No one can be certain whether or not it’s dangerous to cycle while listening to music on headphones, but an alternative approach to traditional ear buds or headphones that does not drown out ambient sound is possible by using bone conduction.
Cynaps is the world’s first Bluetooth, bone conduction headset incorporated into a hat.
Sewn into an ordinary-looking baseball cap, the high-tech device allows you to answer calls and listen to music via an iphone or android handset.
The music is conducted through the skull and the advantage for cyclists is that hearing via the ear is unhindered – perfect for remaining aware of approaching traffic.
The sounds of cycling
From the electronica of Kraftwerk’s Tour de France to Queen’s rock anthem “I Want to Ride My Bicycle”, cycling has inspired many famous works of music. More unusual is for bicycles themselves to make tunes.
Stephen Meierding is a New York City-based artist, photographer, editor, and videographer who has done just that, and made a short film to accompany it.
“Bicycle Sounds” by Stephen Meierding is a short film of sounds created with bicycle parts. The film won the Spring 2012 Bike Shorts film festival in New York City.
If your bike never makes any sound more exotic than a squeak or rattle, you’ll be impressed.
Cycle insurance from the ETA protects against theft, accidental damage, vandalism and includes £5m third party cover. If you are unfortunate to be injured while cycling, it boasts personal accident and a specialist legal team is ready to spring into action on your behalf to safeguard your rights. Other benefits of the insurance include Cycle Rescue – a recovery service for your bike should you break down – and cycle hire to keep you on the road should your own bike be unavailable following a claim. The cover costs from the equivalent of 40p per week.
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