In 2007, nearly 700 bicyclists lost their lives in fatal accidents across the country - some involving other vehicles, others due to rider error. A large number of these fatal accidents occur in California, which has an exceptionally large biking community.

The question for many lawmakers is where to step in to make biking safer for riders in the state. Senator Joe Simitian, an attorney and former mayor of Palo Alto, believes part of the answer may lie in a familiar territory for California legislators - cell phone and texting bans.

Back in 2006, California led the charge to limit cell phone use behind the wheel and today remains one of the strictest regulators of texting and handheld electronics in the car. If Simitian's bill passes, they would become the first state to ban texting and handheld use for bikers.

First-offense fines would set cyclists back about $100, though they would be allowed to use phones with a hands-free headset. Thus far, it hasn't been a hard sell. Across the state, many bikers seem to support of the bill. In cities like San Francisco, bicycle advocates have publicly voiced their approval for the proposed measures.

The bill, if passed, would also levy heavier fines against drivers caught texting or talking on their cell phones. Those cited would have a point added to their DMV driving record and be charged almost double the current fines - in some cases more than $400, including local fees.

Thus far, the bill has passed the California Senate Transportation Committee and is set to appear before an appropriation committee before proceeding to the California Senate.

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