Bicycling
is a sport that millions of people of all ages engage in across the
country. Additionally, there are many people who run on a regular basis.
What many of these people who cycle and run may not realize is that
there are new laws on the horizon regarding whether or not they can wear
headphones as they are engaging in these activities.
“People often go out and
bicycle with headphones on or get into a marathon and wear headphones as
they run,” explains Richard “Big Rich” Bracke, founder of BiGR Audio, a
company that makes specialty headphones and innovative Bluetooth wrist
speakers. “It’s important that people know the laws regarding this issue
and that they take precautions.”
There are some states
that currently have some type of laws governing using headphones while
cycling, including California, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, and
Massachusetts. There are additional states that are currently
considering legislation regarding the practice. Not all states have the
same guidelines and penalties, however. For example, in California
cyclists can have one earphone in while cycling.
Many people are pushing
for the new laws as a result of so many people being injured in
accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
in just the year 2013, there were nearly half a million emergency room
visits due to bicycle-related injuries, and over 900 bicyclists were
killed.
With laws varying by
geographic location, it’s important that cyclists and runners stay
informed and protected. Here are some tips to do just that:
- Know the laws and guidelines for where you will be cycling or running. This is especially important if you will be taking a vacation and getting some exercise. Even places such as Quebec in Canada have laws against using headphones while cycling. Knowing the laws will help you avoid getting tickets.
- Even if there are no laws regarding headphones in your state, if you choose to wear them opt for using only one. That will leave one ear free for hearing traffic and what is going on around you.
- Seek out an alternative to listening to music in your ears while you are bicycling or running, such as wearing the Wristboom. The Wristboom is a watch-style Bluetooth speaker that gives people the ability to wear it while cycling, running, and walking. It’s water-resistant (for sweat) and provides a safe way for people to listen to a personal music device as they are engaging in the physical activities they enjoy.
- Runners who are signing up for marathons, especially if they are in states they don’t reside in, should check the rules regarding headphone or earbud use for the run. There are many marathons today that don’t allow headphone use, so you will want to consider alternatives, such as the Wristboom option.
“These new laws may be an
inconvenience for some people, but there are alternatives so that they
can keep listening to their favorite tunes as they run or cycle,” added
Bracke. “It will help keep them safer and they will be used to the new
laws before they know it. It’s important to keep up on what’s going on
with it, so that people stay informed.”
BiGR Audio has a line of
headphones that are environmentally friendly, using bamboo, and has had
licensing agreement with the MLB, Bruce Lee, Rolling Stone Magazine,
collegiate teams, and more. They also offer the Wristboom, which is a
Bluetooth watch-style speaker that comes in seven colors and gives
people the ability to listen to their favorite music or take phone calls
as they bicycle, run, or walk. The device is water resistant,
lightweight, and has a battery life of 4-6 hours, and allows for
hands-free phone calls. For more information on BiGR Audio, visit the
site at: http://www.bigraudio.com.
About BiGR Audio
BiGR Audio was founded in
2009, is based in San Diego. The company offers a line of high quality
headphones and audio products that are environmentally friendly, offer
Bluetooth capabilities, and have functional design. For more information
on BiGR Audio, visit the site at: http://www.bigraudio.com.
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Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bicycle Safety. http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/bicycle/
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