Cycling UK Forum

^
Well, for starters. Today while cycling in a city I could hear that a parked van had it's engine running. This meant that even though I couldn't see that it was occupied I wasn't surprised when it suddenly started to move off without indicating.

It's about increased situational awareness innit?

The difference in attitudes is quite simple:
- High vis is considered unnecessary specialised equipment (unless you suggest that all cars and pedestrians require it as well)
- Headphones are considered as an unnecessary distraction/hindrance to your own awareness

Note that road awareness is not entirely down to hearing - there are plenty of other ways in which we gather information about the road around us. It is undoubtedly valuable, but it is not essential.

Clearly hearing is not essential - deaf people are perfectly capable of cycling safely.

When I'm driving with music playing on the radio I switch it off when I have to negotiate a hazard. Music increases the sense of isolation from what's outside.

I don't wear phones on the bike, but while I don't see much to object to in wearing them on a quiet country road, I wouldn't care to wear them in town, or belting down from a col. In situations like that I like to have all the data I can get no matter what the source, and as few distractions as possible.

ISTR that you can be prosecuted for driving whilst wearing headphones, so those in authority over us must think it is dangerous.

Audax67 wrote:When I'm driving with music playing on the radio I switch it off when I have to negotiate a hazard. Music increases the sense of isolation from what's outside.

I don't wear phones on the bike, but while I don't see much to object to in wearing them on a quiet country road, I wouldn't care to wear them in town, or belting down from a col. In situations like that I like to have all the data I can get no matter what the source, and as few distractions as possible.

I dont think you are going to hear much of anything whilst doing that.

Nettled Shin wrote:ISTR that you can be prosecuted for driving whilst wearing headphones, so those in authority over us must think it is dangerous.

I suspect the prosecution would be for bad driving whilst wearing headphones.
It's perfectly obvious to anyone obliged to share the roads with cagers, that many of them manage to be disconnected from the outside world without the aid of headphones.

Personally I reckon it's inappropriate to drive in a built-up area during the day with the windows closed. I always used to have the sunroof open too unless it was actually pouring with rain - why not put all that waste heat to good use ?