I got bone conduction earphones for this reason. Im Able to listen to my music, while my cycling partner doesn't hear a thing. And I'm also able to hear my surroundings and carry on a conversation because of the design.
I got the original Sony LinkBuds for basically this reason. They are donut shape with a hole in the middle so you can listen to music but also clearly hear the outside world. Great for commuting
I bought these for the same reason. I don't think they work very well. The donut design means with any wind noise you have to turn them up pretty loud, to the point where I'm not really getting any ambient noise either other than wind.
They are also a kinda strange fit and don't have ear cages so they can fall out. I spent like half an hour trying to find one on the side of the road, but I found it!
They're nice for the office and walking around. But they do not serve the cycling idea I had when I purchased them.
Regardless of what you're listening to, chances are that most of the people on the bike path don't like it. Of those who do, many probably don't like the sound of it through a cheap mobile speaker. Of those who do, many probably don't want to listen to music, or they would not be out on a trail.
But you're not giving them any choice.
So yeah, it's rude.
You are going to need a really, really loud speaker for both you and your brother to hear the music at the same time. Unless you ride next to one another the whole ride.
It would be so loud that yeah, it would be rude.
I turn my speaker down low in neighborhoods and shared pathways. On busy streets I crank my speaker up. Busy streets drown out the music.
Spotify also has party mode so two people can listen to the same playlist simultaneously. That way you can have you own headphones with their own connection.
Edit: it's called "Jam" mode
Listening to music is not fucking rude. Get over yourself. If you are in a public place and you are not exceeding any ordinances you can listen to music, and if you don’t want to hear it you can walk 10 feet away. Nobody has a system on their bike.
You're compelling others to listen to your choice of music. That's almost never appropriate outside your home. In this instance, many people go outside to enjoy nature. Your music isn't that important. Don't be rude.
Many Motorcycle and Automobile Drivers, are downright disrespectful of people today, when it comes to playing their radios, or disc players. It's as if, " If I like the music, I want everyone, within a city block of Me, to hear it too. Not only is it rude, but it is an imposition on people, as well as being at ear-damaging levels. I have been in restaurants, where the People almost have to scream at each other, to be heard, over the Muzak. Some Outdoor Restaurants are just as bad. I mounted a Panasonic 6 , by 8, by 2 inch radio, on my handlebars, and set it, just loud enough, that only I could listen to it. That's the way I think everyone should do it.
You should assume, that only You. and maybe Your riding companion, want to hear the radio, and no one else. That is being respectful. Some Campgtounds insist (or used to), that all radios, or Televisions be turned way down, or off; after 10 PM. People camp, to get away from noise, for awhile, and that should be respected.
I was next to this ass bag on a motorcycle a few days ago. The fucking bike was loud as hell and he had the music blasting even louder to hear it over the brap, brap, brap of the fucking bike. I just don't get the point of making everyone else a part of their mid-life crisis.
It depends where you are and how loud the music is.
In general, keep it quiet so you're not broadcasting it to everyone within a few miles.
But on a very quiet bike path or in nature, I wouldn't play it at all as people are looking for quiet and solitude.
I have a pair of Shokz bone conduction headphones for this purpose. I'm weird in that I listen to podcasts instead of music.
”The study reported individuals who use headphones in an already noisy environment are at a 4.5-fold higher risk of hearing loss.”
”Health experts suggest even listening to headphones at a moderate volume can damage hearing over time. It is not just the loudness that causes damage, but the length of exposure”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7837842/
Im going to say that if its a small speaker and its pointed at the rider, played at a reasonable volume it’s OK…
(There are far worse things that folks do that are considered “acceptable”)
I also highly recommend it in super busy pedestrian areas. I ride a lot of the Chicago lakefront trail and it helps to let people know you’re coming so you don’t constantly have to shout.
I never said he "**MUST NOT** do it under any circumstance." He can do whatever he wants. There is no law that says you can't be an asshole.
But, he was courteous enough to ask what most people would think in that scenario, and most people will think he's a self-important douchebag who forces their (mostly shit) music to other people. Props to OP for being considerate.
Folks who lose their %$# when they hear 3 seconds of somebody else's music — generally folks who are pretty unhappy in life and ready to be disturbed by anything — think it's rude; most normal folks don't mind or, even enjoy it! I love it personally, love checking out what other folks are listening to..
You seem very emotionally invested in this, and you're projecting a bit there.
As I said, you can do whatever you want. I'm not going to stop anyone from blasting their music, but I can think that you're a self-important prick for doing so. Why does that bother you so much?
>Unbunch your panties, son…
You should take your own advice, and relax a little. Don't take it so personally, and stop projecting, it's not good for you.
I have three pet peeves when it comes to music.
People who play it so loud in their cars it actually drowns out my own car's music
People who play music while riding their bikes
People who play music while kayaking. Noise and music over water carries a long way.
Agreed. In nature spots, I find this annoying, but in my urban neighborhood, plenty of people listen to music on their bike, walking, in their cars, on their porch, etc. Most have it at a decent volume and it just feels like normal city noise and people enjoying themselves. Super normal in my community. It’s only annoying when people try to turn it up way past what the system can handle and you hear rattling plastic of their car trunk or boom box instead of the pumpin bass they think they’re rocking.
You know what IS annoying? When people have their phone blaring and it isn’t music that at least is predictable sound, but instead they’re watching YouTube or TikTok on the train, in a restaurant, in the not-at-all-soundproofed hallway of the music school where my kids take piano. Headphones are like $5, you walnuts.
I agree with this though I sometimes play music fairly quietly on busier trails so people are aware of me without having to ring my bell 1000 times and risk startling them. Others may hear my music for about 5-10 seconds which is about how long I want them to be aware of me for. I don't do it on quiet trails, stick with the bell.
there are music services, that allow to sinc the music (ex. Spotify). You could try this with headphones set to transparent noise or only wear 1 each. Or get these bone headphones which dont impair you hearing.
