I see a dangerous situation. It has led to many collisions and it is only going to get worse. It consumes a lot of my attention because I know these can be avoided, but it is going to need some people to change their behavior.
The issue is walkers, runners, skaters and cyclist who are so immersed in their music that they are oblivious to their surroundings. I have had many close calls where I was only able to avoid a catastrophe because I had all of my senses available. I’m not going to preach and say not to listen when you are being active. I’d be a hypocrite if I did. I have an earbud in almost all the time and find that podcasts pass the time, I’m able to work and take calls, and music rocks my workouts. However, if I have both earbuds in the volume is low enough that I can hear someone behind me.
Another great option is using only use one earbud. Of course the downside to this is that the music does not sound the same losing one of the channels. There are earphones from a local Tucson company designed to mix both channels of sound from a stereo audio device into a single ear — enabling the wearer to maintain alertness in any environment.
The owner of the Far End Gear, Kevin Goldstein, is offeringis offering a special holiday discount to the readers of BikePilgrim.com. http://farendgear.com/xdu
Coupon Code for 25% off: BPSFELP25 Code valid through 12/24/2015.
You can also pick them up locally in Tucson at Bicycle Ranch Tucson (7090 N Oracle Road) and The Running Shop (3055 N Campbell Ave).