New York City bicyclists would be prohibiting from using smartphones and similar devices under an ordinance proposed by a Brooklyn councilman. City Council Member Mark Treyger says he was inspired to file the legislation after witnessing a distracted bicyclist nearly cause a multivehicle crash. Treyger cited an increased number of crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians in recent years. "The city also has an obligation to promote safe cycling and to take steps to eliminate all forms of distracted driving and riding," Treyger, D-Brooklyn, said at a Nov. 14 press conference. "It … [Read more...]
Chicago eyes distracted bicyclists
September 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Bicyclists in California narrowly escaped having distracted driving prohibitions placed on them recently, when the governor inexplicably vetoed SB 28. Bicyclists squawked up a storm when state Sen. Joe Simitian included them for the first time in his plan for tougher penalties for distracted driving violations. The lobby backed off, but no doubt the two-wheelers' protests helped kill the senator's life-saving plan. Now, distracted bicyclists are under the microscope in Chicago, where the head of the City Council's Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety proposes a ban on handheld cell … [Read more...]
Distracted walking laws, legislation
February 5, 2011 by 2 Comments
Distracted walking updates: Pennsylvania state Rep. Karen Boback seeks a crackdown on distracted walking with new legislation. The proposed bill seeks to fine pedestrians who use a cell phone while wandering into traffic. "Distracting walking is a very real and serious issue," Boback said in a midsummer memo to colleagues. "Technology has invaded our life, and as a result people have stopped paying attention to their surroundings." A study of medical database reports found cell phone–related injuries to the head and neck have increased steeply over the recent 20-year period, with many cases … [Read more...]
Bicycles, mopeds: Distracted driving news
January 18, 2011 by 2 Comments
Bikes and distracted driving: As laws restricting drivers' use of cell phones and texting devices spread throughout the nation, legislators appear to be fine-tuning their bills to include bicyclists. This page tracks distracted driving legislation and laws affecting bicyclists and riders of other two-wheeled vehicles. 2011 law, legislation updates: Bicyclists in Chicago are prohibited from using handheld cell phones and texting as of November. Alderman Marge Laurino's plan sailed through the City Council on Oct. 5. Laurino, a rider who describes herself as "proponent of cycling," said the … [Read more...]
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