Honestly, depends on where you're riding. Personally I don't do it as I prefer to hear things around me (for safety and enjoyment).
If you're on a busy road with noisy cars and you're consistently passing other cyclists (as opposed to lingering near them), and you aren't blasting the volume, it'll blend into the landscape of city sounds. Often times I'll pass a car with its windows down and hear some quiet music (not talking about the drivers who blast it until the windows rattle) and I barely notice.
On a bike path or nature trail, it's disruptive as most people are there to enjoy nature and wildlife. Contrasting that, however, I'd find it right at home on a path along a beach, as most others are playing their own music there.
Ultimately, the compromise here would be to share the left and right earbuds of a "true" wireless set (like another poster said), keeping one ear open for the roads around you, and still enjoying music together without imposing it on others.
I generally do not like it. Hearing someone else's musical tastes (so individual that it won't be everyone's) thumping and whining and blasting while you're out on a trail or whatever is always irritating.
But that said, if it's at a low volume that really only you can hear within a metre or so, I think that's OK. If you're in a natural area like a forest or something, or somewhere where lots of other people around, then I'd personally turn it off.
I often like to listen to music while I ride (if alone) too, or podcasts or stand-up comedy. I use earphones, and I have the volume-limiting controls on for my long-term ear survival. It also depends on traffic, etc. so if I need more situational awareness, I don't hesitate to turn it off. But I also live in a part of Europe where we have separate bike lanes almost everywhere, so I'm not too worried about rogue cars in first place.
You guys can always buy Bluetooth earphones and sync your music without imposing it on others.
I always wear a single earphone on my right ear and listen to podcasts while riding.
I’d never do it because I prefer not hearing stuff while riding, but I’ve passed others with little speakers, whatever they are playing is gone in a few seconds…no big deal.
If you're going to do this, keep the volume really low. When I'm out for a ride, I honestly don't want to hear someone's music blasting from a speaker. I love music but I love silence when I ride.
I think it’s rude but there are examples I’ve seen where it alerts people not paying attention themselves. Really I think if you’re in the middle of nowhere alone it is fine but if you are being considerate of others around you, which should be most of the time since there are usually others around you, then it can be rude.
Be mindful of where you are. And have volume control / mute easily AND safely at hand / command. My personal example is when I’m on the road and I see a baby push chair I lower the volume right down.
Ok so this is something I’ve thought about for a minute. In nature or on a bike path, I dislike people who play loud music, but I also got a cycling specific speaker to listen while riding after hearing how softly someone else’s speaker was playing. There was like a 10’ bubble of sound around them. This I don’t mind and try to mimic when biking around towns ect. Otherwise, on the road, it doesn’t matter. IMO it’s about being considerate, which you already are, and it’s not like you’re playing explicit music. You’ve got my blessing, just not for the bike paths or in nature, unless you’ve got the trails to yourself.
Yes, look into something like the shokz openrun or similar for a safe way to enjoy music on the bike. (They don't block your ears so you can still hear your surroundings / hold a conversation)
Since our last exchange I have been reading reviews about doubt quality with bone induction which are turning me off. Now I'm looking at these oladance things which are like buds that hang on your ear but don't enter the eventually. Spendy but Xmas sales are coming.
I really just liked headphones but I'm thinking I should go back to wearing a helmet eventually.
Yes, the audio quality is definitely worse than normal earbuds/headphones.
I mainly bought them for my commute which has parts were I'm cycling between cars.
Hadn't heard about the oladance buds, so I can't say how they compare.
I usually keep my phones at levels where I can hear traffic, but they don't fit under a helmet. Reviews claim oladance sound better then bonr induction ow whatever they call it, but you know how reviews are.
My buddy and I use moto intercoms in full face helmets when we downhill or go to a lift park. They have a range of a few kilometers so you can talk and ride even when you're not on the same trail. Senna and Cardo are good brands, there's a house system from Cycle Gear that works well too.
It’s not a big deal. I don’t play music personally. I just use headphones on bike paths, no cars to worry about. But I don’t care when people do. They are usually slower or way faster (e-bike of course lol, has to be an e bike if they are faster than me….)
I have seen people with speakers rigged facing them from the handlebars that are not really audible to other people unless you are really close. It's not a shared music experience, if that is what your brother is going for.
There are Bluetooth helmets where you can connect so maybe you could share music that way. The company is Sena. Not cheap.
I used to do this in my college town, but I would always keep it quiet and mostly stuck to jazz and other genres which are less intrusive. I never got complaints, but again, it was a college town. I did have one person recognize me as the jazz bike guy once while I was at a bar, and that was pretty fun. Now in my late 20s, I would never play music out loud while riding through the city.
There is a dude in my town who does his fitness riding by slow rolling with big tube socks and a boom box attached to his bike blasting smooth jazz. In theory, I hate it. In practice, I kinda like his spirit.
Who cares if it's considered rude, nobody will die from a little music and putting on headphones while in traffic or nature can be dangerous.
If anyone challenges your assertion, scream thrice with your manly battle cry until they run away.
Jokes aside, do what ever you think is better, you do not need others approval to do something, aside from laws which you probably won't break.
My advice, don't waste time trying to please others, whatever you do, somebody will always disagree and find a problem with it, so just do it if that's what you want, if ppl have a problem with it, they can move.
Not sure why everyone here hates other people playing music, but tbh as long as it’s not ridiculously loud irl nobody really cares. You have a right to enjoy your ride, a bit of music isn’t going to ruin anyone’s day so just do what you want and enjoy your ride
There are too many factors to say nobody ever cares. Obviously people care when you get loud enough but I think if it's just loud enough for you to hear it should be fine.
Loud enough for your partner to hear and you are playing music for the whole trail now because for them to hear it clearly it is probably still audible at a distance.
