Hey You! On The Skateboard! Drop The Cell Phone!

City Councilmen Bill Greenlee, Bill Green and Frank Rizzo met with the media this morning to discuss legislation they will introduce tomorrow to ban the use of cell phones -- talking or texting -- in moving motor vehicles unless drivers use a "hands-free device."  We reported about all that last month.

Greenlee and Green have updated the legislation since then.  It now will cover anyone "using a skateboard, scooter, rollerblade or bicycle on any street within the city."  Could be a tough blow to many bike messengers and multi-tasking exercise enthusiasts.

The legislation faces a daunting challenge as far as motor vehicles go.  PennDOT says the legislation will conflict with the state's motor vehicle code, which takes legal priority over local laws.  And an attorney has already successfully challenged a similar ordinance in Hilltown Township, Bucks County.

Still, they press ahead.  "We're trying to really eliminate a danger here," said Greenlee, citing studies that show the likelihood of having an automobile accident increases when a driver is talking or texting on a cell phone.  As for PennDOT's opinion, Green said: "They're wrong."