Looked at the other way, you could have a cell phone that plays MP3s in the background while you talk. You can use headphones with a cell phone of course. It should have a separate volume control for the music.

I especially like the walkie talkie part of this idea. This headset would allow groups of cyclists to ride single-file and still be able to communicate with each other. It frustrates me to see two or three bikes riding side-by-side on a narrow road.

What about being able to hear cars??? What you are saying you want to get rid of kids??? Why not start a game for all car drivers that goes like this--1000 points if you can hit kid on bicycle without them hearing you without headphones--20 points if you can hit kid on bicycle without them hearing you with headphones--highest points win

I support this idea, however, CSM does make some good points. The main opposition I could give is that. Firstly, there is actually a law, in my region at least, that bicyclists can only wear one side of their headphones. So it would be best if this item only had one earpiece. Second, earbuds are normally small enough not to filter out that much of the outside world even if they are worn in both ears, so, it wouldn't be that big of an issue, unless of course the person turned the volume up really loud, in which case they kind of deserve to be hit. And they'll probably have such bad hearing damage they wouldn't hear someone driving up to them anyway.

There is also a law against riding abreast where I'm from as well. So, my main support is actually in the walkie talkie part of it rather than the MP3 player idea. It's quite dangerous to be riding and taking up the same space as a whole care when the bikes are traveling half as fast as the rest of the traffic. The walkie talkie idea would also be good for any areas where one would be forced to be on a heavy traffic road. So that bikes that are on the side of the road could warn of dangers and the like, as well as talk.