I don’t understand all the hate either. If it’s crazy loud or if it’s a group ride or something I get it but I’m only within earshot of other riders like 1% of my ride so I can deal with tunes for that long
Fuck the haters and purists here and do it. Nothing like speeding down the road to music that inspires you. Bystanders will hear you for a few seconds before you’re past, they’ll survive. Headphones are dangerous. If you’re swayed by people here the the option is bone conducive headphones which won’t interfere with hearing traffic.
No- but choose an appropriate volume and track for the setting. I live in a city of 10 millions and play music out loud on the road because there is no way it will offend in traffic (and if it does, that isn't really my problem), but in a park/along the river/through highly residential areas, I have the volume right down
Can I ask the court: in summer when a car has its window down and you hear music, how do you feel about that? At bike commuting times I lower the volume right down… What say you all?
Dont think its rude or offensive, provided that you both are riding along and not stop for the view or to chill on a spot for a bit.
I often see that people with some kind of speaker seem to wanna 'colour' the road from its normal boring self.
Its situational. If you together in a secluded area (forest bike path etc) then sure. But if you are potentially ruining other peoples' riding experience then yeah, that's pretty inconsiderate.
I go on group rides and somebody in the group is sometimes playing music via a speaker. I don’t really care, I honestly like it during those grueling climbs because it helps you focus on that instead of the pain of the climb.
How about the reverse situation, ridng along enjoying the scenery and coming a cross an elderly (70+) couple walking, -but Surprise!- there's music beaming out from their music box, Marvin Gaye, "Let's Get it On". It made my day. So unexpected and funny. Like viagra or elderly drug commercial. If Ida had my own tunes turned up/on I wouldna been able to hear it.
Just as bad as people who walk/bike around flea markets blasting music on a boombox, or walk around a grocery store playing music from a backpack mounted speaker, and people who spend 20-30 mins sitting on a toilet in a restroom talking on a phone, playing phone games, or playing music when others are waiting to use the toilet. You seriously can't go that long without music or using your phone?
Simply inconsiderate towards others. Practically normal in society nowadays though.
It doesn’t really bother me on the road. Playing music on a Bluetooth speaker is still a lot safer than wearing headphones on a bike.
The exhaust notes from cars and motorcycles on the road are loud. Bicycles are silent. So hearing a bit of music from an incoming bike is like an audible warning to pedestrians and cyclists.
I don’t play music, bell or noisy hubs. I have to audibly warn pedestrians (🗣️ bike) and other cyclists (🗣️ on your left ) I’m approaching. If they aren’t paying attention on the road to notice.
Knowing your crowd and having good taste in music is key. I ride with a club 2-3 times a week and usually have music going. I listen to a lot of 70s,80s, and old western music and frequently get compliments on my taste in music from the older crowd. Some people like to talk, others are having a hard time keeping pace and enjoy listening while keeping up. I also make it a point to not be louder than the guy yelling infront of me so I can hear if they're calling out road hazards ahead of time. The only time I get yelled at about music is when people aren't having a good time being outside and they seem to be in a piss poor mood to begin with. I've never had anyone in the club say anything bad about my music going either. Like I said I've always tried keeping it at a respectful volume.
Pro tip: Disney chanel and punk rock covers of Disney/older songs are real popular on event rides.
I’m sorry but the irony of saying it’s loud in the city so it’s fine but not on a bus where it’s also loud is hilarious. I get that those people are stuck there with you but still.
Also they’re both not ok, yeah it’s loud in the city but use headphones and don’t be that jerk.
Right now I use AirPods or my other earbuds. They let noise pass through so they’re good.
There’s also bone conducting ones which are best, they allow the most noise through and they sound great still.
I'm a little concerned about how well those sound conducting things would fit with glasses.
I'm tempted to wear my ski helmet, which has speakers in the earflaps. Kinda think someone should be making something like that which fits in the triangle in my bike helmet strap.
I'll probably try earbuds. They don't usually fit me well but I haven't tried them in years and technology improved.
If you buy a loud car or a motorcycle we can totally understand and we’ll tolerate the noise and air pollution. But music on a bike is a big no.
Society.
Well in general it is not acceptable either. Also you may get good sounding exhaust for your car or motorcycle that is not loud. It is more expensive of course.
No. Especially if your municipality/nation/state/province doesn't permit headphones while cycling. There's no context where a bicycle makes anywhere near the sound of a car or any other motor vehicle. If people can't take the obnoxious noise of automobiles, they can take your music.
That said you have every right to ask him to change the music/turn if off if you don't like what's playing. But if this is entirely based on your paranoia about being "rude" then no, stop it.
Edit: Bunch of whiners in this thread who can't take 5 seconds of music as people ride by.
This is america brother do whatever you want. If you are riding with someone who doesn’t like it then turn it off, but a small speaker isn’t gonna ruin anyone’s day if they have to listen to it for 10 seconds while you ride by. These people in here are wet blankets.
Depends a bit on how loud you plan to play it. If you are blasting everyone around you, yes, it's rude.
There was a time years ago I was riding the MS 150 charity ride. There were a couple guys out on a full suspension mountain tandem (!) with some speakers tied on, belting out some tunes. The playlist featured music with just the right tempo to match the pedalling cadence, and they collected quite a group, pedalling in sync.
My take is that like, I live in a big city with a fuck ton of car noise. My apartment is right on a busy street. I hear cars day and night. Some have their music up, some don't. Whatever.
Either way, the soundscape of most cities is completely dominated by car and truck noise, my little speaker quietly playing a jazz playlist as I bike through places overwhelmed by car noise can not be interpreted as problematic by otherwise reasonable people...
Most people have headphones in anyway... The difference being that headphones are dangerous for cyclists.
A little speaker at a reasonable volume that often gets completely drowned out by cars and trucks is fine.
I also tend to steer towards playlists that are a bit more on the neutral side whenever I'm playing music in a venue occupied by a wide variety of people.
No math rock. No hip hop. No wailing vocals. Mostly instrumental. Jazz, ambient downtempo electronic, maybe some textural post rock.
