The state, which increasingly looks kindly on bicyclists, is cracking down on two-wheeled commuters who multitask. KTVU reported Thursday on a bill introduced by state Sen. Joe Simitian that would restrict cell phone by bicyclists. Just like the existing law for drivers, it would ban talking without a headset and texting while in motion. A first-offense ticket totals $100, including fines and fees.

In San Francisco, with hordes of bicycling advocates, the proposed law perhaps surprisingly has gained some approval. Leah Shahum, executive director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, told KTVU, “We think anyone using the roadway, whether driving or bicycling, needs to have their full attention to what they’re doing.”
 
On Wednesday CBS 5 reported that fewer unlicensed drivers are being pulled over in San Francisco this winter. This came as a result of a policy set last November that let unlicensed drivers allow licensed and insured drivers to move their vehicles within 20 minutes after a vehicle stop, avoiding tow-aways. The policy was made to benefit illegal immigrants, who are unable to get driver’s licenses.
 
The most recent police statistics show that for the month of February, San Francisco towed 76 cars driven by unlicensed drivers, down sharply from 423 in February 2009. Sgt. Jon Nestor told CBS 5, “the officers, since they are no longer required to impound the vehicles, may be using their discretion and letting the vehicles go without making a report.” How considerate.
 
See also:
 
 
 
 
Other big stories this week:
 
Civics

No hospitality from the Hilton
beyondchron.org –  4/8/10

SF denies ticket quotas as complaints rise
cbs5.com –  4/7/10

Mayor Newsom and President Chiu introduce $27 billion 10 year capital plan
sfgov.org – 4/7/10

Fewer unlicensed drivers pulled over in SF
cbs5.com – 4/7/10

Richmond passes daytime curfew to curb teen crime
ktvu.com –  4/6/10

David Chiu seeks to beef up controls over clubs
SFgate.com –  4/6/10

Giants’ coke bottle belches $6 million lawsuit
nbcbayarea.com – 4/6/10

SF imposes controversial HIV recommendations
abclocal.go.com –  4/6/10

Net neutrality loses in court to Comcast
indybay.org –  4/6/10

Streetscape

BART directors consider temporary fare decrease
cbs5.com –  4/8/10

Report to offer glimpse of high-speed rail plan
SFgate.com –  4/5/10

Oak to Ninth pushing for 2012
bizjournals.com –  4/8/10

Parkmerced to get 7,000 new apartments
sfist.com –  4/8/10

Golden Gate Bridge considering tolls for carpools in face of budget crisis
abclocal.go.com –   4/7/10

New Development breaks ground in Hunter’s Point
abclocal.go.com –  4/7/10

Portrero Hill eyed for cohousing development
portreroview.com –  4/7/10

Muni’s state windfall delayed
sfappeal.com –  4/6/10

New law would fine cyclists for texting, talking on cell phones
ktvu.com –  4/8/10

High-speed rail to end at Transbay Terminal
SFgate.com –  4/9/10

Green

Groups make stink over S.F. ‘biosolid’ compost
SFgate.com –  4/7/10

Humboldt County blocks plan to import trash from the Bay Area
ktvu.com –  4/6/10

$16.9M for Bay Area habitats harmed by oil
cbs5.com –  4/6/10

Economy

Shortfall as much as $500 billion, study says
SFgate.com –  4/6/10

Price for a small business in S.F. up nearly 50%
bizjournals.com –  4/6/10