[germinalphrase]

To address your point rather than your sarcasm: headphones are unsafe while cycling because they block environmental sounds (though it’s true that music from a speaker can impact attentional blindness. There is also the shared experience of listening to music with another person. The ability to create a “music bubble” around you without disturbing others satisfies both parties.

Ultrasonic speakers aren’t even exotic tech. I first encountered one in a museum at least ten or fifteen years ago.

[InGoodFaith]

I'm not the person you replied to but just dropping this here for others interested:

There are some 'open-back' and 'open-ear' headphones that let you hear your environment passively.

Others that have more active environment passthrough such as Ambient Sound from Samsung, also exist.

This might be a useful gift for a cyclist or jogger that needs situational awareness.

[jjkaczor]

Bone conduction?

(Am fairly certain they aren't great if you are going for audiophile level reproduction - but from a safety perspective, they let you hear your environment - note, I have personally never tried them)

[heavyset_go]

Quality isn't amazing, but it's acceptable and it isn't like you'd be enjoying a high quality audio experience with wind rushing past your ears using normal headphones, anyway.

Also beats getting hit by a car that you didn't hear.

[Accacin]

I'm a runner not a cyclist, but I use AfterShokz headphones. The sound quality is suprisingly good, more than adequate for listening to music and podcasts when out :)

For personal safety though, they win hands down. I can hear cars and people easily and I'm much more aware of surroundings. Downside is though that if you are running down a busy road, the sound of cars can override the sound of your audio but for me, that's an acceptable trade off.

[FinnKuhn]

When using AirPods pro in the "transparent" mode I can still hear really good, so I am just using that when cycling right now.

[heavyset_go]

I got a pair of bone conduction headphones that allow me to still hear my surroundings while on my bike. Nothing goes in your ears that blocks sound.

Agree with your point, though.

[aeontech]

I was looking for something like this but gave up due to difficulty sifting through reviews… which ones did you go with, and how do you like them?

[hiptobecubic]

I have aftershokz aeropex. If you are hoping for studio monitors you're going to be disappointed. If you just want to listen to podcasts or "workout music" then I think they are great. I use mine way more often around the house than I expected that I would.