Passionate about cycling and music? And wondering how to seamlessly blend the two while ensuring safety on the road. Cycling with music can be a great experience, but it’s essential to consider the safety implications before choosing the right earphones.
While earphones can enhance your cycling experience, they’re not just for listening to music. They serve as an important tool for communication, especially when cycling with a group. During your ride, you might encounter cyclists riding at different speeds, both slower and faster than you. In such cases, communication for assistance—like handling breakdowns or punctures—becomes essential. Using a phone for communication while cycling can be risky, so earphones can be a safer alternative, but it’s important to use them judiciously.
Here are some dos and don’ts for using earphones for cycling, along with recommendations for safe earphones for cyclists.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Using Earphones for Music During the Ride: Listening to music during your ride is not the best practice for safety reasons. You can still enjoy music if necessary, but always prioritise your awareness of your surroundings.
- Avoid Noise-Cancellation Earphones: With options like AirPods Pro, Bose Quiet Comfort, and Sony XM5 wireless earbuds offering noise cancellation, it’s tempting to block out the noise. However, noise-cancellation earphones can be dangerous while cycling. Being aware of your surroundings—horns, vehicles, pedestrians—is crucial for safety, and noise cancellation can reduce this awareness, putting you at risk.
- Avoid Using Over-the-Ear Headphones: Over-the-ear headphones can obstruct important sounds like approaching cars or horns. It’s important to stay alert on your ride, so avoid using bulky headphones that cover your ears completely.
Dos:
- Use Wireless/Bluetooth Earphones: In today’s era of True Wireless Stereo (TWS), wired earphones can be inconvenient and prone to tangling. Wireless Bluetooth earphones are a much better choice, offering freedom of movement without the risk of cords getting caught in your bike.
- Opt for Cheaper Earphones: Since using headphones for music is not advisable and the riding environment might not provide an optimal music experience, it’s wise to use cheaper earphones. Losing them during the ride or in adverse weather conditions won’t be a significant loss.
- Choose Neckband Earphones: Neckband earphones are perfect for cycling, sitting comfortably around your neck and offering easy access to controls when you need them. Brands like Boat, Noise, and Redmi offer great low-cost options in India. These earphones also provide decent battery life and won’t get in the way of your ride.
- Consider Bone Conduction Earphones: If you’re serious about both safety and listening to music, bone conduction earphones could be your best option. They don’t block your ear canal, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings while cycling. While pricier, brands like Shokz, WeCool, and Sansui offer high-quality bone conduction earphones designed specifically for activities like cycling and running.
- Explore Open-Ear Earphones: Another great option for safe earphones for cyclists is open-ear earphones. These are more affordable than bone conduction earphones and don’t block your ear canal, offering a clear sound while keeping you aware of your environment.
- Use Wireless Speakers for Group Rides: If you love to listen to music during group rides, consider using a wireless speaker instead of earphones. This allows you to share music with your group while ensuring you can still hear your surroundings and communicate when necessary.
- Enable Auto-Answer for Hands-Free Calls: Another safety tip for cyclists is to enable the auto-answer feature on your earphones, making hands-free calls while you stay focused on the road.
Which Type of Earphones Do You Use for Cycling?
Let us know in the comments! Are you using earphones for safe communication with your group or enjoying some music during your ride? We would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.
Also, check out What are the health benefits of cycling? for more insights into how cycling boosts your overall well-being.
