Bicycle Safety
Why Cyclists Can't Wear Headphones
Why music and bike riding don't mix — and what New York law actually requires.
June 22, 2026
Whether you're an experienced cyclist or renting a bike for the day, it's important you follow the rules of the road. However, many NYC bike riders don't realize there's one thing they're doing that's putting themselves and those around them at great risk of a crash: wearing headphones.
Distracted Riding
Why headphones make cycling dangerous
Bikes share the road with cars and are bound by many of the same rules. Distracted driving — or in this case, distracted cycling — is just as serious a concern for bike riders as it is for people behind the wheel. Listening to music while riding is distracting, especially if you have the volume turned up.
Even though listening to music doesn't cause you to look away from the road or take your hands off the handlebar, it's still a cognitive distraction. That means it draws your mental focus away from cycling as you focus on the beat or sing along. If the music is especially loud, you may miss warning indicators that could prevent a crash, such as squealing wheels or someone yelling at you to stop.
Cognitive distraction
Even when your eyes stay on the road and your hands stay on the bars, your attention drifts toward the beat, the lyrics, or singing along — leaving less mental bandwidth for traffic.
Masked warning sounds
Loud music can drown out squealing tires, a car horn, a siren, or another road user shouting a warning — the audio cues that often prevent a crash.
Slower reaction time
A distracted brain takes longer to recognize a hazard and decide what to do about it. On a bike, even a half-second delay can be the difference between stopping in time and a collision.
It's the Law!
What New York actually says about headphones on a bike
Not only is listening to music while riding a bike distracting, but it could also be against the law. In New York, cyclists on the road are not permitted to wear earbuds in both ears or have their ears covered with overhead headphones.
While wearing an earbud in one ear is permissible under the law, remember that it is still a distraction and could cause you to lose focus.
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Cyclists riding on the road in New York may not wear earbuds in both ears.
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Overhead headphones that cover both ears are also not permitted while riding.
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Wearing a single earbud in one ear is allowed under the law — but is still a distraction.
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These rules apply to everyone on a bike, whether you ride daily or rented one for the afternoon.
Stay Safe Out There
How to ride smart in NYC
The best thing you can do is remain vigilant, constantly scanning the road and the sidewalks for hazards that might lead to a serious crash.
Leave the headphones off
The safest choice is simply to ride without anything in your ears. If you must listen to something, keep it to a single earbud and a low volume.
Scan the road constantly
Keep your eyes moving — the road ahead, the cars beside you, the sidewalks, and the parked cars whose doors could open at any moment.
Watch for pedestrians
Crosswalks, midblock crossings, and intersections are where cyclists and people on foot collide most often. Slow down and be ready to stop.
Stay off the phone
Texting, scrolling, or holding a phone to your ear while riding is just as distracting as it is in a car — and just as dangerous.
We're here to help
Struck while crossing the street?
If you or someone you love were struck while crossing the street, you need affordable representation from a team you can trust. If you'd like an experienced New York City injury accident attorney from Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices to evaluate your case, don't hesitate to call us at (718) 336-2000.