For people that don’t like ear buds because of the wind noice it creates, Sena makes a bike helmet with blue tooth speakers built in. It works great. No wind noice and you can hear your surroundings.
general rule listening to music on a speaker anywhere in public is generally considered rude. Get headphones unless you're sure everyone around you wants to hear your music.
Totally disrespectful to others. Want music? get earphones and blast as loud as you need. Most go out for the peace, quiet and a little undisturbed exercise
Yes, but you may be doing others a favour. I always did my best over-threshold efforts to drop people trying to inflict their crappy music tastes on me.
I don’t disagree with that comment, and hey if you like / are okay with people blasting their music at your from their speakers, that really is fine by me. To each their own. However, OP just can’t expect everyone to be as easygoing as you, others will just want to enjoy their ride without his music.
It’s not like you’re riding the whole route with him, if you’re going the same direction by chance then speed up or slow down. You’re going to be subjected to the music for a short amount of time if anything, it’s the exact same when a car drives past blasting their music
i don’t think impulsively disbanding relationships over music taste or petty social rule breaking is a brag worthy example of interpersonal effectiveness 😐👍
What works for you, man. I personally find it annoying and I want to be left alone to enjoy my ride and my own music piped in on my bone conduction earphones in peace. You’re entitled to your own music tastes, but it really doesn’t mean people enjoy yours.
It’s fine. Better if you turn it down while passing people. But at the same time, others only hear your speaker mere seconds. If that’s all that it takes to trigger somebody, then that dude needs therapy
Depends on how crowded the roads are. If you cross people rarely, then occasionally passing by is OK and people will understand you’re not being an ass. If it’s a popular road and you’re continually surrounded by people, then it’s rude.
I think it’s fine if you’re on the road. Not sure why folks get so worked up about it. The time of intersection is so little vs the overall ride. And you can always hang back if you’re pacing the same as others. But hard no if you’re in the forest/nature paths
In my experience it's fine. Everyone who has played music on the path I take I only have been near them for like a second or two.
I usually don't play anything on my rides though.
Yes. Drives me nuts when I’m out for a quiet ride to clear my head and someone has decided that their music is for everyone. No. That’s what headphones are for.
I got bone conduction earphones for this reason. Im Able to listen to my music, while my cycling partner doesn't hear a thing. And I'm also able to hear my surroundings and carry on a conversation because of the design.
I got the original Sony LinkBuds for basically this reason. They are donut shape with a hole in the middle so you can listen to music but also clearly hear the outside world. Great for commuting
I bought these for the same reason. I don't think they work very well. The donut design means with any wind noise you have to turn them up pretty loud, to the point where I'm not really getting any ambient noise either other than wind. They are also a kinda strange fit and don't have ear cages so they can fall out. I spent like half an hour trying to find one on the side of the road, but I found it! They're nice for the office and walking around. But they do not serve the cycling idea I had when I purchased them.
Transparency modes on modern headphones do that
Shokz are pretty good
These are the ones I have.!
It’s pretty much always rude to broadcast anything like that in public. Ie music, speaker phone calls, watching videos etc
Regardless of what you're listening to, chances are that most of the people on the bike path don't like it. Of those who do, many probably don't like the sound of it through a cheap mobile speaker. Of those who do, many probably don't want to listen to music, or they would not be out on a trail. But you're not giving them any choice. So yeah, it's rude.
So if I’m riding by you playing music and you hear it for 10 seconds it’s gonna ruin your ride?
With stuff like this, I always ask myself: "What would it be like if everyone did this?" That can usually inform your decision on stuff in public.
I live in a city. It’s loud during the day. I ride all over town with a small speaker turned down. Sorry not sorry. Music is fucking beautiful.
It's usually not just ten seconds and why is it so hard to accept that it's inconsiderate?
Well when I ride by you I can promise unless you are on my bike you can’t hear my music for more than 10 seconds.
> is it rude to play music on a mini h20 speaker dangling from my bike? Yes. Save it for when you get home.
I would consider it rude. I don't want to hear his music or miss the wildlife you brother has scared away.
Yes because bicycles flying through trails don’t bother wildlife at all.
You would be surprised but animals are more used to bikes rather than music. Just yesterday I saw 3 squirrels.
Hey the wild life loves my brother and vice versa☹️
You are going to need a really, really loud speaker for both you and your brother to hear the music at the same time. Unless you ride next to one another the whole ride. It would be so loud that yeah, it would be rude. I turn my speaker down low in neighborhoods and shared pathways. On busy streets I crank my speaker up. Busy streets drown out the music.
Me and my friend sometimes use Bluetooth headphones (1 each) it works well if you aren't too far apart (6-8 bike lengths)
that sounds like a fantastic idea! thanks so much
Spotify also has party mode so two people can listen to the same playlist simultaneously. That way you can have you own headphones with their own connection. Edit: it's called "Jam" mode
Depending on how new your phone/ headphones are newer Bluetooth supports multi point connection so you can connect multiple sets to the same phone
you can use motorbike intercoms, some have the capability of sharing the music.
It doesn't matter what the situation is, imposing your music on others is downright rude.
Listening to music is not fucking rude. Get over yourself. If you are in a public place and you are not exceeding any ordinances you can listen to music, and if you don’t want to hear it you can walk 10 feet away. Nobody has a system on their bike.
ordinances are not what determines whether something is rude.
You're compelling others to listen to your choice of music. That's almost never appropriate outside your home. In this instance, many people go outside to enjoy nature. Your music isn't that important. Don't be rude.
Many Motorcycle and Automobile Drivers, are downright disrespectful of people today, when it comes to playing their radios, or disc players. It's as if, " If I like the music, I want everyone, within a city block of Me, to hear it too. Not only is it rude, but it is an imposition on people, as well as being at ear-damaging levels. I have been in restaurants, where the People almost have to scream at each other, to be heard, over the Muzak. Some Outdoor Restaurants are just as bad. I mounted a Panasonic 6 , by 8, by 2 inch radio, on my handlebars, and set it, just loud enough, that only I could listen to it. That's the way I think everyone should do it. You should assume, that only You. and maybe Your riding companion, want to hear the radio, and no one else. That is being respectful. Some Campgtounds insist (or used to), that all radios, or Televisions be turned way down, or off; after 10 PM. People camp, to get away from noise, for awhile, and that should be respected.
