Push to ban use of cellphones while biking in New York City

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The ills of texting while driving or even just talking on your cellphone behind the wheel are well-documented and legislated.

Now, one New York City Councilman believes cyclists should be barred from using their cellphones while biking.

"If you're biking and texting you're obviously not paying attention to where you're going, and you're putting your own life in danger, and of course those around you as well," said Brooklyn Councilman Mark Treyger.

He says watching a distracted bicyclist nearly cause a multi-car accident along Stillwell Avenue in Bensonhurst led to the idea.

The new law would be part of a two-pronged approach that would include establishing a city-sanctioned bike safety course.

"It's time that we put our official stamp of approval on an official New York City bike safety course, similar to the way the state supports defensive driving courses as well," said Treyger.

If distracted cyclists do cause damage or injury, there's a $50 fine the first time, and larger penalties for additional offenses.

New York wouldn't be the first city to prohibit using your cellphone while biking. Chicago did it three years ago.

Biking advocates support the move, calling it a perfect companion to Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic fatalities in the city.

"People should not be texting while they ride their bikes, they shouldn't be talking on the phones while they ride their bikes. One split second of looking down could be catastrophic," said Ken Podziba of Bike New York.

Councilman Treyger will introduce the new legislation later this week. It could become law sometime next year.