There’s only one thing more irritating than motorists who blab away on hand-held cellphones while driving: cyclists who do the same thing.
Though it’s not quite as deadly, it’s happening with alarming frequency along Chicago’s 18.5- mile lakefront path, a car-free oasis shared by runners, walkers, in-line skaters, strollers, dogs and clueless out-of-towners who don’t know the difference between a paved bike lane and a gravel jogging path.
It wouldn’t be so bad if the lakefront weren’t so crowded and there was a good reason to bike and talk on the phone at the same time. But most of the conversations I’ve overheard go like this:
“Hi! Guess where I’m calling from? My bike!
“No, not my motorcycle. My bicycle!
“Yes! I’m riding and talking to you!”
Because bicyclists have the same rights–and must follow the same regulations–as motorists, according to the Illinois Vehicle Code, perhaps the Chicago City Council could extend its pending ban on the use of hand-held cellphones while driving to cyclists when the ban takes effect July 8.
It’s common sense and courtesy: Carry a phone for emergencies, then get off your bike to use it.
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For more of Julie’s lakefront pet peeves, see her column on Page 9
