Ear plugs/neck

[Grahamm]

Never used ear plugs on a bike. Are they safe? Always thought it was important to use your ears as well as eyes when riding.

You can still use your ears when you're riding, all the plugs do is reduce the noise level by around 30db for a decent set, they don't block out sound entirely.

Given that a loud noise (over 85db or so) for an extended period can cause hearing damage and wind-blast around your helmet can get up to about 115db or more, a decent set of plugs is a really good idea.

Here's a good article on the subject.