[byeargun]

What are your thoughts?

[rola643]

This can be a very....hot topic at times. It seems you are either on one side of the fence or the other and there is no middle ground. I use them and enjoy it and don't feel it impedes my safety. It is technically illegal to ride ( or drive a car ) with ear buds in both ears here in Va. but as with most things like this there is little to no enforcement.

You can do a quick search of the site and find several discussions on this topic as well.

It's a 3 pointer here
http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/points_3.asp

[zero3one]

To each there own. But for me, just like driving, I like to hear what's around me so no earphones.

[Industry_Hack]

Never.

[rola643]

I would like to add that for safety on ANY ( started to say road ) group ride I never use them. Besides it's just rude

[rinkrat793]

As much as I love music, I'd say no. Bikers are already vulnerable enough when we're on the road. I think we need to be as alert as possible.

[carlharsch]

Not for me

[newleaf150]

For me, the answer to using headphones or earbuds on the bike is an emphatic 'no' for safety reasons.

Situational awareness is critical on a bike, and headphones impact mine too severely for comfort. If you disagree, more power to you . My personal answer is no.

Happily, there's an alternative! They are called O-tus helmet speakers, and they look much like earbuds. Unlike earbuds or headphones, though, the O-tus speakers mount to your helmet a few inches above and ahead of your ears.

Because they aren't plugged into the ears, I've found I am comfortable using these speakers on the road or MUP. I hear my music without losing my awareness of or ability to hear non-musical goings-on around me.

Full disclosure: I won my O-tus speaks through a contest here on TwoSpoke. I didn't expect them to work as well as they have, especially for cold-weather cycling. I plan to buy a set for Mrs. Newleaf when the weather warms up a bit.

[Andy2302]

Listen while you text.

[SOFRider]

A never for me. Just don't think it is safe. See a lot of "casual" riders in their own world, a danger to themselves and those arround them.Only thing worse is riding and talking on the cell phone.