Advocacy & Safety - Do you carry a cell phone while out on a ride? Why?

I've heard a lot lately that cyclists have begun carrying cell phones with them for numerous practical purposes. Some examples were to call police when being harrassed by motorists, summon medical help when a fellow cyclist was injured in an accident, requesting to be picked up by a friend or family member in the event of a breakdown, and more. Talking on the phone while riding definitely ISN'T one of them.

Do you carry a cell phone while out on a ride? Have you needed to use it for some of the examples above? Do you recommend that cyclists carry one? Please discuss.

If you have one, absolutely would I say carry it. You never know if you're in trouble and in need of assistance. Beats having a critical breakdown miles from home and having to walk around looking for a payphone (a rarer and rarer thing these days)

Once I tacoed a wheel any my cell phone saved the day.

In California, there are new restrictions starting July 1.


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Wireless Telephone Laws FAQs
Two new laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws.
Q: When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008
Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device. Drivers under the age of 18 may NOT use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle(VC §23124).
Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency, and I do not have a hands- free device?
A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.
Q: What are the fines if I’m convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. According to the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule, with the addition of penalty assessments, a first offense is $76 and a second offense is $190.
Q: Will I receive a point on my drivers license if I’m convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone law?
A: NO. The violation is a reportable offense: however, DMV will not assign a violation point.
Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.
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Q: Will there be a grace period when motorists will only get a warning?
A: NO. The law becomes in effect on July 1, 2008. Whether a citation is issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate remedy for the situation.
Q: Are passengers affected by this law?
A: No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.
Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
A: Yes
Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
A: YES. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.
Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a “push-to-talk” feature.
Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are exempt as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property
DRIVERS 18 AND OVER
Drivers 18 and over will be allowed to use a hands-free device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving. The following FAQs apply to those motorists 18 and over.
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.
Q: Will it be legal to use a Blue Tooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.
Q: Does the new hands-free law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law allow drivers 18 and over to text page while driving?
A: The law does not specifically prohibit that, but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer’s opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Text paging while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged.
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DRIVERS UNDER 18
Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone hands free?
A: NO. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even hands free. EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or medical authorities. (VC §23124).
Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?
A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless phones, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.
Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: NO. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency agency entity.
Q: Does the law apply to me if I’m an emancipated minor?
A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.
Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: NO. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.
Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?
A: No
Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?
A: NO. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.
Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my hands-free device while driving?
A: No. For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a hands-free wireless phone if you were pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless telephone while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.
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I always carry my cell phone with me in case I have an accident or my bike gets broken beyond repair. I haven't needed to use it yet, but you never know. I hate talking on the phone so I just picked up one of those prepaid phones for emergency purposes. 500 minutes usually lasts me all year. As a bonus the phone has a camera in case I want to take a pic and then send it to my email etc. Plus I go out more often than not at night in the woods and ride on trails so if I get injured enough to not be able to get out I can call for help. It's good for peace of mind.

They are also nice when being harassed. Pull out the phone and either take a picture of their license, call the police, or both.

That and talking while riding just to aggravate the OP. Preferably while riding on a busy trial no handed just to prove how much of an idiot I actually am.

Yes.

Weighs 4 oz., has a camera, video, GPS and I can call and say I'll be late, call if I need a ride, call if I see an accident or emergency and I can go for a ride when I'm expecting an important call and still get a ride in instead of waiting around the house.

Just because I ride a bike everywhere does not mean I'm kicking and screaming my way into the 21st century. I also bring an ATM card.

I carry one on my most rides for the reasons people have said above. I also carry one when I do multiple days rides... more for my wife's benefit. But I always come to a stop before using it.

I've heard a lot lately that cyclists have begun carrying cell phones with them for numerous practical purposes. Some examples were to call police when being harrassed by motorists, summon medical help when a fellow cyclist was injured in an accident, requesting to be picked up by a friend or family member in the event of a breakdown, and more. Talking on the phone while riding definitely ISN'T one of them.

Do you carry a cell phone while out on a ride? Have you needed to use it for some of the examples above? Do you recommend that cyclists carry one? Please discuss.

Pardon me for my being direct, but this is one stupid question. Of course you should carry a cell phone if you own one. It fits easily in your pocket. You need it for all the reasons you mentioned. The obvious question is why not carry it?

I carry one because my wife stresses if she can't reach me. Besides, she pays for it. I would not die if I didn't have it but if she is not happy then . . .

The rare times I could have used one out on the road by the time I have dealt with the emergency someone else has already called 911, the city cops, or Redcom (county).

I've heard a lot lately that cyclists have begun carrying cell phones with them for numerous practical purposes. Some examples were to call police when being harrassed by motorists, summon medical help when a fellow cyclist was injured in an accident, requesting to be picked up by a friend or family member in the event of a breakdown, and more.

Do you carry a cell phone while out on a ride? Have you needed to use it for some of the examples above? Do you recommend that cyclists carry one? Please discuss.

Definitely not a silly question, and one I've considered posting myself. Especially the part I bolded. I have never owned a cell phone, and have yet to have an instance where I wished I did. I'll continue to manage fine without one, thank you.

