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Bicycle Commuting
18 posts
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I sure do but then it can't be nearly the dumbest thing I've ever done even if it's bad. I think a lot of it depends on your route and the traffic conditions. I know lots of people don't like to see ear phones used but I'll be honest, when I am in my car I can't hear the car behind me either and I may not even have my radio cranked. Of course we are more exposed on a bike so perhaps every advantage should be sought.
I don't however use earphones when I'm with other riders. Those guys I want to hear coming! :)
posted over 2 years ago | Report
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I'm not a fan of them but I think Johnny has a point......it depends on your route and traffic conditions. I hear a lot of people say that they can hear everything just fine, but I think it's a distraction that I'd rather not have. I've come up behind people with my bell and they have no idea I'm there until I pass......then I see the white cords dangling, so I know not everyone hears as well as they like to believe.
posted over 2 years ago | Report
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If it keeps you riding and you're not putting yourself or anyone else in danger or at an inconvenience, I don't see a problem with it. I'm not sure how a commute can be boring though - I'm always looking out for wildlife, something different, cars, pedestrians, rogue/ninja cyclists... never a dull day in my books.
posted over 2 years ago | Report
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i just have it in one ear
posted over 2 years ago | Report
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If it's something you HAVE to do, only use one earbud. It's generally a pretty dangerous and silly thing to do.
I've heard of places that have earbud bans where you can actually get ticketed for wearing them while riding and I'm pretty supportive of that.
posted over 2 years ago | Report
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If I'm by myself I do. If I'm with a group or riding to work I don't (I ride 26 miles to work)
posted over 2 years ago | Report
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I would say it's a pretty dangerous activity. One of the main stresses of riding is being aware of everything around one and the smallest noise can give you an indication of something that one should prepare for-even if it's simply the rather quiet slick wheels of another cyclist passing. I'd say that if you're riding in a park or where there's no people -sure-listen to the spoken word on an ipod
posted over 2 years ago | edited over 2 years ago | Report
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Unless I'm riding with others I almost always have headphones on for commuting and a lot of training rides. In ear as well, so noise is further isolated.
Your eyes work a lot better than your ears for keeping you safe. I wear massively noise-isolating headphones/ear plugs while riding a motorcycle. Can't hear anything above the engine noise, and it protects the hearing from the endless drone. Pay attention to what's in front of you - there's not much you can do with things coming up behind you: it's all on them.
When riding around town, or shorter distances - being that organic part of your environment that comes with being a cyclist is hard to do if you can't see, hear, smell the city around you.
posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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I use them for training solo, but not commuting - too much traffic and other things to keep track of on my commute. Even when I do use them; I use the 'over the ear' style and hook them on my helmet straps so I can hear the music, but not have them in my ears. It actually partially blocks the wind from hitting my ear drums too, so I can actually hear better at speed.
I tried the in the ear style once and it was too much isolation for me, I rely way too much on my hearing to feel safe that way.posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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good
posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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in reply to what Ben S. said:I use them for training solo, but not commuting - too much traffic and other things to keep track of on my commute. Even when I do use them; I use the 'over the ear' style and hook them on my helmet straps so I can hear the music, but not have th... read more
nice
posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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i never would but i ride the streets of nyc. it's hard enough keeping alert and not getting killed by everything going on. i really look down on it when people here do it, but i can't say the same for elsewhere.
posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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Deleted User
Yea I wouldn't do that but I'm cycling in traffic every day and with buses and dublin taxis I would be scared at the thought of wearing headphones. But I've seen some people do crazy stuff on bikes. One morning I saw this guy sitting up straight (no hands on the handle bars).........reading a book. Mentalist!
posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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I loop the wires around my helmet straps - so if I get into traffic or a tight spot, I can flip them out really fast.
Don't listen too loud ...
posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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Deleted User
I gave it up a few years ago when I was injured and couldn't ride. I took up trail running and was amazed at the number of cyclists who would come around a corner and slam on the brakes. Even I could hear the music coming from their headphones! Now, I hate coming up behind people and they can't hear you so asking to pass.
It's just rude.
posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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I don't listen that loud - and don't think I'd wear them off-road....
posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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I do this, but I have a wonderful commute on bike trails and roads with 10+ ft bike lanes and low traffic. For normal road biking, I'd be 100% against it. All it takes is one moment of distraction in traffic and you could find yourself twitching in a gutter... Is it worth it?
posted almost 2 years ago | Report
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