Ipod whilst cycling - legal, or illegal?

[Jeanette Morgan]

I sometimes listen to my Ipod on my commute home. I keep it on a low level so I can always hear the traffic, and sirens. I ensure the Ipod is secure within my clothing, so that if the earphones fall off I simply leave them out but know that the Ipod will not fall to the ground, nor will the earphones become trapped in my bike anywhere. I select tunes to play before I set off and I never touch the Ipod whilst cycling. I have a Reevu helmet with built in mirror so am always aware of what is behind me, as being a car driver, looinng through a rear mirror is natural to me.

A fellow cyslist yesterday told me that it was illegal to listen whilst cycling. I realise that in an accident this could become an issue, however, I always wear high viz clothing, and a helmet, as well as protective cycling eye glases, and I honestly think the music helps me to concentrate better, it certainly improves my journey home. (I never use it in the rain). Does anyone else listen to music on their bike?

It would be interesting hear the members' views, both positive and negative. Sorry if this subject has been raised before but I could not find the link.

Jeanette

 

[flecc]

I don't know if it's against the law Jeanette, but motor cyclists use earpiece wireless intercoms while riding together, often chatting with each other all the time inside their helmets. They are completely legal.

I can't see how music could be more dangerous, and indeed I'd think it far less distracting than conversation which requires concentration.

If you do get stopped, best to say "Hang on while I turn on my hearing aid" as you reach inside your clothing!
.

 

[Beeping-Sleauty]

Music on your magic carpet ride

...If you do get stopped, best to say "Hang on while I turn on my hearing aid" as you reach inside your clothing!
.

Ha ..ha.. really Mr Flecc, you do have an answer for everything, i like that one.

Jeanette,

for many years i rode a 10 mile each way commute, i always carried a Aiwa cassette machine loaded with my fav trax, i found it helped eat up the miles whilst i became word perfect with my songs, learned every riff and 'pedalled my stuff'.

but i found it did distract me from concentrating, not much, but a couple of times just enough to have made a difference between a 'close-shave' and a 'laundry day' the last incident at the very tricky lights on Ilford Broadway, convinced me that it just wasn't worth it, that little extra awareness you get when you just cycle and nothing else, might just have a life-long consequence.

the choice of course is yours, i have many times realised there is little better in this world than an empty road, good weather, a fine machine, just you, your road and your music, but there is the added risk you will be transported elsewhere by your sounds, just when you have to be here right now.

good luck,
beeps

 

[aab1]

It's definately illegal here in Canada.

 

[allotmenteer]

I don't listen to music while riding as I find it distracting and I feel it is dangerous to do so on the roads. On cycle paths I suppose it's not so bad but even then I don't like the feeling of being disconnected from what is happening around me. Whilst driving a car it doesn't have the same effect, probably because in a car you are already somewhat distanced from the outside world by being inside your own little bubble. Having said that I can't listen to audio books in the car as I find they require far too much concentration and I find I just can't concentrate on driving.

Each to his/her own I suppose, but I just don't feel safe doing it.

Paul

 

[frank9755]

I am sure it is legal. So is using a mobile phone, for that matter.

I'm not sure its a great idea. I have listened to a walkman once or twice but don't do it now for the reasons others outline. But if you have it on low the risk must be pretty negligible and I can't see what danger you would be to others. I do still (very occasionally) use my phone, eg to call my wife when I've left work.

Frank

 

[flecc]

I didn't pass judgement in my reply to Jeanette, but seeing the other responses I now mention that I too wouldn't listen on the road, and won't even use a car's radio. I'm 100% for the road at all times.
.

 

[Haku]

I don't go cycling without listening to my iRiver mp3 player, even if the battery is empty I just pick up my identical backup unit I've listened to music whilst cycling practically most of my life and never had a cycling accident or caused one (with or without listening to music), I don't listen at such a level where I can't hear the traffic because I want to know if there's a car behind me without having to turn my head to check, and too loud aggrevates my tinnitus.

I'm more aware of my surroundings whilst cycling and listening to music than I am when driving and not listening to music (though I usually have my iRiver plugged into the car stereo)

 

[richard]

Perhaps because we are so vulnerable on a bike I want my full attention on the sound of the bike and surrounding traffic, however with the current trend of folks wanting to listen to audio entertainment all the time I can understand it but I still think it is risky.

 

[coops]

I have to say I'm with flecc on this one. Headphone wires etc. must also be a possible source of distraction? Beeps made good points too: you want to end up where you intended, if possible . Having been a bit accident prone when younger, I was lucky to never have been injured and now I can't be too careful on the roads in my view, so it gets my full attention.

Stuart.

 

[nigel]

Nigel

I did try it and felt it was not worth it the first time i used it i needed to cross the road so turned my head around to check to see if the road was clear and it flipped out and the wire tied its self in to a knot also i was doing a long journey on a regular basis and the batterys were running down so not for me.NIGEL

 

[Haku]

Never had a problem with tangled wires whilst listening to my mp3 player on my bike (it's usually when you go to put the earphones in you find the wire looks like a scout has been trying knots on it), my iRiver came with a full-function LCD remote which I clip to my top just under my chin with the wire hanging down inside so I can change volume/tracks etc. and importantly pause/play the music for when I do need to very easily.

 

[andrewelectricbike1]

It is not illegal to listen. You might get charged for being careless whilst tuning it though.

 

[Haku]

Wasn't there a woman who got charged for not being in control of her car because she took a drink from a water bottle whilst stopped at the lights?
Recently I saw some guy driving a T-top and he was listening to his iPod at the same time.

It really doesn't take my concentration away from the bike to change volume/tracks with the mp3 remote, I'm just as 'careless' when signalling to go down a left or right road, infact moreso because the other hand is usually braking as well as steering and keeping me upright.

 

[JohnInStockie]

I think it depends on the nature of the roadway. If you on a cyclepath or track, then obviously it doesnt matter at all, but I think it is unwise to do so in 'heavy' rush hour traffic. I suppose its a matter of personal comfort with it.

@ Haku - I recently bought some indicators , not got them on the bike yet, but when the dark nights come....

John

 

[andrewelectricbike1]

You can listen to an Ipod but you will probably get done if you drive carelessly whilst "tuning it". Quite right too.