free! The sound coming out of it is great and clear. The one disappointment is the lack of a volume control on the actual device. However, I use an iPod shuffle and can easily change the volume. The case attaches to your bike by flexible velcro straps. I would attach it to my handle bars where the headset attaches to them but my gear shifters are there so I must use precious handlebar space instead.

ipod while riding?

tinydr — Thu, 28 May 2009 21:24:25 -0500

I don't know what wind tunnels you people are riding in... but in all my years of riding I have never really had a problem with windnoise blocking my ability to hear... the trick is to turn your head toward the side you want to hear with... voila no wind noise. I'm not saying you'll hear the car that hits you, but you'll hear a whole bunch of cars who would've come a lot closer had you no idea they were coming up behind you.

I'm not going to have this argument though, do what you want. I have a feeling the level of safety people feel is largely influenced by the environment they're cycling in; Boston doesn't really lend itself to strong feelings of safety between the aggressive drivers and the suicidal jaywalkers.

True story though, dude I knew years ago when I was a messenger in Boston was lining up to turn into the Charlestown Navy Yard and heard a truck engine braking suspiciously close behind... takes a glance over his shoulder and sees a big rig setting up to make the same turn behind him, but gaining on him and with the trailer coming scary close. Last second the guy jumps off and the tail end of the trailer went right over his bike. Trucker didn't even stop.

Thankfully the next car coming along was a Mass State Trooper.

ipod while riding?

RunningKnows — Sun, 31 May 2009 09:17:31 -0500

I get rather irritated with the runners and walkers who use multi-use paths who walk in the middle of the path and are wearing ipods and so don't hear my bell and either don't get out of the way or get mad when I ride past. So it would be hypocritical of me to do the same.....

ipod while riding?

drfergus — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:47:12 -0500

If you're going to listen to tunes while riding, just use common sense. I use my iPhone and earbuds most of the time when riding, but I also ride in BFE Indiana, and if I get passed by a vehicle, it's usually a loud truck, loud motorcycle, or really loud farm tractor. On the few rides were I do get into heavier traffic, the earbuds come out...COMMON SENSE!

The two close calls I've had were when I was riding with my girlfriend, niether of us were wearing headphones, and it was just a stupid driver not giving us enough room. Having headphones in would not have made us any less safe. If you want to be completely safe while riding your bike, buy a stationary trainer and wrap your self in bubble-wrap.

ipod while riding?

drfergus — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:47:08 -0500

I should also mention that your personal safety also has a lot to do with your ability to be seen. In addition to riding a road bike, I also commute on a motorcycle, and bicyclists and motorcyclists share similar traffic hazards. While riding on a busy road, it makes no difference if your can hear or see a car coming, if they can not see or hear you. Wearing reflective cloths, and annoying blinking lights can go along ways to making you noticed. Lane position is also important.

ipod while riding?

srcycle1 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:27:09 -0500

Ah Ha Ha Ha!!! This forum is great...

1) No sanctioned events allow for earphones for music(USA Triathlon, USCF, NORBA, etc. races)

2) Most group rides don't permit earphones for safety reasons(wires in wheels, lack of communication with fellow cyclists and hearing vehicles). And just plain rude! Why go on a group ride with earphones on anyway. Talk to people and enjoy your ride, or just go ride by yourself.

3) Solo rides depend on what your ride is(downtown in a big city, a busy street, a country road, a bikepath, a mountain road, singletrack, a bike park, ski slope, etc.) Obviously depending on which one it is dictates the choice to have or not have music. Use 'common sense'.

I'm in my 21st year cycling: I work in the cycling industry as a Pro Fitter.

I've raced road & mountain, and have logged many a mile(over 75,000) with no music. I lead group rides. I advocate safe cycling and harmony with motorists. Now with that said...

I now ride(this year) my solo rides with music for enjoyment and hearing cars isn't an issue for me, so long as there's no busy traffic, then I take at least one out, if I have them on when coming into town or get more traffic.

I just think about all those hours on my bike and think how much enjoyable it is to have music help me pass the time.

Hope everyone stays safe and makes smart choices, keep riding. SR

ipod while riding?

cthatter — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:17:07 -0500

I don't listen. Mainly because I like having no distractions - my mind's blank when I'm on my bike and I work a lot of stuff out when I'm riding because I'm not thinking about anything. I think music would spoil that. I do wear a helmet but wasn't convinced until my friend went head first through a windshield and his helmet probably saved his life. If others do the other thing, that's up to them.

ipod while riding?

pasquale67 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:22:31 -0500

I ride solo so the walkman(yes for you young people out there thats what us old people 41 call an mp3 player) makes the ride so nice i have one that has a reg. fm radio i need the talk and all that comes with reg. fm radio as for the headphones i hate the earbuds i have reg. old style around the neck ones and i dont sit them on the ear i keep them a little in front so i hear the radio and everything else around me i couldent ride with out it but to each there own as long as you enjoy your ride do your thing

Pasquale

ipod while riding?

cory.wisecup — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:49:09 -0500

ive grown up riding bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, etc. with headphones. i dont know if its something that ive grown accustomed to but i feel perfectly safe listening to music. In fact yesterday i was on a ride in some pretty thick fog (less than 100 yds of visibility) and took my headphones out for about a half hour to enjoy the conditions and found myself suddenly out of a comfort zone. Don't get me wrong, enjoying the elements was great but i guess using your ipod, crackberry, mp3, walkman, discman...is just a personal thing. it comes with its own risks and obviously shouldnt be used in some settings. I just moved from New York City where i was riding from Brooklyn to the Upper West Side. I would listen to music right up until i crossed into Manhattan. Up here in Rochester ive noticed the drivers are more used to bikers, so its been music every ride.

ipod while riding?

steamroller67 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:45:56 -0500

I do ride with my iPod shuffle. Right earplug in, left earplug out. I can hear traffic fine. I do ride at all times with a Giro helmet as well. The shuffle clips onto the helmet strap and doesn't interfere with my riding. I only ride solo, no group rides. I am still researching, but I don't know of a law in NY state prohibiting one ear plug while cycling.

ipod while riding?

Stef1966 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:08:59 -0500

I'm doing group ride twice a week, and solo ride at least one a week. Also a few century rides every summer.

My problem is wind noise. It is realy affecting me. Yes, if I turn my head a litle bit, the noise is less but I still can't hear all the car. And I can't get my head to stay turned all the time.

I would like to listen to the music while solo riding or even better, to anything except wind noise.

ipod while riding?

dizzyjojo — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:46 -0500

Bet you wish you hadn't asked now :-) I'm in the UK and, as far as I know, it's not illegal to ride with earphones in- probably just 'frowned upon'- bit like cycling on the path. I've been passed by several police cars and never been stopped. Anyway, I use Sennheiser ear phones which have a crystal clear sound (unlike your provided ipod ones) and then you can still the tunes low enough to hear the traffic with no problems at all. Basically it's up to you. If you feel safe, go for it.