Once I tacoed a wheel any my cell phone saved the day.

lol, was it a big round cell phone?

yeah I carry one, in case the pack gets away from me and I get lost :)

Most of the time it's with me, in my pannier or fanny pack, turned off. Only once have I used it, when I broke a shift cable, had no spare, and called my son to come pick me up rather than limp home 15 miles. To me, a cell phone is not an essential.

I carry a cell phone for emergencies, except that the last time I crashed (broke a pedal spindle) I fell on my phone, killing it instantly. Had to flag down a fellow cyclist for help calling home.

I've talked while riding...

I always have it on me, though. It's good for when Murphy pays you a little visit. I also do mostly commuting, whether errands or to/from work, so it's good to have on my person.

Please discuss.

The answer is: duh.

Why not. Its small, light, provides access to emergency services at your desire from almost anywhere. It is not normally turned on however as I do not wish to have the rest of the world bothering me when I am riding. By the same reason, its not normally turned on anyway. Like a tire lever........its a tool that's there if you need it.

No but my fellow bike club members do. One member gets a call maybe every 20 minutes. I told Fred if I had a cell phone interrupt my ride more than once, I'd throw it into the field as far as my arm could toss it. In fact it gets old, stopping and listening to others chat on.But, I am a tolerant person. Gives me a chance to suck down a power drink./ As for me . A phone card is good enough. I can always crawl to the nearest pay phone.

I've heard a lot lately that cyclists have begun carrying cell phones with them for numerous practical purposes. Some examples were to call police when being harrassed by motorists, summon medical help when a fellow cyclist was injured in an accident, requesting to be picked up by a friend or family member in the event of a breakdown, and more. Talking on the phone while riding definitely ISN'T one of them.

Do you carry a cell phone while out on a ride? Have you needed to use it for some of the examples above? Do you recommend that cyclists carry one? Please discuss.

No, because I don't own one.

I do carry and use an mp3 player while cycling. Why?
Why not! Please discuss!

^. We own one, but we keep forgetting to recharge it or buy more phone time.

Cell phones make great anti-dog missles.

Be sure to get a cheap one, or buy the extra insurance.

Az

ALWAYS
incase of a crash or I lose the group
or for ******* motorists as stated above

Primary reason I carry it is in case someone needs to contact me for family emergencies.
Secondary reason: in case I have my own injuries to deal with / inform will be late.

Now I'm gonna get back to the hifi forum and select my new hifi.

I carry one. It's a phone, does texting & email (internet access), displays streaming video (TV), digital camera & video recorder, and GPS.

Other than using it for emergency calls, the GPS is my favorite feature. I can go for a ride and not get lost, because I can turn on the GPS and it will give me turn-by-turn directions to get back to a landmark of my choice (i.e., home, office). You can set the GPS for 'Bicycle' and to NOT use interstates, HOV routes, or toll roads.

The answer is: duh.

correct. end of thread

For those of you without cell phones, are you aware that all cell phones, in the US at least, are able to call 911, even if you don't have a service plan? So get someone to give you their old cell phone and you'll have one you can use for emergencies. No excuse for not having one when needed.

I almost always carry mine.
One of the few times I didn't last year I had a crash and broke my collarbone.
My lucky cellphone keeps me safe.:thumb:

So far, I've largely been able to manage without a cell phone. Today, many people ask me why I don't own one.

When I started this thread, I asked the reasons why people carry them when out on a ride. I'm one of the few people who doesn't yet own a cell phone and wanted to ask others who have them about the practical reasons of using them (such as while out on a ride) before I considered buying one. Your replies so far have been helpful.

Started carrying one on all rides when my wife was pregnant. There was no good reason not to keep doing this.

So far, I've largely been able to manage without a cell phone. Today, many people ask me why I don't own one.

When I started this thread, I asked the reasons why people carry them when out on a ride. I'm one of the few people who doesn't yet own a cell phone and wanted to ask others who have them about the practical reasons of using them (such as while out on a ride) before I considered buying one. Your replies so far have been helpful.

Just make sure you get one that'll fit in a jersey pocket.

http://www.thecopperwire.com/gecko.gif

I held out for many years, but last year I bought a tracphone, pay as you go. It is cheap and there when I need it. Last night I got hit by a van, if I had been hurt or damaged my bike, I could have called for help. I got lucky, I didn't need it.

Tracfone's are great if you don't use them much... Only a few bucks a month for service & you can buy the phone for around $15.. and they act as a free pager (remember everyone having those??).

I forgot to bring my phone with me last week and had to carry my 36lb bike 5 miles in 92* weather. It was NOT fun.

I carry more than recommended in my backpack when I ride, a cellphone is one of them.

I've had calls while I was out riding, I have to stop to get it out of my backpack, and I don't ride and chat. Meh.

I carry mine in case I have to call an ambulance for myself.

I stop 15 mins before I get home to call my wife so she can get ready to get in the shower with me

I have one and sometimes I carry it. For breakdowns, changes in plans so forth. But other times, I want to be out of touch and leave it at home.

