Bluetooth and mobile phone question

[morphix]

Everyone knows using a mobile phone in a car while moving is illegal, but it's legal to have a phone conversation if you have a bluetooth earpiece isn't it? I always thought that strange, because if you're having an indepth telephone conversation and/or repeatedly taking calls, you can't be entirely focused on your driving or the road!

Does the same law apply to cyclists about using mobile handsets and gadgets that requires taking one hand off your handlebar? I assume that would be seen as the equivalent of "driving without due care and attention" for a motorist? So if you had bluetooth on a bike, I assume you would be ok the same as motorists, to make and receive calls?

 

[Scimitar]

Everyone knows using a mobile phone in a car while moving is illegal, but it's legal to have a phone conversation if you have a bluetooth earpiece isn't it? I always thought that strange, because if you're having an indepth telephone conversation and/or repeatedly taking calls, you can't be entirely focused on your driving or the road!

Does the same law apply to cyclists about using mobile handsets and gadgets that requires taking one hand off your handlebar? I assume that would be seen as the equivalent of "driving without due care and attention" for a motorist? So if you had bluetooth on a bike, I assume you would be ok the same as motorists, to make and receive calls?

Yes, it's quite legal to have hands-free conversations, but I don't do it, for even with h-f, as you say, your attention is split. I still pull to the side, or tell the caller to try later or I will call them.
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This is my opinion, but I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV:
On a bike, there's no specific mobile phone related offence, but you could get done for reckless cycling, iirc, but you'd have to have been the cause of injury and/or loss and the law would have a hard time proving that.

 

[shemozzle999]

Cycling guide:

https://www.gov.uk/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82/overview-59-to-71

 

[morphix]

Cycling guide:

https://www.gov.uk/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82/overview-59-to-71

At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). Law RVLR regs 13, 18 & 24

Interesting. So according to that, you have to have a red rear reflector AND a red light? Yet for the front, it reads like the white reflector is optional if you have a white light on the front:

White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.
Law RVLR regs 13, 18 & 24

If that is correct, I better put my rear reflector back on! I took it off thinking I didn't need it with a red lamp on.

 

[morphix]

You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.
Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & R(S)A 1984, sect 129

I do that all the time. The police have even seen me do it and never say anything, in fact they smiled and said hello. Heh.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I thought that they changed the guidelines a couple of years ago to allow riding on the pavement if done considerately and if it's deemed safer than riding on the road. I can't remember where I got that from - probably Flecc unless I dreamt it.

 

[Scimitar]

I thought that they changed the guidelines a couple of years ago to allow riding on the pavement if done considerately and if it's deemed safer than riding on the road. I can't remember where I got that from - probably Flecc unless I dreamt it.

It came up either on here or road.cc a few days ago, and you're correct.