90% of people would back ban on cyclists wearing headphones, says poll

The poll, part of a cycle safety series running this week on BBC Breakfast, found 89% of people would back a ban on wearing headphones whilst cycling due to the effects on concentration levels.

Research by Brunel University found listening to music reduces the amount of attention available by around 10%, making you less aware of potential risks around you.

One cyclist told the BBC: "I'm not actually listening to music. It's if I get a phone call... I can hear you perfectly well with these."

Another cyclist said: "It’s not the safest thing you can do when you’re cycling... It gets very boring if you’re commuting a long way in the morning and then again the afternoon, so you’ve got to live with it.”

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has previously spoken out about cyclist wearing headphones, saying he "would not be against" a ban on wearing headphones whilst cycling.

Some states in America have already put a ban in place for cyclists wearing headphones, such as Florida, where the law states: "A bicyclist may not wear a headset, headphone, or other listening device other than a hearing aid when riding."

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