NYC Proposal Would Ban Texting & Talking On Handheld Cellphone While Biking
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It's illegal for motorists to text and drive, and the same rules may soon apply to cyclists.
A proposed New York City law would ban the use of a cellphone for talking or texting unless it's a hands-free device, CBS2 reported.
"If you're biking and you have to use a telephone you can use the same Bluetooth technology that drivers are using," Democratic Brooklyn Councilman Mark Treyger told 1010 WINS.
NYC Proposal Would Ban Texting & Talking On Handheld Cellphone While Biking
Treyger said he first got the idea for the legislation, which he plans to introduce Thursday, after witnessing a bicyclist nearly cause an accident while texting on his phone in Gravesend, Brooklyn.
"I was shocked to learn that there is no law in New York that prohibits such a reckless practice," Treyger told 1010 WINS.
Tickets would carry a $50 fine, which could rise to $200 for repeat violations.
First-time offenders who have caused no damage or injury could avoid the fine by taking a bike safety class.
"We really want to emphasize education rather than simply collecting revenue," Treyger said.
De Blasio is just about on board with the proposal, WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported.
"Someone who's biking needs to be alert, needs to think of safety first," the mayor said. "They can't do that if they're simultaneously looking at a device. So I think the intent of the legislation is very good."
But de Blasio warned that he still needs to look at the specific language in the bill.
The mayor has emphasized reducing traffic fatalities through his Vision Zero initiative.
A similar texting-while-biking ban is already in effect in Chicago, and California is considering a statewide ban, Treyger said.
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