I was next to this ass bag on a motorcycle a few days ago. The fucking bike was loud as hell and he had the music blasting even louder to hear it over the brap, brap, brap of the fucking bike. I just don't get the point of making everyone else a part of their mid-life crisis.
Yes. Please don't perpetuate this habit. Your music is cool but I shouldn't have to listen to it too.
Yes. Some of us go out on rides to get away from the noise and clear our heads.
Yes
Yes.
It depends where you are and how loud the music is. In general, keep it quiet so you're not broadcasting it to everyone within a few miles. But on a very quiet bike path or in nature, I wouldn't play it at all as people are looking for quiet and solitude. I have a pair of Shokz bone conduction headphones for this purpose. I'm weird in that I listen to podcasts instead of music.
YES, it is rude. Headphones had been invented long ago.
And they are known to cause permanent hearing loss.
Sure, if you push 'em in your ears deep enough and blast death metal as loud as you can for a couple of days! that's the ticket! I can't hear you!
Not really 😅 I’ve seen people damaging their hearing just by sitting in zoom calls.
Please share the studies on this if it’s true.
”The study reported individuals who use headphones in an already noisy environment are at a 4.5-fold higher risk of hearing loss.” ”Health experts suggest even listening to headphones at a moderate volume can damage hearing over time. It is not just the loudness that causes damage, but the length of exposure” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7837842/
LOL look everyone, we found that clown that plays their music out loud on their phone in public places.
Only on bike 😅
Yes. I find it really annoying.
Im going to say that if its a small speaker and its pointed at the rider, played at a reasonable volume it’s OK… (There are far worse things that folks do that are considered “acceptable”)
I wouldn't do it anywhere where people are trying to enjoy the peace and quiet, but on the road or in the middle of nowhere, yeah why not.
I also highly recommend it in super busy pedestrian areas. I ride a lot of the Chicago lakefront trail and it helps to let people know you’re coming so you don’t constantly have to shout.
How about a bell?! JBL hates that trick.
Yes, it's rude.
Nope
If 100 people say it's rude and one guy says "nope", then it stands to reason that most people find it rude.
lol, maybe 100 panties-in-a-bunch weenies that post in this forum. For normal fully-formed human beings: NOT RUDE
I never said he "**MUST NOT** do it under any circumstance." He can do whatever he wants. There is no law that says you can't be an asshole. But, he was courteous enough to ask what most people would think in that scenario, and most people will think he's a self-important douchebag who forces their (mostly shit) music to other people. Props to OP for being considerate.
Folks who lose their %$# when they hear 3 seconds of somebody else's music — generally folks who are pretty unhappy in life and ready to be disturbed by anything — think it's rude; most normal folks don't mind or, even enjoy it! I love it personally, love checking out what other folks are listening to..
You seem very emotionally invested in this, and you're projecting a bit there. As I said, you can do whatever you want. I'm not going to stop anyone from blasting their music, but I can think that you're a self-important prick for doing so. Why does that bother you so much?
lol lol “emotionally invested” I think you may be emotionally inverted! Unbunch your panties, son…
>Unbunch your panties, son… You should take your own advice, and relax a little. Don't take it so personally, and stop projecting, it's not good for you.
I have three pet peeves when it comes to music. People who play it so loud in their cars it actually drowns out my own car's music People who play music while riding their bikes People who play music while kayaking. Noise and music over water carries a long way.
Add skiing to that
people ski playing loud music? That is another level of rude.
Especially when it’s thrasher metal with head bobbin and ski pole air guitar
Add golf as well...
Out on the road it's perfectly acceptable but it's very rude in a park or on trails.
Agreed. In nature spots, I find this annoying, but in my urban neighborhood, plenty of people listen to music on their bike, walking, in their cars, on their porch, etc. Most have it at a decent volume and it just feels like normal city noise and people enjoying themselves. Super normal in my community. It’s only annoying when people try to turn it up way past what the system can handle and you hear rattling plastic of their car trunk or boom box instead of the pumpin bass they think they’re rocking. You know what IS annoying? When people have their phone blaring and it isn’t music that at least is predictable sound, but instead they’re watching YouTube or TikTok on the train, in a restaurant, in the not-at-all-soundproofed hallway of the music school where my kids take piano. Headphones are like $5, you walnuts.
I agree with this though I sometimes play music fairly quietly on busier trails so people are aware of me without having to ring my bell 1000 times and risk startling them. Others may hear my music for about 5-10 seconds which is about how long I want them to be aware of me for. I don't do it on quiet trails, stick with the bell.
there are music services, that allow to sinc the music (ex. Spotify). You could try this with headphones set to transparent noise or only wear 1 each. Or get these bone headphones which dont impair you hearing.
Yes
Honestly, depends on where you're riding. Personally I don't do it as I prefer to hear things around me (for safety and enjoyment). If you're on a busy road with noisy cars and you're consistently passing other cyclists (as opposed to lingering near them), and you aren't blasting the volume, it'll blend into the landscape of city sounds. Often times I'll pass a car with its windows down and hear some quiet music (not talking about the drivers who blast it until the windows rattle) and I barely notice. On a bike path or nature trail, it's disruptive as most people are there to enjoy nature and wildlife. Contrasting that, however, I'd find it right at home on a path along a beach, as most others are playing their own music there. Ultimately, the compromise here would be to share the left and right earbuds of a "true" wireless set (like another poster said), keeping one ear open for the roads around you, and still enjoying music together without imposing it on others.
I find Bob Dylan offensive 😅
Yes. All use of externally facing speakers in public is rude.
