It will have not escaped your notice. Since July 1st, you are no longer allowed to hold your phone in your hand while cycling – just like in a car. If you do so, you are committing an offence, which could result in a fine of 95 euros. The fine for car drivers, incidentally, is 240 euros. These rules also apply to so-called 'cycle streets' in the Netherlands. Read more about this in this blog.
Ban applies to all electronic devices
The ban applies not only to your smartphone but to any (mobile) electronic device. A ‘mobile electronic device’ is understood to mean any electronic device that you can hold in one hand and operate with the same or your other hand. In practice, besides your smartphone, this also includes devices such as mp3 players like the iPod and tablets.
Handheld and hands-free
The ban applies to handheld apps, calling and so on. Your smartphone or sat-nav, for example, is allowed handsfree operation. ‘Hands-free’ is the case when the device is in a holder. So, you are allowed to operate your bike computer ‘normally’ while cycling. And with a holder on your handlebars, you are also allowed to use your smartphone. But if this leads to dangerous driving behaviour, you might be liable under ‘Article 5’. And that's a more expensive joke than the fine for texting or calling with a handheld device.
When you are not driving and are, for example, stationary at traffic lights, ‘handheld’ is permitted, even though you are effectively participating in traffic.
Our position
I myself tend to overestimate my behaviour, rating it as better, more advanced, and more alert than it actually is. This applies to fatigue, speed, and phone use in traffic.
You only need to watch a few videos about reaction times to conclude that that is not a sensible stance. And if I myself am better off not using my phone in traffic, I hope my fellow road users don't either.
What's your view on using mobile devices in traffic? Let us know in a comment! Rent safely car in the Sittard region at Adrem Car Hire!
