What is already against the law for motorists, now applies to bicyclists cruising through city streets.
The Chicago City Council on Wednesday passed an ordinance making it illegal to talk or text on a cellphone without a hands-free device while bicycling.
The ban will go into effect next month. The fine for a first offense would be $20 to $50, and fines would increase for each subsequent offense.
If the offense came during a traffic accident, the fine could go as high as $500.
The proposal was put forth by Ald. Margaret Laurino (39th) who said the measure was "common sense" and that she has actually "seen people riding and texting with both hands."