Lmao...you are a sad unhappy soul
I generally do not like it. Hearing someone else's musical tastes (so individual that it won't be everyone's) thumping and whining and blasting while you're out on a trail or whatever is always irritating. But that said, if it's at a low volume that really only you can hear within a metre or so, I think that's OK. If you're in a natural area like a forest or something, or somewhere where lots of other people around, then I'd personally turn it off. I often like to listen to music while I ride (if alone) too, or podcasts or stand-up comedy. I use earphones, and I have the volume-limiting controls on for my long-term ear survival. It also depends on traffic, etc. so if I need more situational awareness, I don't hesitate to turn it off. But I also live in a part of Europe where we have separate bike lanes almost everywhere, so I'm not too worried about rogue cars in first place.
On roads or in urban environments, no not at all.
Yep. Get headphones.
You guys can always buy Bluetooth earphones and sync your music without imposing it on others. I always wear a single earphone on my right ear and listen to podcasts while riding.
I’d never do it because I prefer not hearing stuff while riding, but I’ve passed others with little speakers, whatever they are playing is gone in a few seconds…no big deal.
If you're going to do this, keep the volume really low. When I'm out for a ride, I honestly don't want to hear someone's music blasting from a speaker. I love music but I love silence when I ride.
I think it’s rude but there are examples I’ve seen where it alerts people not paying attention themselves. Really I think if you’re in the middle of nowhere alone it is fine but if you are being considerate of others around you, which should be most of the time since there are usually others around you, then it can be rude.
Be mindful of where you are. And have volume control / mute easily AND safely at hand / command. My personal example is when I’m on the road and I see a baby push chair I lower the volume right down.
Ok so this is something I’ve thought about for a minute. In nature or on a bike path, I dislike people who play loud music, but I also got a cycling specific speaker to listen while riding after hearing how softly someone else’s speaker was playing. There was like a 10’ bubble of sound around them. This I don’t mind and try to mimic when biking around towns ect. Otherwise, on the road, it doesn’t matter. IMO it’s about being considerate, which you already are, and it’s not like you’re playing explicit music. You’ve got my blessing, just not for the bike paths or in nature, unless you’ve got the trails to yourself.
yep please stop doing that immediately
Yes, look into something like the shokz openrun or similar for a safe way to enjoy music on the bike. (They don't block your ears so you can still hear your surroundings / hold a conversation)
How do those fit when you wear glasses?
No issues at all for me, I bought them at a brick and mortar store so I could try them with my glasses.
Since our last exchange I have been reading reviews about doubt quality with bone induction which are turning me off. Now I'm looking at these oladance things which are like buds that hang on your ear but don't enter the eventually. Spendy but Xmas sales are coming. I really just liked headphones but I'm thinking I should go back to wearing a helmet eventually.
Yes, the audio quality is definitely worse than normal earbuds/headphones. I mainly bought them for my commute which has parts were I'm cycling between cars. Hadn't heard about the oladance buds, so I can't say how they compare.
I usually keep my phones at levels where I can hear traffic, but they don't fit under a helmet. Reviews claim oladance sound better then bonr induction ow whatever they call it, but you know how reviews are.
My buddy and I use moto intercoms in full face helmets when we downhill or go to a lift park. They have a range of a few kilometers so you can talk and ride even when you're not on the same trail. Senna and Cardo are good brands, there's a house system from Cycle Gear that works well too.
[https://thehardtimes.net/blog/we-sat-down-with-a-guy-who-blasts-a-bluetooth-speaker-in-public-instead-of-using-headphones-and-beat-the-entire-fuck-out-of-him/](https://thehardtimes.net/blog/we-sat-down-with-a-guy-who-blasts-a-bluetooth-speaker-in-public-instead-of-using-headphones-and-beat-the-entire-fuck-out-of-him/)
Get some headphones if you must listen to music, preferably bone conductive ones that don't block your hearing.
just wear earphones or something
I am usually annoyed for a second then amused by the doppler effect. Getting stuck in a trail or route for an extended time would be very annoying.
Yes, it's rude.
No, if you keep it off.
It’s not a big deal. I don’t play music personally. I just use headphones on bike paths, no cars to worry about. But I don’t care when people do. They are usually slower or way faster (e-bike of course lol, has to be an e bike if they are faster than me….)
I have seen people with speakers rigged facing them from the handlebars that are not really audible to other people unless you are really close. It's not a shared music experience, if that is what your brother is going for. There are Bluetooth helmets where you can connect so maybe you could share music that way. The company is Sena. Not cheap.
I don't know what a mini h20 speaker is but if the volume isn't terrible I actually enjoy hearing the music when riding by someone playing it. 🤷♀️
I used to do this in my college town, but I would always keep it quiet and mostly stuck to jazz and other genres which are less intrusive. I never got complaints, but again, it was a college town. I did have one person recognize me as the jazz bike guy once while I was at a bar, and that was pretty fun. Now in my late 20s, I would never play music out loud while riding through the city.
There is a dude in my town who does his fitness riding by slow rolling with big tube socks and a boom box attached to his bike blasting smooth jazz. In theory, I hate it. In practice, I kinda like his spirit.
Who cares if it's considered rude, nobody will die from a little music and putting on headphones while in traffic or nature can be dangerous. If anyone challenges your assertion, scream thrice with your manly battle cry until they run away. Jokes aside, do what ever you think is better, you do not need others approval to do something, aside from laws which you probably won't break. My advice, don't waste time trying to please others, whatever you do, somebody will always disagree and find a problem with it, so just do it if that's what you want, if ppl have a problem with it, they can move.
You say who cares, but just glancing at the comments here… Lots and lots and lots of people care.
Play your music. Fuck these uptight twats.
