Biking & phone use now barred in Chicago

Using a cell phone while biking is now illegal in Chicago. The Chicago City Council on October 12 approved an ordinance that prohibits bicyclists from using cell phones without a hands-free device, according to the Chicago Tribune.

A first offense comes with a $20 fine and $100 for the next three violations. The fine goes up to $500 if the cyclist is found to have violated the ordinance during a traffic violation. Fines for motorists violating an existing cell phone ban start at $75. The ban goes into effect this month.

The Active Transportation Alliance, a pro-bike/ped and mass transit group, supported the ordinance but expressed concern that cyclist would be cited more frequently than motorists.