Cyclists skirt hands-free cell-phone laws, for now

July 10, 12:28 PMSF Bicycle Transportation ExaminerBen Marks

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Talking on the phone while riding a bike remains legal in California. Should it be?

On July 1, 2008, California joined a handful of other states when it implemented a new law that makes it illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving a motorized vehicle, unless that cell phone is connected to a hands-free device. Having been cut off and just plain ignored by more preoccupied cell-phone-wielding drivers than I can count, I couldn't be happier by this new restriction on my inalienable right to gab.

But if there is one thing more dangerous than driving a car while holding a cell phone to your ear (I'm guilty of this crime while driving a 5-speed), it would be using a cell phone while riding a bicycle (ditto). Riding a bike while yakking it up with a friend about your weekend plans is perfectly legal, and just as idiotic as eating a chili burger, shaving, or putting on makeup while speeding down the freeway at 70 miles an hour.

The good news is that most of the cyclists I encounter on my daily commute and weekend rides pull over to the side of the road to make or take a call. The bad news is that there are increasing numbers of cyclists out there like the young woman I rode past this morning. She was pedaling along without a care in the world, talking on her cell, steering with her left hand and pressing her phone against her (wait for it) left ear with her right hand. Nice move, I guess.

Garneau was no doubt thinking about such potential customers when it decided to make a cell-phone-and-wallet-size bike bag that straps to a bike's top tube. USBFever sells a holder for iPhones and iPods that attaches to your handlebars. Krusell makes roughly the same thing to hold most standard "candy bar" style phones. In short, it has never been easier for cyclists to take a call while navigating traffic lights, stop signs, pedestrians, and, oh yeah, cars and trucks. Good luck to 'em.