Is It Safe to Cycle with Earphones In?

There’s no law in the UK preventing cyclists from wearing earphones while riding, so yes, you’re allowed to do so. But the real question is: should you? The answer centres around one thing—the type of earpiece you use and how you wear it. Let us explain:

Noise Cancellation Is Great, but Not for Cyclists

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It’s legal to wear earphones while cycling, whether you’re listening to music, ambient sounds, a podcast, or whatever you fancy. It’s a personal choice, after all. However, you could be prosecuted if you’re not paying attention to what’s going on around you. So, does having your ears covered affect this? Yes, particularly if your earphones use noise-cancelling features.

Awareness of your surroundings is crucial to staying safe on the road. Noise-cancelling tech blocks out external sounds, making it harder to hear what’s happening around you. With your earphones in, your focus is diverted. This can stop you from hearing oncoming vehicles, warning horns, or other cyclists calling out. It also reduces your ability to react and can leave you vulnerable to unexpected risks.

You’re Wearing the Right Earphones If…

You can still hear important cues while wearing them. This includes things like an ambulance coming your way, traffic or pedestrians crossing ahead, or even the hum of wind changing that could signal a hazard.

Manufacturers have taken note of such demands, and now, many modern earphones on the market are specifically designed for cycling. Some have brilliant features that let you amplify ambient sound. Others even use bone-conducting technology, leaving your ears open to external noise. These designs mean that riding with earphones isn’t as isolating as it used to be—a win for cyclists, indeed.

Don’t Let Your Cycling Earphones Get In the Way

If there’s one piece of safety gear that can interfere with the fit of your earphones, it’s your bike helmet. For one, earphones with large earpieces or bulky designs can push the straps out of place. Wired ones might also get caught or tug at them. And as for over-the-head headphones—they’re not exactly a good match with a helmet, are they?

What earphone designs are safe to cycle with?

In-ear buds have a brilliant low-profile design. They sit inside your ears, so they don’t stick out and are easy to put on. Bone-conducting earphones are another great option. They fit outside your ears, leaving them open to your surroundings. Just keep in mind that the sound quality may not be as loud as standard earphones.

On-ear headphones might work as they have a slimmer fit than over-ear ones but don’t force yourself to wear them if your helmet doesn’t sit properly. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: nothing is more important than a properly fitting helmet. Don’t compromise on that.

Wired or tethered earphones are also superior when cycling. After all, you don’t want to have to stop riding and look around the road for a wireless earbud that has fallen out.

Always make sure both your adult bike and your little one’s kid’s bike come with a well-fitting helmet. If you need help, this bike helmet buying guide is a great place to start.

Round-up

Yes, it’s safe to cycle with earphones as long as they don’t block out external noise, are designed specifically for cycling, and are worn properly. Read this guide on ‘Guide to Cycling Through Traffic’ for more safety information.