I've heard a lot lately that cyclists have begun carrying cell phones with them for numerous practical purposes. Some examples were to call police when being harrassed by motorists, summon medical help when a fellow cyclist was injured in an accident, requesting to be picked up by a friend or family member in the event of a breakdown, and more. Talking on the phone while riding definitely ISN'T one of them.

Do you carry a cell phone while out on a ride? Have you needed to use it for some of the examples above? Do you recommend that cyclists carry one? Please discuss.

Answer... yes!

I wear my earphones as well. I use my HTC P4000 on my bike for:

1 - Music player (low volume)
2 - Make and recieve calls while riding. Hands free
3 - Use the built-in GPS with Garmin Mobile XT; if I'm looking for some place I've never been.
4 - Call cops if needed; bad drivers, hit and run etc.
5 - Take photos if needed; see point #4

Ever had a razor blade cut your tire almost in half? Cell phones are nice. Took one look at the damage and called for the wife. Saved me a few miles of walking and/or a crazy MacGyver-esqe repair attempt with a popcan that I was seriously considering. Actually, I could have probably found some change, a phonebooth, and made the call, but seriously, having a cellphone saved a lot of trouble.

Many times I am riding out in the middle of nowhere. There are many repairs I can handle on the road, but there are some times when you need to call in the backup. I'll say that it is not strictly necessary, but once you get one, you'll find many uses for it. Mostly though, unless you are a talker, it'll sit. I only take/make one or two calls a day, if that; many days it doesn't get used at all. But the occasions that you have use for it makes it worth it. I finally bit the bullet and got one after my Dad and I sat a different entrances to the airport to watch an airshow, waiting for each other to show, for over an hour. A simple cell phone call would have cleared things up in a matter of minutes.

Very occasionally (only a handful of times in the last year) I will get a call when I am riding. If it's more than a very brief conversation, I'll stop, or if I cannot stop (like on a group ride), I'll cut the conversation short.

Ever had a razor blade cut your tire almost in half? Cell phones are nice. Took one look at the damage and called for the wife. Saved me a few miles of walking and/or a crazy MacGyver-esqe repair attempt with a popcan that I was seriously considering. Actually, I could have probably found some change, a phonebooth, and made the call, but seriously, having a cellphone saved a lot of trouble.

I've got a Tracfone, bought it several years ago specifically for riding. I've only used it once, on a commute into work, I flatted the front tire. Normally I would have repaired it but it was snowing pretty good and my heart just wasn't into it that morning. Called the honey wagon.

My wife wouldn't let me out of the house without a phone. She couldn't stand the stress of knowing I couldn't call in an emergency. I don't answer it while riding, actually, it is out of reach. I check messages after I stop, and return calls if necessary, before continuing the ride. Don't tell the missus, but I often "forget" to take it, or to turn it on.:)

Do you carry a cell phone while out on a ride? Have you needed to use it for some of the examples above? Do you recommend that cyclists carry one?

Always. Broke a spoke two weeks ago and the roadie was done for the day: several miles from home. Called my friend for a pick-up. Saved me $20 in cab fare, or more. For 0.3% of my income, the cost of a service plan is absurdly cheap for the peace of mind and security it affords.

I always carry my cell phone. That's incase I or any fellow cyclist needs help. I either drop it into a pocket in my camelbak, drop it in my underseat tool pouch or clip it to my shorts waistband at the back. If I clip it on my shorts waistband, I take care to clip it to the back 'cause I'm always spraying water on my face and head to wash salty sweat from my eyes and don't want to get the phone wet!
Ernest

Last time I used mine on a ride was to let work know I wasn't coming back after lunch!

"Hello?"

"yeah, this is Bek. I'm sick."

"oh, no. You're sick"

"Yes. I'm sick, sick and tired of all you rat bashtards I work with, and the customers too- all they do is WANT THINGS from me, all day long! I won't be coming back after lunch.."

just kidding -

i'm with the 'duh' contingent on this non-issue.

Do you carry a cell phone while out on a ride? Have you needed to use it for some of the examples above? Do you recommend that cyclists carry one? Please discuss.

Yes, I do carry one, and it is turned on. I carry it because my wife is pregnant and getting close to her due date. If she calls me, I will stop before I answer, but so far, she hasn't had to.

:)

carry one with me in case i need to make outbound calls for an emergency.
i don' take inbound calls while i'm riding, they just go to voicemail.

I have an extensive medical history so, I need to carry a cell phone. I also carry it so, people can get a hold of me, since I never answer the landline in the house I live in.

correct. end of thread

I thought I was the only one.

Talking on the phone while riding definitely ISN'T one of them.

Why so apologetic? I've taken quick calls while cruising through my neighborhood. I don't care to drive and talk either, but if I see a friend call confirming something or need a quick minute chat there's nothing wrong with that and its not irresponsible. If its noise and windy I pull over - if not I chat real quick.

and yes - I always carry my phone, along with my wallet and keys. Plus I like taking pictures - and my phone works for that if I see something interesting.