Dear cyclists,
as of July 1, 2019, phone use while cycling has been banned in the Netherlands, resulting in a 95 Euro fine if you are caught.
I have noticed that many (international) cyclists who pass through the Netherlands are not aware of this new law. So when you need to use Google Maps to find your route or shower, use a mount or get off the bike and consult your phone!
You can read more here: https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2019/06/leave-your-phone-in-your-pocket-and-save-yourself-a-e95-fine-new-cycling-law-comes-into-force/
Happy cycling!
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A pity the law is not enforced in the Netherlands. There are still lots of cylists using their phones on our cycling paths oblivious to oncoming traffic. Very dangerous for people like me that like to cycle a bit faster.
I think they enforce, but clearly it is an epidemic...Also, they started in summer, now that schools start again, we'll probably see a rise in fines.
The same is recently true in Quebec: https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/behaviours/distractions/what-the-laws-says/
(But not yet in Ontario.)
it doesn't seem to mention bikes though? Or is that implied by using the word vehicle?
In the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, bicycles are defined as vehicles, and where a distinction is necessary, the term "motorized vehicles" is anything with more than 32km/h 500W electric motor without pedals.
The real risk is dropping your phone. The odds that it will be damaged is much greater than when it falls in a car. Meaningless law, making it a bit harder to cycle.
If enforced it's not meaningless. I avoided some nasty accidents with phone zombies only by shouting with full force. I've had enough though I would be the last person to involve the police.