warning, rant ahead - mobile phone use while walking, biking, driving ... you name it
 

I'm new here and I'm sure this has been discussed before. I do most of my errands by bike and am constantly amazed by all the idiots who feel compelled to check their messages and even send messages while walking, biking, and driving.

Here in the Netherlands there is no specific law against this sort of behavior for bicyclists as far as I know, though it is of course prohibited for the driver in a moving car.

I really get tired of this behavior. I know if I say something to the individuals who do this I'll come across as an old fart. I really wish the police would start giving out warnings for this behavior.

I know I'm not alone with this.

I've never seen this, but I'm not surprised to hear about it!

It's illegal here in California (drivers), but many, many people do it anyway. I've called 911 when I've seen people texting while driving on the freeway. For example, recently we were behind a car that was drifting, almost out the lane. I told my wife to pull up beside it, and sure enough, I saw the driver with one hand on the wheel, constantly looking down in his lap.

Still can't believe that they do it.

I've said something to a few drivers who were talking on the phone while driving, and came to a stop near me. One said "Yes, I know I shouldn't. Thank you for reminding me." Another went ballistic.

I'm considering making some cards with a picture of a kid killed by a driver on a cell phone, like this one:

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/...58_306x423.jpg

And on the other side "This girl was killed by a driver who was talking on her cell phone. It's against the law and it's dangerous. Please stop."

Is that too much?

You can ask the parents if they would mind her photo being used this way. They might even support you.

What is astounding to me is that I've had conversations with people where they have told me that although they know texting while driving is both dangerous and illegal, they have no interest in stopping; then in the SAME CONVERSATION, will tell me that I shouldn't ride my bicycle in the street because it's too dangerous.

You are right, in regards to ranting and getting steamed up about cell phone use by cyclists and/or pedestrians: you ARE an old fart.

Ok .. as long as you pull over and Stop. .. enjoy that microwaved brain ..

I've seen bicyclists go through intersections while checking their phone.

I've seen people in parking lots walking while texting oblivious to the cars around them. They put me and themselves in danger.

Signed, old fart. :)

I noticed a bicyclist riding and talking just yesterday. In my state of Washington, my guess is that it is illegal, as we are considered a moving vehicle. But as I indicated , it is only a guess.

Dave Horne - check out Advocacy & Safety the second one on the list of forums and you will certainly read more about cell phone use by cyclists and vehicle drivers. We have a state law that makes it a primary offense now meaning the cops can stop you and give you a ticket if they see you texting or talking on a regular cell phone. I'd bet they could solve our state and local budget problem in a week if they cited every person who is disobeying this law and made them pay a fine. Of course we would have to hire a lot more judges and build a few new courthouses as well.

Illegal in Illinois. One week in April, our local police department wrote 321 citations, at $75 a pop..... And they are aggressively trying to beat that every week...................... Many local communities have signs all over the place as reminders.

i was recently "grazed" by a passing motorist. it was obvious, because they made no attempt, before or after lightly touching my left arm, to give me any room. as luck would have it, we both had to stop at the next traffic light. i looked over and saw her playing with her cell phone on the seat next to her...

Didn't Mythbusters prove that talking on a cell phone is just as likely to cause an accident as being drunk?

So now we're not allowing a pedestrian to use their cell phone? I always laugh when the control freaks get upset with pedestrians using their cell phones or listening to music while they're walking.

It's life, get used to it.

Can I add to this rant? It drives me nuts how drivers check their phones at red lights, forget where they are, and then don't notice when the light goes green. I'll see that the light is about to change and get up on my pedals so I'm ready to go and not hold up traffic behind me. But because the driver ahead of me didn't move, I end up having to put a foot down again (Ican't track stand very well). Just when my foot goes down, the driver ahead of me realizes s/he's missing the light and punches it. grr!

Whew. I feel better with that off of my chest.

Stop wearing clip pedals. Problem solved.

btw there was a hilarious thread on this forum a month or so back when a rider talked about how he loved the new 'driving while texting' car culture - claimed he was able to take advantage of slow and inattentive drivers to make his commute faster and safer. Counter-intuitive, but he seemed to have a very aggressive cycling style.

I agree. I don't think a driver or cyclist should be using a cell phone, but a pedestrian? I see no reason not to let someone walk and talk.

I'm on an Oma with platform pedals.

Walking and talking is one thing. Walking and looking down at your cell phone instead of looking up ahead is quite another. I was once waiting at a red light (as a pedestrian) when someone bumped into me on the back. That almost pushed me onto the street. The culprit was walking and... texting.

my apologies, I thought you were having problems clipping in. But yes you are right the issue you describe can still happen with platforms.

Maybe just relax and don't rush it? I know its considerate to take off quickly at the lights so motorists behind you don't get irritated, but by the same token you have already been nice by waiting in the queue (not filtered) and they can see that your take off is restricted by the car in front of you.?

I see no reason not to let someone walk and talk.

I really don't mind being responsible for my own behavior, it irks me when I have to be responsible for others when they walk and talk. :)

No no need to apologize. It was a perfectly reasonable assumption. Putting a foot down isn't really a big deal. I just wanted to join the rant ;)

Yep:

This country has w-a-y to many laws that are seldom enforced.
Next time check out a cop car and see how many digital devices that he/she uses while driving.

Actually, if you are texting... you are sending the "microwaves" into your hand...