The Blog Page

News, commentary and humor about bicycling and other topics of the day

 

Don't heed this advice!

In her "Along for the Ride" column today, Post-Dispatch writer Elisa Crouch took a question from a Mascoutah, Ill., man who was unhappy with his bicycle ride on the Vadalabene Trail along the Great River Road between Alton and Grafton.

"We'll never do that again — it was not a relaxing and enjoyable pedal on a beautiful fall day because of the horrific roar of motorcycles, many of them far above the speed limits, both individually and in groups," the writer said.

Here's is part of Crouch's advice to the writer: "There's hardly anything worse than motorcycle noise, especially on bicycle rides. You should try it again, though. Just pack earplugs."

I couldn't disagree more. While the sound of loud motorcycles often is unpleasant, you may be asking for trouble by wearing earplugs while cycling. To stay safe on a trail or on a road, you have to be able to hear other cyclists who may be passing you, you have to be able to hear emergency sirens, and you have to be able to hear other approaching vehicles.

Being able to hear all three of those things has kept me out of trouble over the years, so I think it's unwise to wear earplugs -- or for that matter, iPod headphones -- while cycling.

Labels: cycling

Roger 1 comments 3:49 PM

Comments:

Yes that was terrible advice but the Post Disgrace is well known for misleading its readers. Ear plugs or headphones worn whether by auto drivers, cyclists, bladers, etc. create increased risks to everyone.

The public and prosecutors are too tolerant of this risky and catastrophic behavior. Every cyclist has seen too many cars run through red lights while the driver is on their cell phone. Even the police are now seen driving while holding a cell phone to their ear!

# posted by  Anonymous : 7:58 AM

 

Post a Comment