I take the cell with me when I go out on rides alone, in case something happens. I have occasionally seen a roadie talking on a cell while riding, but maybe once or twice. If I do see one on a cell, they're usually stopped. Usually, the cell-phone talkers are just yahoos on bikes, like one moron I saw once, wobbling along and blabbing. And endangering my life! Often I see roller bladers yammering on their cells. What bugs me is how people, especially on bike paths, seem to be paying attention to everything but where they're going and what they're actually doing. Another of the many reasons I stick to the road!

it is necessary to have one, but you have to be smart enough how to use it.....

I think you misunderstood me. What I was trying to say was that it takes a certain amount of training in order to safely operate a vehicle and communicate over some sort of radio-telephone device and most of the population is resistant to changing their habits.

I got rid of mine about four years ago and have no desire to replace it. The thing was more of a hindrance than a help when I had the damn thing anyway, and it cost me too much money. They're only there so people can walk down the street saying really profund things like "yeah, I'm walking down the street" to nobody at all. The only thing that separates cell-phone users from the certifiably insane is the assumption that someone is actually listening.

Personally, I'd like to see the cops given powers to confiscate them outright from people who talk on them while riding/driving. I know it's not terribly 'trendy' for people to just concentrate on what they are doing, but hey, life's tough.

Gawl. One of the reason I like to ride is to get away from all the BS of life. The CP connects you to the insane noise. I like to think I maintain my bike and carry enough of what I need to keep it going, that I do not need a CP.
Rarely do I ride so far away from civilization that I can't walk to a phone booth. Usually when out on a day long ride, I call my wife at least once- to say sorry, I just can't seem to find my way home. Be there soon with wine and roses.. Should I go out and ride the desert for forty days and nights, then I better re-think my ideas about communications..
I know when one of the wacko motorists puts me at risk, maybe I need a CP to call authorities. Just a risk I choose to take..
ps- Certainly a bike is more reliable than an auto, anyway.. That is what I tell my boss, when I commute to work. Couple times the bike has bailed me out when autos did not..either mine or my wifes'..

and now that I have a new job, a cell phone with me when I ride my bike is the next best thing technology has to offer........

What did we do before all these technological wonders????

When I ride, I pretend I'm riding just like I did 10 years ago...phoneless. No different.

I use a cell phone for work, etc., but only when absolutely necessary. Never on the bike.

I think the abuse of cell phones equals that of e-mail. Nothing worse than having the person in the next office shoot you an e-mail. When you ask them why they didn't come talk to you live they answer, "I communicate better via e-mail." Go figure....

Technology is good only if used in an appropriate manner.

I totally agree. But cells are useful for emergencies. There are places where there is no phone booth on my rides, and so I keep the cell tucked into my little pack. BUt it's not like I ride along blabbing on it. I also hate when people at the gym have their phones with them, and blab while on the treadmill. Usually it's some inane conversation. Can't it wait until you get home?

I almost always take my CP with me when I ride. Especially on my commute. If I get a flat, I need to call work and let them know I'll be late.
Other than that, if I get a call while riding, I always let it go to voicemail. I'll pull over and check it, just to make sure it's not my wife calling to tell me one of our kids has to go to the hospital. I never let it ring though. I have it set on silent, and a beep lets me know I have a new voicemail. :thumbup:

Of course, I should point out that in many of the places I ride, a phone would not work because of the terrain etc.

I sometimes carry a CP but it is NEVER on. I have it only in case of emergencies and have to get someone to pick me up. I have used it twice when I was having wheel trouble and could not fix it on the road. The phone saved me from 2 very long walks.

That being said - I would never leave the phone on while I ride. The purpose of my bike ride is not only to recharge my body, but my mind and soul as well. To that end I must feel removed from all the day to day hassles. I don’t even allow my mind to think about that stuff when I’m on the bike. This is what makes my rides seem like small vacations. If I didn’t do that it would not be worth riding.

I carry a cell all the time. I will usually ignore it and let a call go to Voice Mail any time the call would be a distraction. This applies wether on a bike or not. Generally I will pull over to answer a call if I chose to take the call. I always pull over and stop if I am initiating the call. I just feel like I need the phone in case of an emergency, monie or other's.