National Media note biking-with-earbuds-in = bad idea

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/a_fine_whine/2012/11/cycling_wit...

Offered without comment, though I totally agree. So I guess that's a comment. For me, riding or walking or doing anything with headphones is a bad idea because I like to be connected to the world around me through all my senses, including hearing (and humor). Many times I've avoided reckless drivers because I heard them coming up on me from behind and I pulled over or turned. Many times I've avoided being turned into an ad hoc hood ornament because I hear that a car headed towards an intersection isn't braking despite the red light or stop sign. And most of the time, I hear birdsong and the symphony of city living. Music is over-rated.

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Permalink Reply by Gort 12-mile Pinklegneep on November 8, 2012 at 7:49am

Just as an aside, there are these li'l USB-chargeable speakers at Walgreens that i'll occasionally toss into a pocket or bag which sound just fine on the bike.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on November 8, 2012 at 8:17am

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Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on November 8, 2012 at 1:32pm

Riding along the cycle paths to the botanical garden with them on in order to keep a good pace with the beats from the music, and then BAM! a deer out of nowhere...