Riding with headphones... yay or nay?

Your going to get a lot of comments about this.  Riding with headphones I don't see as a bad idea.  I've done it before but I used to ride on roads where I could go on a 40-60 mile ride and get passed by maybe a dozen cars.  I was on a pretty deserted area to say the least and the speed limits on these roads were around 35 mph so it wasn't like the cars were zooming by you.

Being on a path I have to say is similar but also might be more danergous.  Considering all the other people and items around you other then JUST a car. 

I'd say thumbs down unless you do it on a less trafficed area.

^^ this is my point exactly.

x2, no headphones -- I like to listen to everything around me.  But to each his own.

I cannot wear earbuds as they don't fit in my ears. When I run I do sometime use outside the ear headphones. Never when riding. I have enough issues with the wind going through my helmet.

BTW: Where I grew up we had a term for people who wore headphones and NO helmet...organ donors.

Doug

I liken it to knocking back a few, then driving.  Maybe you feel you're still aware of your surroundings, being cautious and in control, yet it's still not the best idea.  Will some of us do it anyway?  Probably.  Could it lead to an accident?  Probably.  Of course, no one will impound your ride and throw you in the can for headphones on a bike

my thought is if it's legal and you feel safe with them, then okay.  If not, then no.  I listen to music when running and riding when I am alone and i am familiar with the traffic patterns etc.  I don't use them if I am riding with others, or if I am in the mountains or on a narrow trail with a lot of switchbacks.  just use good judgement.

Personally I never wear headphones or listen to music when biking or running.  I prefer the natural sounds of my biking or running.

However, if you feel that you are being safe while listening to your headphones I don't see a problem with it.  It sounds like you have given it enough thought to ensure you are aware of others and haven't had any safety issues arise.  

I stay stick with what you are doing!