While watching France TV news tonight I learned something a little surprising. It seems that the Code de la Route in France forbids the wearing of earbuds or headphones while cycling. If caught, you risk a fine of €135.
I just assumed that this would be allowed here, even if I virtually never see cyclists wearing them. Contrast this with a reasonable number of North American cyclists I know who nearly always use them. Is it legal in ‘Anglo’ countries?
The Vicious Cycle 
It is legal here as far as I know. I can see the attraction as the wind in your ears can get monotonous on a breezy day, but I wouldn’t like to be passed by things that I hadn’t heard coming.
If I’m riding in a wind I don’t hear anything coming anyway, but still wouldn’t wear those things. I can sing to myself just fine.
I find myself doing that quite a lot.
After doing some checking, cyclists are not allowed to wear earphones in both ears (one is okay) which also applies to people in cars.
Of course, cyclists must also have horns/bells and front reflectors–but I wonder how often this is enforced? Children under 14 are not supposed to ride on the sidewalk either….
Good point about all the laws we flout, Anthony! I wonder what the French code has to say about riding on the sidewalk. Considering you can ride the wrong way on one-way streets in Nimes, I suspect anything goes.
C’est la meme chose ici.
(switching to English, having exhausted my French)
As with Anthony, Virginia treats cyclists, motorcyclists, and automobile drivers the same way. One ear bud is permitted. Have I ever seen anyone in any of those categories pulled over by a policeman? No. I suppose if a scofflaw was involved in a serious accident, this might be added to the list of charges.
I get tired using French, too.
I’d be curious to know if anyone actually goes out with one earbud in. I somehow think it unlikely