Distracted cycling incidents are on the rise. Why? According to Police, Apple’s popular MP3 player, the iPod, is distracting cyclists. After several iPod-involved fatalities, Police are warning iPod users to leave their iPod at home before riding their bikes.
iPod User Listening At A Loud Volume Killed While Riding Her Bike In London
The plea for caution comes after a 32-year-old Australian woman named Patricia McMillan was recently knocked off her bicycle and killed in London. Apparently, McMillan was listening to her iPod at a high volume and was unable to hear the sounds of traffic around her. A friend of the woman said she may still be alive if she hadn’t been listening to her iPod.
Police Warn Of An Increasing Trend Of Distracted Cycling By iPod Users
“If you’re a cyclist and you want to stay alive, I wouldn’t wear an iPod under any circumstances,” said Assistant Traffic Commissioner Noel Ashby in a statement to The Age. Similar to other authorities around the world, Australian Police are seeing increasing numbers of people using iPods on bikes while walking and even while driving a car.
Bikes And Music Players Are A Bad Combination
Other cyclists agree distracted biking is a bad idea. Digg user Rockintom99 found out first hand that bikes and music players don’t mix. “I used to ride my bike to school, and I took my MP3 CD player one day. I was changing the song, and ended up in a ditch, and lost my bike key. Bad times.” At least he was able to walk away.
Distracted cycling is easily prevented. If you desperately need to use your iPod or smartphone, authorities suggest cyclist iPod users pull over and getting off their bike.
Distracted Cycling, Jogging, Walking And Driving
As gadgets like the iPod become more and more part of our lives, distracted driving, cycling, jogging and even walking are creating major safety issues. As smartphones become more prevalent, this issue is likely to multiply. And depending on who you ask, texting and walking might be the most dangerous.
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