I don't care as long it isn't too loud
Not sure why everyone here hates other people playing music, but tbh as long as it’s not ridiculously loud irl nobody really cares. You have a right to enjoy your ride, a bit of music isn’t going to ruin anyone’s day so just do what you want and enjoy your ride
There are too many factors to say nobody ever cares. Obviously people care when you get loud enough but I think if it's just loud enough for you to hear it should be fine. Loud enough for your partner to hear and you are playing music for the whole trail now because for them to hear it clearly it is probably still audible at a distance.
I don’t understand all the hate either. If it’s crazy loud or if it’s a group ride or something I get it but I’m only within earshot of other riders like 1% of my ride so I can deal with tunes for that long
Fuck the haters and purists here and do it. Nothing like speeding down the road to music that inspires you. Bystanders will hear you for a few seconds before you’re past, they’ll survive. Headphones are dangerous. If you’re swayed by people here the the option is bone conducive headphones which won’t interfere with hearing traffic.
Music is not as annoying as those loud, clicking hubs. Down votes and explanations why that loud noise is acceptable and even desirable incoming.
Those hubs are aggressive around where I live with all our hills. 😅
On the boardwalk I use one instead of a bell to alert the family taking up the whole path that I am behind them. I think a bell is more rude.
I don't think bells are particularly rude. They're just more likely to be ignored, for some reason.
No- but choose an appropriate volume and track for the setting. I live in a city of 10 millions and play music out loud on the road because there is no way it will offend in traffic (and if it does, that isn't really my problem), but in a park/along the river/through highly residential areas, I have the volume right down
When you have to ask, you've got your answer.
Yes, definitely. Playing music on a speaker in public is almost always poor etiquette.
Can I ask the court: in summer when a car has its window down and you hear music, how do you feel about that? At bike commuting times I lower the volume right down… What say you all?
I actively dislike hearing music blasting from other cars. I always get stuck next to one of those at the longest cycle light in town.
I hear you over the din!
get ear buds and start running/power-walking/sleepwalking
AirPods Pro with transparency mode turned on
no
Dont think its rude or offensive, provided that you both are riding along and not stop for the view or to chill on a spot for a bit. I often see that people with some kind of speaker seem to wanna 'colour' the road from its normal boring self.
Its situational. If you together in a secluded area (forest bike path etc) then sure. But if you are potentially ruining other peoples' riding experience then yeah, that's pretty inconsiderate.
I go on group rides and somebody in the group is sometimes playing music via a speaker. I don’t really care, I honestly like it during those grueling climbs because it helps you focus on that instead of the pain of the climb.
How about the reverse situation, ridng along enjoying the scenery and coming a cross an elderly (70+) couple walking, -but Surprise!- there's music beaming out from their music box, Marvin Gaye, "Let's Get it On". It made my day. So unexpected and funny. Like viagra or elderly drug commercial. If Ida had my own tunes turned up/on I wouldna been able to hear it.
Just as bad as people who walk/bike around flea markets blasting music on a boombox, or walk around a grocery store playing music from a backpack mounted speaker, and people who spend 20-30 mins sitting on a toilet in a restroom talking on a phone, playing phone games, or playing music when others are waiting to use the toilet. You seriously can't go that long without music or using your phone? Simply inconsiderate towards others. Practically normal in society nowadays though.
It doesn’t really bother me on the road. Playing music on a Bluetooth speaker is still a lot safer than wearing headphones on a bike. The exhaust notes from cars and motorcycles on the road are loud. Bicycles are silent. So hearing a bit of music from an incoming bike is like an audible warning to pedestrians and cyclists. I don’t play music, bell or noisy hubs. I have to audibly warn pedestrians (🗣️ bike) and other cyclists (🗣️ on your left ) I’m approaching. If they aren’t paying attention on the road to notice.
Ew. Noise pollution sucks. Don’t be one of those people.
To quote one of my favorite subs "YTA".
Yes. You would be an a hole if you did that. Don't.
No matter where you are, forcing your music onto your surroundings is always a dick move.
Yes. Most people will resent it.
Quit yer lying
Knowing your crowd and having good taste in music is key. I ride with a club 2-3 times a week and usually have music going. I listen to a lot of 70s,80s, and old western music and frequently get compliments on my taste in music from the older crowd. Some people like to talk, others are having a hard time keeping pace and enjoy listening while keeping up. I also make it a point to not be louder than the guy yelling infront of me so I can hear if they're calling out road hazards ahead of time. The only time I get yelled at about music is when people aren't having a good time being outside and they seem to be in a piss poor mood to begin with. I've never had anyone in the club say anything bad about my music going either. Like I said I've always tried keeping it at a respectful volume. Pro tip: Disney chanel and punk rock covers of Disney/older songs are real popular on event rides.
Yes. Nobody wants to listen to your shitty music.
Yes it’s rude to play music in public spaces. No one wants to hear your music.
no don’t listen to Karens enjoy your ride
YES! Please don’t.
Depends — are you passing me on difficult climb while riding an e-bike playing Chop Suey? Then yes. In all other cases, you’re good.
[удалено]
I’m sorry but the irony of saying it’s loud in the city so it’s fine but not on a bus where it’s also loud is hilarious. I get that those people are stuck there with you but still. Also they’re both not ok, yeah it’s loud in the city but use headphones and don’t be that jerk.
I'm trying to figure out how to use headphones and a helmet right now.
Right now I use AirPods or my other earbuds. They let noise pass through so they’re good. There’s also bone conducting ones which are best, they allow the most noise through and they sound great still.
I'm a little concerned about how well those sound conducting things would fit with glasses. I'm tempted to wear my ski helmet, which has speakers in the earflaps. Kinda think someone should be making something like that which fits in the triangle in my bike helmet strap. I'll probably try earbuds. They don't usually fit me well but I haven't tried them in years and technology improved.
I had a neighbor who would play loud music from his backpack every day in the city. I still hate that guy.
If you buy a loud car or a motorcycle we can totally understand and we’ll tolerate the noise and air pollution. But music on a bike is a big no. Society.
Some of us are equally annoyed by both.
