If they apply it to pedestrians I am all for it. Of course most headphones are used with mobile phones which as far as I know (but I could be wrong) are forbidden for all vehicles which might explain a part of the reasoning. Whether wearing an earpiece in one ear would still be against the law when used with for example a GPS might be debatable. There are much too many headphone wearers on the streets; it would be a good thing if there were a few less.
I cycle with headphones on pretty much for every ride. Usually I'm listening to podcasts or the radio. I find it makes me more aware of the world around me, stops me getting lost in thought. And being open headphones I can still hear cars coming up behind me.
Oh, and the french law on it is completely nuts. Until they also ban people from driving except with the windows open and the radio off, it's just victim blaming the cyclists.
But this thread wasn't supposed to be a wearing of headphones good or bad or not.
I am inclined to agree with Torslanda that it is unlikely (although not impossible) to be enforced - until you cross the flic who is down on quota for the month or needs the
bonuses. However don't have an accident with écouteurs in your ears!
Doesn't mean I want to risk it...
Do bicycle GPS systems have to be vocal recognition and no buttons while moving in Holland like the car systems? (I remember the dutch technician at NPK Holland explaining this to me 9 years ago. He couldn't use the GPS fitted in his Merc, had to have a second vocal one)
I'm not aware of that being the case for cars, or for bikes. I have a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, I ride with it in Amsterdam, every day, never had an issue with it being button based, and it doesn't have voice recognition...
J