Robert Bruce wrote:
How is it different to a car driver having his radio on? There you
have the noise of the engine, the radio and the fans all blowing!!

In addition, many (especially mid to top range) cars are deliberately
designed to exclude outside noises. I wonder how much sympathy we'd
get if we cycled around with ear plugs in.

Sorry, but that is still a wrong headed argument - sight important for
driving hearing far less so (are the deaf banned from driving?). Hearing is
FAR more important on a bike.

pk