Mp3 Player while Biking...

[Tynan]

comparisons with car stereos are silly, no the same, all my riding is rush hour London traffic anyway

the earlier post about people bimbling along in headphones is bang on, they're in a world of their own mostly

 

[gavintc]

Do you use one?

I use my phone (Sony Walkman) but never use it while on the road, I only use it when I arrive at where I want to go (Single track's/Downhill sections/Wooded Areas)

I sometimes point out to other cyclists that it's not advised to use Mp3's while on the road, but they don't ever listen

-Chris.

Do you work for the HSE? A safety nerd? Left ear plugged in - you can hear perfectly well.

 

[beanzontoast]

Used to - don't any more. Prefer the ambient sounds of the road.

And I rather enjoy listening to my bike as I hurtle along, to be honest. There's a heightened awareness that comes from getting to know the sounds of everything working together.

 

[Archie]

Does anyone listen to music the way I do any more? I want to relax and listen to it, not be worrying about the traffic at the next junction whilst we get to the duelling guitar solo on Layla, or the big vocal on Great Gig In The Sky.

Even at work, what's the point? Your grooving to some U2 then someone emails you with a problem and your attention goes on that instead. I'm listening to music now, but it's my own time now so I can listen or type this reply, my choice. Why devalue something that gives me so much pleasure by taking it into an environment where it distracts me from the task at hand, and where the task at hand distracts me from the music?

 

[gavintc]

Music on the bike is wallpaper. I do not listen as such, just enjoy the melody in the background.

 

[summerdays]

Used to - don't any more. Prefer the ambient sounds of the road.

And I rather enjoy listening to my bike as I hurtle along, to be honest. There's a heightened awareness that comes from getting to know the sounds of everything working together.

I've tried the one ear approach, but prefer without... it also means you can note wierd noises coming from your bike. In my case the most frequent being when I've selected a bad chain combination - that irritating rub that takes a while to get into my subconciousness so I'd never hear that with head phones in.

 

[byegad]

I think it depends on how loud you play your MP3 player, I sometimes use mine at a low volume such that I can hear approaching traffic. This means it's often drowned out by a stream of traffic passing.

I passed a guy a couple of months ago and his was so loud I could identify the track he was listening to. This surely meant he was functionally deaf to other road users.

Also I feel a 'good' solicitor will mention a cyclist's use of an iPod in defence of a driver who has come into contact with said cyclist.

 

[nilling]

I tried commuting with my iPod for a couple of days. Had spent ages compiling my fave motivational tracks. But now I much prefer the sounds of the road and my own internal jukebox

 

[joebe]

There's nothing quite like "smack my bitch up" on the A4 to set a new PB.

Always used one, always will. I prefer to look around continually.

 

[Milo]

Dont see it as a problem most car drivers have there stereo on.
Its all about looking not hearing.

 

[cycling fisherman]

I use my mp3 player quite often probably 9 times out of 10, i do play it loud and with both earplugs in, i know some cyclists don't like this, but, each to their own.

However every time i take my son out for a ride i would'nt dream of taking it with me.

 

[Mr Pig]

I would never use one because firstly, I think it does compromise safety.

Secondly, irrespective of how loud you actually play it, if you do have an accident it could be used against you in court and could cost you dearly. It would be impossible to prove that it did not effect your hearing or concentration, just as a car driver cannot prove that being on the phone did not effect his.

 

[ACS]

I never go out without my Ipod shuffle. Find it keeps me company on those occassional long walks either up hill or back home. We have been there admit it........pushing your bike is really tedious.

 

[galaxy1]

I use mine all the time at quite a loud volume .Cars have stereos for their journey's so I will too.Besides as someone pointed out ,as you can see you're front and sides you're more likely to be hit from behind and by the time its on top of you it will be too late..

 

[4F]

No, I don't use one whilst cycling and I never will.
The cyclists who I overtake on the bike path using them, who leap out of their skins when I come past because they haven't heard my friendly "GOOD MORNING!" has persuaded me to not use my trusty minidisc player on the bike.

+1