Earphones Are a Traffic Law Violation! How to Listen to Music While Cycling and Recommended Songs!

Listening to your favorite music while cycling... is the best moment, right? However, with the amendment to the Road Traffic Act on June 1, 2015, using earphones or headphones while riding a bicycle is now considered a violation of the duty to drive safely. So, does this mean you can't listen to music? Don’t worry, there’s another way to enjoy it. I’ve summarized the method and some recommended songs for you.

■ It's Fine as Long as You Can Hear Surrounding Sounds and Voices!

When you use earphones or headphones, it becomes harder to hear surrounding sounds and voices. If you can get around this issue, you can listen to music while cycling. In other words, using open-ear headphones or earphones that don't cover your ears is fine!

[Method 1] Use a Neck Speaker

A neck speaker is worn around the neck, and it doesn’t violate the Road Traffic Act, allowing you to still hear surrounding sounds. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Since it doesn't cover your ears, it won't cause ear pain even after long use, and it's less likely to cause listening fatigue.

When choosing a neck speaker for cycling, focus on its weight and sound quality. A lighter speaker will put less strain on your neck even after long hours of cycling, but it might have a shorter battery life, so make sure to check the specifications. As for the sound quality, if the speaker supports codecs like AAC or aptX, it will have great sound quality, which is ideal. However, even with standard SBC quality, you can still enjoy music if the speaker has a passive radiator (a mechanism to enhance bass).

○ Recommended Neck Speaker Models

JBL / SOUNDGEAR

With bass boost, this speaker emphasizes low frequencies, allowing for immersive music playback even in environments with background noise or wind sounds.
Android users can enjoy high-quality sound with apt-X, while iPhone users will use SBC.
Weight: Approximately 370g, Supported codecs: SBC, apt-X

[Method 2] Use Bone Conduction Headsets or Bone Conduction Earphones

Bone conduction works by sending vibrations through the bones to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum and allowing the brain to perceive sound. Many bone conduction headsets and earphones transmit vibrations through a driver placed at the temple, so they don’t cover the ears and can be safely used while cycling. They connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth or a cable.

The sound quality is generally lower than regular headphones or earphones, but since they don't cover the ears and don't put strain on the neck like neck speakers, they are comfortable for long cycling sessions.

○ Recommended Bone Conduction Headsets & Earphones

movio / ActiBone M305BONE Bone Conduction Wireless Earphones

The lightweight design ensures comfort even during long usage. With an IPX5-level waterproof rating, it can handle rain while cycling, making it very convenient. SBC codec makes it compatible with both iPhone and Android devices.
Weight: Approximately 28g, Supported codec: SBC

[Method 3] Use a Cycle Speaker

A cycle speaker is a speaker designed for use on a bicycle, either attached to the bike or helmet. Some vertical models can even be attached to a drink holder.

As a regular speaker, cycle speakers usually offer better sound quality than neck speakers or bone conduction headsets/earphones. However, since the sound will be audible to those around you, it's important to be mindful of the volume. These are recommended for use in areas without other people nearby.

○ Recommended Cycle Speaker Models

JBL / JBLCLIP4 Blue Bluetooth Speaker

With a carabiner handle, you can easily hang it on your pants belt loop or backpack. It's versatile enough to be hung on tent beams during camping or attached to the car interior. Its waterproof and dustproof features make it practical for cycling in the rain or when dust is blowing around.
Weight: Approximately 239g, Supported codec: SBC

These are some methods for listening to music while cycling. However, the rules may vary by prefecture, so it’s best to check with your local police before trying these methods.

■ Let’s Start Listening, Here Are Some Recommended Songs!

Once you’re ready, let’s start listening to music while cycling. Specifically, I’ve gathered songs that feature the words “bicycle” or “bike” in the title or lyrics.

○ Oreskaband "Jitensha" (Bicycle)

This band was formed mainly by members of a middle school brass band, and it's characterized by the inclusion of brass instruments like trombone and saxophone. The repetitive “Jitensha, Jitensha” (Bicycle, Bicycle) in the chorus is fun and comical, making it a highly recommended song that will lift your spirits.

○ Nico Touches the Walls "Bicycle"

Although this band broke up in 2019, their music lives on. This song has a cool rock sound that will really get you into the groove! You can listen to it on Sony Music's YouTube channel as well.

○ Tsujii Ayano "Kaze ni Naru" (Become the Wind)

A singer-songwriter who expresses a calm, relaxed world with her ukulele performances. "Kaze ni Naru" is the theme song for the anime The Cat Returns, and the image of riding a bicycle freely and joyfully comes to mind. Listening to this song makes you want to ride through the countryside.

○ Queen "Bicycle Race"

Watch on YouTube

A classic Queen hit that is exciting even if you don't understand the English lyrics. "Bicycle Race," with its upbeat tempo, makes you want to ride fast while singing "I want to ride my bicycle!"

Other songs you can enjoy include aiko "Jitensha" , Spitz "Jitensha", and JUDY AND MARY "Jitensha".

Personally, I highly recommend Oreskaband "Jitensha." The repeated "Jitensha, Jitensha" really sticks in your mind, and you’ll find yourself singing along!
I hope you all enjoy your music while riding your favorite bicycle!

The column "sound & person" is supported by submissions from everyone. For more details about submitting, click here.