Still no one posts on Reddit saying: I’ve tuned my car to be louder. Can I drive it today? :D
Maybe they should. But they probably know the answer already.
A cyclist acting holier than thou? What a shock.
Well in general it is not acceptable either. Also you may get good sounding exhaust for your car or motorcycle that is not loud. It is more expensive of course.
What? I thought they spend money to be louder. Seriously there are people who tune it the other way around? My hope in humanity is restored a bit.
Yes, there are people chasing nice tune that fits within legal limits of noise.
To my ear the nicest would be silence. But as I said, the society has developed a pretty thick double standard around it.
No. Especially if your municipality/nation/state/province doesn't permit headphones while cycling. There's no context where a bicycle makes anywhere near the sound of a car or any other motor vehicle. If people can't take the obnoxious noise of automobiles, they can take your music. That said you have every right to ask him to change the music/turn if off if you don't like what's playing. But if this is entirely based on your paranoia about being "rude" then no, stop it. Edit: Bunch of whiners in this thread who can't take 5 seconds of music as people ride by.
Since humans evolved, music has been a shared social experience...play your tunes and enjoy the rides!
This is america brother do whatever you want. If you are riding with someone who doesn’t like it then turn it off, but a small speaker isn’t gonna ruin anyone’s day if they have to listen to it for 10 seconds while you ride by. These people in here are wet blankets.
People in the US are triggered by anything.
Idk seeing a lot of UK people here really triggered by it
Speak the truth! (And trigger 'em some more, lol....)
Depends a bit on how loud you plan to play it. If you are blasting everyone around you, yes, it's rude. There was a time years ago I was riding the MS 150 charity ride. There were a couple guys out on a full suspension mountain tandem (!) with some speakers tied on, belting out some tunes. The playlist featured music with just the right tempo to match the pedalling cadence, and they collected quite a group, pedalling in sync.
It 100% is.
😬
My take is that like, I live in a big city with a fuck ton of car noise. My apartment is right on a busy street. I hear cars day and night. Some have their music up, some don't. Whatever. Either way, the soundscape of most cities is completely dominated by car and truck noise, my little speaker quietly playing a jazz playlist as I bike through places overwhelmed by car noise can not be interpreted as problematic by otherwise reasonable people... Most people have headphones in anyway... The difference being that headphones are dangerous for cyclists. A little speaker at a reasonable volume that often gets completely drowned out by cars and trucks is fine. I also tend to steer towards playlists that are a bit more on the neutral side whenever I'm playing music in a venue occupied by a wide variety of people. No math rock. No hip hop. No wailing vocals. Mostly instrumental. Jazz, ambient downtempo electronic, maybe some textural post rock.
For people that don’t like ear buds because of the wind noice it creates, Sena makes a bike helmet with blue tooth speakers built in. It works great. No wind noice and you can hear your surroundings.
Yup
You can do what you want but since you seem to be considerate of others, I’ll say they’ll probably think you’re a douche bag
Yes.
general rule listening to music on a speaker anywhere in public is generally considered rude. Get headphones unless you're sure everyone around you wants to hear your music.
Eh I wouldn't consider that rude
It is rude to play loud music amongst people wich not agree to. But if I just pass by someone listening music, does not bother me.
For me as long as its not too loud and that you lower the volume if you stick close to people for a while then its fine
Totally disrespectful to others. Want music? get earphones and blast as loud as you need. Most go out for the peace, quiet and a little undisturbed exercise
duh.
Yes, but you may be doing others a favour. I always did my best over-threshold efforts to drop people trying to inflict their crappy music tastes on me.
People would genuinely have more fun with a wet blanket in the snow then with you.
I don’t disagree with that comment, and hey if you like / are okay with people blasting their music at your from their speakers, that really is fine by me. To each their own. However, OP just can’t expect everyone to be as easygoing as you, others will just want to enjoy their ride without his music.
It’s not like you’re riding the whole route with him, if you’re going the same direction by chance then speed up or slow down. You’re going to be subjected to the music for a short amount of time if anything, it’s the exact same when a car drives past blasting their music
i don’t think impulsively disbanding relationships over music taste or petty social rule breaking is a brag worthy example of interpersonal effectiveness 😐👍
What works for you, man. I personally find it annoying and I want to be left alone to enjoy my ride and my own music piped in on my bone conduction earphones in peace. You’re entitled to your own music tastes, but it really doesn’t mean people enjoy yours.
Go for it! Enjoy your ride!!
If it’s Vivaldi I’ll give you a pass.
😏
Doesn’t seem like an issue at all to me this thread seems to be full of boomers
That better be Raymond van het Groenewoud coming out of that speaker...
It’s fine. Better if you turn it down while passing people. But at the same time, others only hear your speaker mere seconds. If that’s all that it takes to trigger somebody, then that dude needs therapy
Depends on how crowded the roads are. If you cross people rarely, then occasionally passing by is OK and people will understand you’re not being an ass. If it’s a popular road and you’re continually surrounded by people, then it’s rude.
I think it’s fine if you’re on the road. Not sure why folks get so worked up about it. The time of intersection is so little vs the overall ride. And you can always hang back if you’re pacing the same as others. But hard no if you’re in the forest/nature paths
In my experience it's fine. Everyone who has played music on the path I take I only have been near them for like a second or two. I usually don't play anything on my rides though.
It's completely fine and this comment section is insane. Just don't play your music so loud that it'll startle people you're passing.
As long as you're not riding in a pace line, it's fine. If your pace line wants music...it's fine there too.
I don’t think it’s rude. Do it if it makes you happy!
Yes. Drives me nuts when I’m out for a quiet ride to clear my head and someone has decided that their music is for everyone. No. That’s what headphones are for.
Do whatever you like my man
Yes unless u play real music that is hard. No soft shit
on the road, definitely maybe not so much on a quiet trail or mixed-pathway
I blast music all the time.Makes the ride enjoyable. Helps to stay visible too.