From Made in Queens
I’m probably preaching to the choir here, but there aren’t many downsides to riding a bike. There’s the snow, sure, but after watching cars slide down any road with an incline during #snOMG I’m pretty glad I ride instead.
The one thing that really gets to me is the lack of music. I sometimes take the bus just so I can listen to headphones, but that pales in comparison to driving in a car with the windows down and speakers blasting. I know I’m not alone; everyday on the Burke-Gilman, I see bikers wearing headphones. Stopped at a light, I asked a cyclist if he knew the way to the Ballard Goodwill, but it was like talking to a brick wall – no response. I thought he didn't hear so I asked again before I noticed the headphones. Headphones kill communication between cyclists. I may as well be talking to someone in car.
So what can we do?
All is not lost. As these kids in Queens prove, creativity prevails.
For those that don’t want to lug a speaker-laden bike up Seattle’s hills, there are lighter, though much less cool, alternatives
Bike speakers: A quick google search turned up a surprising number of bicycle specific speakers. These speakers are waterproof and are designed for cycling. The iHome Bike-to-Beach speaker fits in a water bottle holder, connects to an ipod and has a remote control that attaches to the handlebars so you don’t have to reach down to change the song. I haven’t tried these out so I can’t vouch for them, but reviews seem positive. Most importantly they go loud!
Shower speakers: Stalwarts of any Sky Mall catalog, shower speakers are waterproof and cheaper than a bike specific sound system, but they’re not designed for cycling so there might be some drawbacks.
Singing: Need I say more?
Hope to see (or hear) you out there!
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