Illinois Proposes Statewide Ban On Texting While Biking

drew*in*chicago

In October, the Chicago City Council approved a ban on texting while biking. Even though we still struggle with the logistical gymnastics of how one can navigate the roads while sharing status updates on a phone, Illinois lawmakers decided it's enough of a problem to warrant statewide legislation. WXII12 reports State Rep. Kelly Cassidy filed a bill that would prohibit cyclists from sending texts while peddling down the road.

The legislation is very similar to the Chicago ordinance, and it would still allow cyclists to use hands free devices and text message while pulled off to the side of the road. The bill has received support from both the Active Transportation Alliance and the League of Illinois Bicyclists.

Cassidy told the St. Louis Post Dispatch the “prevalent problem” of texting while cycling was “stunning for me to even contemplate” and said “We're just doing anything we can to make transportation more accessible and safer.”

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By aaroncynic in News on February 3, 2012 1:20 PM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

Nicholas

I don't think we need a ban. Just don't penalize law-abiding drivers and let nature take its course. I mean, do we really have to ban this? Anyone who texts while biking is not long for this world.

BlueFairlane

I once saw a without a helmet riding with no hands the wrong way down a one-way street while texting. I'm all for letting such morons take care of themselves, but he almost took me with him. I therefore support the ban.

ChicagoD

"I once saw a without . . ."

Was it Voldemo . . . I mean "he who shall not be named"?

BlueFairlane

The text read, "Avada Kadavra."

Navin_Johnson

Should be a no-brainer, just like banning cells while driving, even though it doesn't appear to be enforced to any degree. Saw a goofy guy yammering on a cell while he was riding his bike the other day, and as an every day commuter and cyclist I wanted to smack him.

That said, that's something I only see maybe a couple times a year, vs. daily with cars.

Just looked out my office's 2nd story window and only saw 3 cars pass by below before I saw a dude pass by while fiddling on his cell.

Rich

Texting while driving, I'll totally agree is a major distraction, but TALKING? How is talking on a cellphone, especially with hands-free earpieces so commonplace and easy now, more of a distraction than simply having people in my car? If I have a passenger (or 2, or 3) am I banned from talking to them? No, of course not.

Navin_Johnson

I'm not talking about hands free, but yes talking on a cell with your hands is obviously dangerous and so is using a headset. You don't know THIS? And yes, your passengers for example know when to shut up and instinctively shut up when a dangerous situation comes about, which of course is not so on a cell, hands free or no.

(Reuters) - Mobile phone calls distract drivers far more than even the chattiest passenger, causing drivers to follow too closely and miss exits, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.

http://www.reuters.com/article...