Bicycle Network Victoria: Ride On magazine

Deaf ‘more diligent’

18 April 08

I wanted to respond to a contribution on your website, from Alex Henderson, who says “Cyclists who have their hearing impaired or are not fully concentrating are a danger to themselves and other riders.”

I’m not suggesting Alex then believes that Deaf or hard of hearing people are dangerous on the road. But in case some people have taken it that far, I say the opposite can be true, in that Deaf people may be more diligent in checking mirrors and their surrounds, as they are conscious they are not hearing audio cues around them.

Deaf and hard of hearing people get licenses and do drive machinery from forklifts, to cars, trucks and even planes. There are also a number of Deaf cyclists out there, spending many hours on the road…not having accidents.

Cindy Cave

East Melbourne VIC

Hearing response

10 April 2008

As a cyclist with a severe hearing impairment, I was disturbed to read the opinion that hearing impaired cyclists are a danger ("Hearing Impaired", your turn, Ride-On April-May 2008).

I tend to agree with Alex Henderson's conclusion regarding concentration, but I would be very surprised if there is any conclusive evidence that hearing impairment itself is dangerous.

How ironical, then, for me to receive the magazine on the day I had a single-bike accident and read the letter while waiting for my X-ray results!

Kevin Balaam

Reservoir VIC

Earphones danger

26 Feb 08

I ride to work each day down Royal Parade, and regularly pass other cyclists who have earphones in, listening to music I assume. Is this legal? I thought that cyclists should not be able to have earphones in whilst driving, it is akin to using a mobile phone in my opinion. Cyclists who have their hearing impaired or are not fully concentrating are a danger to themselves and other riders.

Alex Henderson

Brunswick VIC

Bicycle Network Victoria agrees riding with earphones reduces awareness. There is currently no law against it. Please write to VicRoads about your concerns and CC a copy to campaigns@bv.com.au

Bicycle Network Victoria Enquiries