New York to crackdown on the danger of using cellphones while cycling

New York is to crackdown on cyclists who use cellphone while biking. Brooklyn Councilman, Mark Treyger,  said he decided to push ahead with such a ban after he saw an incident where a distracted cyclist on his phone almost caused a multi-car crash.

Cycling in New York. Image by Dave Overcash / CC BY 2.0

WABC network in the city reported the councilman as saying if people are texting or answering their phone, they are putting their own lives and those around them in danger. Mr Treyger said it was time that a stamp of approval was put on an official New York City bike safety course.

His plan has got the backing of biking advocates, who say it goes hand-in-hand with Mayor de Blasio’s plan to reduce traffic fatalities in the city. Referring to people either texting or talking on their phones while cycling, Ken Podziba of Bike New York stressed: “One split second of looking down could be catastrophic.” The councilman hopes to introduce the new legislation imminently in the hope that it becomes law next year.