Cellphone ban for cyclists

[PamNY]

A city councilmember is proposing a bill banning cellphone use by cyclists in NYC. I see this fairly often -- even had a close call with a clearly distracted cyclist. It seems like a good idea, though I can think of many things more deserving of attention from the police.

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20141111/gravesend/cyclists-would-be-banned-from-using-cellphones-under-new-legislation

[Helene2013]

In Montreal, the law says you cannot have plugs in your ears while cycling. You can use your cellphone only if you have a bluetooth device but not allowed to listen to music.

But the Montreal police says they tolerate one ear plug as they know that cyclists just as car drivers ride with cells. But tolerated if linked to your cell phone and one ear only.

In Montreal, one accident out of three involving a cyclist is due to distraction or inattention.

The fine for that is: 52 $.

[PamNY]

The use of hand-held devices while driving is prohibited in New York (thought I wonder how much enforcement takes place).

Interesting about Montreal -- New York law allows only one ear bud while cycling. After dealing with oblivious pedestrians for years, I sometimes wish they were banned altogether.