Is it allowed to ride a bicycle while wearing headphones?

14 comments

1. I believe no.

   Is it being done, I believe so.

2. I do this everyday. Today I pass in front of the police and they stopped to car so I can pass, and I did a “thanks” gesture.

3. Yes. However, you have to ensure that you are not distracted while driving. So while the police will not fine you for wearing headphones, you might get into trouble if you are involved in an accident.

4. This question is proof that this is indeed r/Switzerland

5. >The driver must pay attention to the road and the traffic on it. The
   driver must not do anything that would hamper the use of the vehicle.
   Moreover, the driver must ensure their attention is not impaired by
   sound reproducing equipment as well as communications and information
   systems.

   You won’t get arrested. But personal liability insurance could use that to decrease their coverage. If you run into someone and you have to pay because they were badly injured, they could avoid to provide full cover and you would have to pay yourself (except if you pay the premium for ‘serious mistake/faute grave’).

6. No idea, just wanting to chime in that I more than once was in a situation where I was riding on my own bike directly behind a cyclist with headphones on and not even yelling (after trying softer approaches and not in a mean way, of course) got their attention. I’m pretty sure all of them thought they would surely be well aware of their surroundings and notice anything relevant happening around them.

   Now you might be thinking “So what?” but there’s not only me on the road but huge chunks made out of tons of metal and if I’d be in your shoes, I’d rather not just hope that I will “surely” notice them whenever it’s relevant.

   There’s just no way around the fact that wearing headphones whilst riding your bike on public roads is putting you and others in danger’ so I’d recommend not doing it. If not for the others, then at least for yourselves because as a cyclist you will undoubtedly be the loser in any almost any kind of accident.

7. Riding a bike in this country is like owning a gun in the us.

   I wouldn’t recommend wearing them, wear a helmet and save your brains from getting splattered

8. You can do it, however you can not do it for a long time. The reason is called darwinism.

9. Definitely not if apple airpods pro.

10. It’s not forbidden to lick an electricity outlet – but it is still quite stupid to do it. I have a hard time to understand why people are more afraid of a fine then potentially being killed. Not being aware of your surrounding while riding your bicycle is just plain dangerous. This comes from a guy who does annually 4500 km in city traffic.

11. Advice from daily bicycle commuter since a long time: being able to ear danger coming from side or behind is a BIG part of your safety. So don’t do it, even if it is allowed.

12. It’s a silly idea. I’m often afraid of wearing them while walking, let alone while cycling lol

13. Even with headphones on you still hear a lot more than the people in cars.

    In my opinion it is safe as long as you are aware that you hear less.

14. I reckon that non ear skull induction headphones are made for hearing music outside, where the surroundings are not entirely alienated like with noise cancelling headphones.