Riding a bicycle on a busy street while using a cell phone is contrary to what most would call common sense. Biking and talking may soon be a violation of the law as well.
Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) introduced Bill 1475 to the senate floor last Friday. If passed, the legislation would increase fines for automobile drivers who text or talk without a hands-free device and would also ban bicyclists from engaging in the practice.
The language of the bill regarding bicycle riders is unambiguous.
“A person shall not ride a bicycle or drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while riding or driving,” the bill read. If passed, it will take effect this summer.
“This conforms the provisions of law to both drivers and cyclists,” Simitian said.
He added the first California legislation banning talking and texting in cars that passed in 2006 left the legality of cell phone use while bicycling unclear.
“I come from Palo Alto – bicycling as transportation is big in my district,” he said. “[Bicyclists] should have the same rights and for that matter the same responsibilities as drivers. I support the notion that everyone on the road should obey the same rules.”
This law will be applicable only on public roadways, which includes bike lanes on the UC Davis campus.
“I think this is a really good thing,” said UCD police officer Ralph Nuño, who patrols campus on a bicycle.
The distraction from a cell phone presents the same hazard whether the person doing it is riding or driving, he said. A bicycle is defined by California law as a vehicle.
“Why shouldn’t the laws apply to all vehicles the same way?” he said.
It is already illegal to ride a bike with ear-buds in both ears. Nuño said that the only thing he stops people for more than using ear-buds in each ear is ignoring stop signs.
“As far as using a cell phone and riding a bike, that is probably the second or third biggest complaint I get,” Nuño said. “People ask me, ‘Did you see that? Why can’t you give them a ticket for that?'”
He added that the law would be easy to enforce.
“I don’t have a position from state-wide cycling groups but I’m sure they understand. They have been the biggest supporters of hands-free legislation [in cars] which makes sense because bicyclists are very vulnerable on the road,” Simitian said.
Not everyone is reacting warmly to the legislation.
“Are you kidding?” said Madara Jayasena, a junior international relations and communication double major. She admitted to riding and talking on the phone often.
“I think that’s the only time I have to talk to anyone. Are you serious? I already get stopped by the bike cops all the time,” she said, before pocketing the cell phone she had been holding and hopping on her bike to go to class.
SAMUEL A. COHEN can be reached at city@theaggie.org.
Procter – Are you really against the ban? Let me guess you MUST have a blackberry/iphone/crackphone on which you have to be in total contact with your bffs via facebook or calling peeps. Seriously. If it’s that important that you must take the phone call or read the text message, it’s even EASIER on a bike to pull off to the side and take the call. Don’t know if you knew this but cyclists have much less control without both hands on the handle bars. But go ahead and just try and refute everything on here. Remind me when you’re out riding around town; I’ll be sure to be all over my cell phone in blatant manners right around you.
Yours,
G. Gunnery
That’s not really a statistic, that’s an anecdote. Not only is a single instance not convincing in the slightest, but her nationality is completely irrelevant.
Monsieur Richard Procter –
Here’s a statistic for you: I live in Carrickfergus and was in a cycling accident with a woman who was using her mobile. The accident was 100% her fault and she was American. Now if that’s not reason enough that you Americans can’t handle both your mobiles and transporting yourselves then I don’t know what is. Good heavens this type of legislation is long overdue around the world! TJM
Are there any incident statistics for cell phone related cycling incidents or is Simitian just a stickler for symmetry?
While talking on the phone while driving is distracting, using a hands free device has proven ineffective in reducing accidents (although this seems like common sense as you can now hold your coffee while using your bluetooth insead of holding your phone.) Our politicians fix failed laws in the only way they know how, make them stupider.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704878904575031572761080024.html?mod=rss_Today%27s_Most_Popular