Careless cyclist fined in rare prosecution

[4F]

It could even be argued that wearing headphones is safer.

Oh my aching sides

Hearing is never a substitute for looking, I use both frequently.

I will admit however that as my commute is mostly rural, there is less background noise then someone who has a
more suburban commute.

 

[Hip Priest]

Two lessons here:

1) Never change your line without a shoulder check
2) Apply extreme caution when overtaking

 

[snailracer]

Oh my aching sides

Hearing is never a substitute for looking, I use both frequently.

I will admit however that as my commute is mostly rural, there is less background noise then someone who has a more suburban commute.

And apparently ride so slowly that the wind noise doesn't affect your hearing .

Some vehicles make too little noise to be heard - whether or not you can hear another vehicle approaching, you would still have to look to guarantee it is safe before you pull out. If you always have to look, then, logically, what is the benefit of using your ears, which can "lie"?

 

[Jezston]

Seems fair enough to me, cue the wrath of the "I wear headphones but they don't hinder my hearing" posse.

Muppets

I wear headphones but they don't hinder my ability to look behind me before any maneuver.

I've seen plenty of cyclists make such maneuvers without looking who weren't wearing headphones.

Wearing headphones is completely irrelevant in this case, as it seems to have been in pretty much any case where they were mentioned as a factor.


EDIT Also why is my browser telling me I'm spelling 'maneuver' wrong?

 

[Hip Priest]

The headphone issue is like the helmet issue. Live and let live. I personally prefer not to use them but I'm sure they can be used safely.

 

[4F]

And apparently ride so slowly that the wind noise doesn't affect your hearing .

Some vehicles make too little noise to be heard - whether or not you can hear another vehicle approaching, you would still have to look to guarantee it is safe before you pull out. If you always have to look, then, logically, what is the benefit of using your ears, which can "lie"?

If your ears "lie" then I suggest that a trip to the doctors is in order

 

[snailracer]

If your ears "lie" then I suggest that a trip to the doctors is in order

I'd certainly go see my doctor if my eyes lied.

Have you never, ever looked around and been surprised to see something there you didn't hear coming?

 

[Jezston]

Human hearing is horrendously crap compared to most animals, and can easily be tricked and confused by conflicting visual and auditory stimulii.

Personally I don't think humans should be allowed to ride bikes. It's totally irresponsible. I get my cat to ride my bike for me, and anyone who doesn't is a staggering idiot.

Although yes I believe deaf people should be allowed to continue to ride bikes because as anyone knows anyone who lacks a particular sense, other senses become superhumanly powerful. Just look at The Flash.

 

[4F]

I'd certainly go see my doctor if my eyes lied.

Have you never, ever looked around and been surprised to see something there you didn't hear coming?

No.

 

[NotFabian]

I wear headphones but they don't hinder my ability to look behind me before any maneuver.

I've seen plenty of cyclists make such maneuvers without looking who weren't wearing headphones.

Wearing headphones is completely irrelevant in this case,
as it seems to have been in pretty much any case where
they were mentioned as a factor.



EDIT Also why is my browser telling me I'm spelling 'maneuver' wrong?

'cause you're spelling manoeuvre wrong. ;-)

 

[gb155]

Seems fair enough to me, cue the wrath of the "I wear headphones but they don't hinder my hearing" posse.

Muppets

Like me ?

 

[wiggydiggy]

I'd certainly go see my doctor if my eyes lied.

Have you never, ever looked around and been surprised to see something there you didn't hear coming?

Yes, I get the occasional drafter on my commute (which is a whole other annoyance!) who can get scarily close and also several people participating in some SCR it seems. Luckily my route isnt the best for this behavior so it is rarer.

 

[teletext45]

I wear eadphones but only in my left ear at low volume. leaving my right ear free allows me to hear on coming cars etc

I know its not the best but my commute is soooo boring!!!

andy

 

[Hip Priest]

I remember when I was about 14 I used to cycle to my mate's house. I'd always stick Nevermind by Nirvana on full blast and try to get there before the end of Smells Like Teen Spirit. It was a like a mini TT.

 

[snailracer]

No.

Well then, as your hearing is infallible, why would you ever need to look?
And presumably you can hear approaching cyclists, too?
Maybe you live out in the country where there is hardly any traffic about?