by KYW's Mike Dunn
A plan to stop drivers in Philadelphia from using cell phones is now heading to a City Council committee. And the measure could also cover skateboarders, rollerbladers, and bicyclists.
Three city councilmembers -- Green, Greenlee, and Rizzo -- introduced a bill that would ban cell phone use not only by drivers but also by skateboarders, bicyclists, and rollerbladers.
Mayor Nutter says the idea of an expanded ban is an interesting one:
"I did wonder how you could talk on a cell phone and either rollskate or skateboard at the same time. On the one big issue, about motorists in their vehicles, I am pretty clear about support for that. I'd like to hear more about the cyclists, skateboarders, all that."
The sponsors on Council say this is sorely needed. But others say they've tried this before and found that only the state can regulate cell phones in cars.
No date was set for the committee hearing.
Before the opening of Thursday's session, Councilman Greenlee said his measure is sorely needed:
"There's times I swear people are driving with their knees or their feet, because it doesn't seem like either hand is on the wheel."
The measure was first announced back in August.
Council was also scheduled on Thursday to hear from Mayor Nutter on the city's budget woes. He will seek City Council's cooperation in helping close a projected $450-million budget shortfall over the next five years, though any immediate cuts he wants would not necessarily need Council approval:
"I think the overwhelming majority of the belt-tightening is within the purview of the administration."
Also on tap for Council in the coming weeks: new ethics bills and a plan to shrink the size of City Council.
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