Originally Posted by
collegeskier
Not to come to umd defense but it is illegal to ride in Illionis with a headset in (other then a cellphone headset or hearing aid).
Illinois law states that you may not wear a headset while driving. Headsets are defined as any device, other than a hearing aid, that allows the wearer to hear or receive electronic communications. (The use
of a single-sided headset or earpiece with a cellular or other mobile telephone is permitted.) Motorcycle, motor-driven cycle and moped operators may use intercom helmets that permit drivers and/or passengers to speak to one another.
And since you are required to follow the rules of the road this would apply to cyclist too.
I think it depends on how the laws are written. In california there are codes that specifically relate to the
equipment of a motor vehicle and
separately that of a bicycle, but then that a bicyclist is subject to the "duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle".
Originally Posted by Bicycle Use. VC 21200
Every person riding a bicycle upon a street or highway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, including the provisions of law dealing with driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.
But they also include bicycles specifically regardling "headsets"
Originally Posted by Headsets and Earplugs. VC 27400
No person operating any vehicle, including a bicycle shall wear any headset covering, or any earplugs in, both ears. There are exceptions for persons operating authorized emergency vehicles, special construction or maintenance equipment and refuse collection equipment, and for any person wearing personal hearing protectors designed to attenuate injurious noise levels and which do not inhibit the wearers' ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or horn form another motor vehicle, and for any person using a prosthetic device which aids the hard of hearing.
Originally Posted by
chipcom
Ok let's go with this logic for a second. Most states require vehicles to be equipped with mirrors, so that means since the rules of the road apply to cyclists, you must ride with mirrors, right?
I don't think so...but nice try.
I suppose it is possible that a state's code may be written that way but it is probably more likely that a bicycle and motor vehicle's equipment are defined separately, as in California. I learned my lesson last night so I'm not going to claim that
must be the case.
Originally Posted by
collegeskier
Also interesting umd is putting for a legal argument while starting a thread about no handed riding which is illegal in most states.
I've researched the handlebar thing before but searched again and the closest I could find for California is
Originally Posted by Carrying Articles. VC 21205
No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article which prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.
Which requires the rider
to be able to keep one hand on the bar but does not require
actually keeping a hand on the bars.