In Philadelphia, put that cell phone away while driving, biking, skateboarding, inline skating . . .

Philadelphia soon to ban cell phone use while
walking, eating, oh, and breathing, keep reading
my column for updates.   

Using your cell phone while driving was made a law by Mayor Nutter just this past April, but just last night I saw a police officer texting and using his phone while driving on the highway.  Go figure.  Now, the mayor is implementing a new cell phone law -- this time stepping on the toes of cell phone users even more than through automobile bans. 

Beginning November 1st, using your cell phone while traveling on anything with wheels will be against the law in Philadelphia.  If you're using Bluetooth, however, you're OK -- I'm sure being deep in conversation and having your hearing impaired constitutes safety.

This law is one of the most rights impeding ban on non-motorists in the entire country, and it could most likely set precedents for even more incriminating laws to come. 

Many see this law as being for the "common good" and for the safety of all, but that is not entirely the case.  First the government will tell you what you can do when it comes to your cell phones -- next they'll be telling your where and when you can travel.  Oh wait, skateboarding is already banned on most public parks and biking on sidewalks can be subjected to fines in Philadelphia.   Forgot about that.

The first offense for using you cell phone on your travels will cost you $150, with repeat offenders paying even more.  If you don't watch out, you'll be paying more than your monthly cell phone bill just for using your costly services. 

Or, you could follow my recommendation: if someone tries to tell you that you are violating a law, hand them a Constitution.  Try finding anything about cell phone bans in there.