Journalism and Cycling 2: the difficult second album

Cyclists, pedestrians and headphones
Sir, – Over the last few weeks I’ve observed one collision and several near-misses involving cyclists and pedestrians. The cause of each of these mishaps was wearing headphones with the wearer no longer fully aware of their immediate surroundings when changing direction.

Fortunately there were no serious consequences as traffic was very light, but Monday will probably bring a sizeable increase as Covid-19 restrictions on commerce are eased.

No cyclist or pedestrian would voluntarily put on a blindfold before setting off on a journey. Yet many block off that sense of hearing that protects us by sensing dangers our other senses do not detect. Use your common sense and let your ears protect you. – Yours, etc,

DAVID REDDY,
Sandymount,
Dublin 4.

Headphones and roads
Sir, – David Reddy (Letters, May 16th) exhorts cyclists and pedestrians to forego headphones when travelling as a matter of public safety. A quick search through the websites of the major car brands in Ireland suggest that we should be consulting automotive engineers. One company declares that it has mastered the “art of noise” as evidenced by its car cabins insulated from the noise of the outside world. Modern cars typically come fitted with stereo systems.

I presume the Road Safety Authority will be calling for regulation of these dangerous technologies? In the absence of such critical analysis, and knowing that road fatalities caused by cyclists and pedestrians are minimal, I might continue my lockdown lunchtime habit of cycling around the Phoenix Park listening to theology lectures on my earphones; an activity so patently harmless I never imagined it would have to be defended. – Yours, etc,

KEVIN HARGADEN,
Inchicore,
Dublin 8.

Headphones and cyclists
Sir, – I fully endorse David Reddy’s comments (Letters, May 16th) regarding wearing of headphones. Quite apart from the dangers inherent in this practice, they are missing out on the delightful sounds of nature which have been even more wonderful in the quiet of the lockdown. As someone who does not wear headphones out walking, I have had several close shaves with cyclists coming at speed from behind on shared spaces as they are often quite silent. Do they not use bells anymore? I would not cycle without my bell as pedestrians, particularly in the city, frequently step off the path when crowded. My bell warns them not to, keeping us both safe. – Yours, etc,

RHONA KELLY,
Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.