Editor’s note: Every week, The Aggie will ask Annette Spicuzza, UCD police chief, the burning, sometimes incriminating, questions students often wonder. Here is this week’s installment.
Q: Is it illegal to talk on your cell phone while riding a bike? What about listening to music through headphones?
A: No. It is not illegal to ride a bike and speak on a cell phone; the cell phone law recently passed failed to include bikes. We don’t recommend it though, because it does take your attention away from your surroundings and may cause you to have a collision or cause one. As for the headphones, you cannot have both ears blocked while in control of a vehicle. And a bike is deemed a vehicle in the Vehicle Code. One ear is okay, but not both. So, if you are using your phone and have your other ear blocked with an earbud for your music; both ears are blocked and hence not only is your ability to hear sirens impeded, but your attention is absolutely impaired. So, just remember one item at a time and one ear at a time.
If you have a question for Chief Spicuzza, e-mail it to campus@theaggie.org.
