Cellphone Cyclists

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Originally Posted by lizbids

I hate hate hate cell-cyclists. I find they put themselves and everyone else in danger by not being totally focused. I feel the same way about drivers of cars.

I will say, if you are expecting a super-important call, then pull over safely. Between phones and iPods, people just tune out their surroundings. And don't get me started on no helmet-riders crusing against traffic, blowing stop signs and red lights, etc...

I always feel I am a target if I have my iPod on. In fact, when I get off the train to get to work in the morning, I purposely put it away in my bag, as the area I work in is known for muggings.

I don't mean to offend other cyclists who choose to join in this recreational-type behavior, but I do think it's wise to consider eliminating it. We can't be 100% sure of our saftey all the time, but we can certain improve our odds for successful, safe rides, correct? Safe riding!

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I agree wholeheartedly.
When someone is engaged in a cell phone conversation they are not mentally focused on the situation at hand which in turn endangers others. Not even the "hands-free" laws that are being implemented can resolve this.

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Originally Posted by Veronica

You hate me and you don't even know me. :rolleyes:

V.

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I still like ya. ;)

Apropos of this discussion, I was amazed when I was in Florence (Italy) recently that despite the INSANE traffic, I observed a fair number of cyclists riding while both talking on their cellphones and smoking cigarettes, and yet narrowly avoiding death. Impressive. I tried to get photos, but I never had my camera at the ready when I saw one of these folks. The best one I saw was a guy riding his bike, talking on his cellphone, and LIGHTING HIS CIGARETTE WITH A MATCH without slowing down. Viva Italia!

The weirdest part is that very few Italians seem to smoke anymore. I think I saw more smoking cyclists than smoking pedestrians.