Alderman Marge Laurino 39th proposal to ban bicyclist from talking on phone while riding

She wants to make bikers follow the same laws as cars.http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/7644651-418/chicago-may-ban-...

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Permalink Reply by Michelle S on September 14, 2011 at 1:39am

I think phoning/texting while cycling should be banned.

 

However, as Ron Burke says in the article, there should be enforcement of the long-time law on this for motor vehicle drivers, who flaunt the law constantly. The city could have a nice instant revenue stream if they would just start ticketing for this offense, but I think they only issue a citation for it after the driver is involved in a crash.

Permalink Reply by Joel on September 14, 2011 at 2:11am
I agree, yes, phoning/texting while cycling should be banned.  It is a dangerous distractions.  I also agree that they should make some attempt to enforce the ban for automobile drivers as well.  Numerous studies have shown that talking on a cell phone is at least as great of an impairment as driving drunk.  There is no difference between using a headset and holding the phone when driving.
Permalink Reply by Robert on September 14, 2011 at 2:17am

I agree with everything you said Michelle, and I would like to add a few things of my own.  

It seems like a waste of time, on the politicians part to even pursue this.  It stinks of a grandstanding.

To put it bluntly, I have not ever even received a warning for going through a stop sign, rolling threw a red light when the way was clear, or riding w/o a red reflector on my rear fender.  

Sure, it's not a good idea to use your cell phone while riding, but I don't see how that law would be any more enforced than any of the others.  So what's the idea here?  Is the idea to just make more laws for the fun of it?  Like I said, I think this is just grandstanding, to which I respond... "yes, thank you very much, you are right, .. and now... is there anything PRODUCTIVE that you can do for your constituents?"

 

I ride my cycle almost exclusively.  I own a car but I literally use it 1 or 2 times a month.  I 

Michelle Stenzel said:

I think phoning/texting while cycling should be banned.

 

However, as Ron Burke says in the article, there should be enforcement of the long-time law on this for motor vehicle drivers, who flaunt the law constantly. The city could have a nice instant revenue stream if they would just start ticketing for this offense, but I think they only issue a citation for it after the driver is involved in a crash.

Permalink Reply by dan brown on September 14, 2011 at 2:59am

great comments robert. most politicians do not have our best interests at heart as they perform their daily duties (whatever that is). There are exceptions, but few. unfortunately - it is easier to enforce laws that govern cyclists than motorists (since they can hide beneath the protective guise of the car's exterior).

 

DB

Robert said:

I agree with everything you said Michelle, and I would like to add a few things of my own.  

It seems like a waste of time, on the politicians part to even pursue this.  It stinks of a grandstanding.

To put it bluntly, I have not ever even received a warning for going through a stop sign, rolling threw a red light when the way was clear, or riding w/o a red reflector on my rear fender.  

Sure, it's not a good idea to use your cell phone while riding, but I don't see how that law would be any more enforced than any of the others.  So what's the idea here?  Is the idea to just make more laws for the fun of it?  Like I said, I think this is just grandstanding, to which I respond... "yes, thank you very much, you are right, .. and now... is there anything PRODUCTIVE that you can do for your constituents?"

 

I ride my cycle almost exclusively.  I own a car but I literally use it 1 or 2 times a month.  I 

Michelle Stenzel said:

I think phoning/texting while cycling should be banned.

 

However, as Ron Burke says in the article, there should be enforcement of the long-time law on this for motor vehicle drivers, who flaunt the law constantly. The city could have a nice instant revenue stream if they would just start ticketing for this offense, but I think they only issue a citation for it after the driver is involved in a crash.

Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on September 14, 2011 at 5:13am

We just also interviewed about this with CBS and have a meeting scheduled with the Alderman to chat more about her proposal.

 

Thanks,

Ethan Spotts, Active Trans

Permalink Reply by Gort 12-mile Pinklegneep on September 14, 2011 at 5:36am
The ban on cellphone use in cars came after epidemiological assessment of risk, while this ban is based on, well, a big shrug and a dude saying "stands to reason." I like how there's an implicit desire expressed to ban cellphone use by pede...strians as well.

Maybe, just maybe, there's something about a ton of steel moving at high velocity that poses its own sort of risk and warrants its own class of regulation that doesn't need apply to non-tons-of-high-velocity-steel situations? Hmm. Food for thought. Hum. Hurm. Hrum.
Permalink Reply by Dubi Kaufmann on September 14, 2011 at 5:52am
Does anyone know of an accident that happened because of texting and biking?
Permalink Reply by Mike Haring on September 14, 2011 at 8:16am

Actually I do.  I was talking to a friend when he got a call from another friend and the talked for a few minutes, then the phone went dead.  We later found out that he had been riding and a car pulled out in front of him.  He wasn't able to stop and slammed into the car.  He was pretty banged up, but nothing life-threatening.  Technically not his fault, but it could have been easily prevented.

 

(edit) He wasn't texting, I don't even know how people can text and ride.  Maybe I'm just a luddite.
Dubi Kaufmann said:

Does anyone know of an accident that happened because of texting and biking?
Permalink Reply by Gort 12-mile Pinklegneep on September 14, 2011 at 8:45am

I'll venture to say that the risk assessment of biking while on the phone in terms of consequences to public health and safety are pretty far below those of driving at all. The justification for legislating this is fairly specious and by extension amusing.

 

Brian Steele, spokesman for the city transportation department, said “all modes of transportation — motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians — unfortunately are distracted. … Any time you remove a distraction ... you’re helping to improve safety.”

 

Phones are distracting, less distraction is more safe for all forms of transportation, hence the legislation. Forms of transit that are made safer by removing distraction: driving, cycling, walking. I mean it seems to me he's also behind not using a cellphone while walking. His reasoning supports a ban on it, so what the heck.


Permalink Reply by Jason W on September 15, 2011 at 5:49am
What useless bullshit! The percentage of cyclists I see driving and talking is just a mere fraction of drivers I see talking and driving. These aldermen need to find better ways to spend their time. It's not like there is a financial crisis etc that they could be addressing...
Permalink Reply by Jamais716 on September 15, 2011 at 6:07am

That just seems redundant given that there's already a statute saying you need to be able to use both hands to control your bike

 

11-1506 Carrying articles - Permalink

No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the use of both hands in the control and operation of the bicycle. A person operating a bicycle shall keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

 

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on September 15, 2011 at 6:09am
Just Ban texting in public...

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