Editor, Daily Nexus,

This is in response to Michael Porzucki’s letter, (Daily Nexus, “Headphones Are Against the Law If You’re Riding a Bike,”April 4). His letter is misleading because he only quotes part of the California Vehicle Code. Porzucki was cited for wearing headphones while bicycling in Isla Vista, but not all headphones are prohibited by the code as he implies.

Code Section 27400 says, “No person operating any motor vehicle or bicycle shall wear any headset covering, or any earplugs in, both ears.” The key words are “both ears.” If your headset covers only one ear, it’s legal. The idea is to make bicycling safer for you and others because you’ll be able to hear sirens, horns or shouts.

In addition, there are a few exceptions to the above rule, like hearing aids and noise protection worn by drivers of emergency vehicles or noisy construction equipment. Bicycling is fun and music is great, just be careful how you mix the two.