It will soon be illegal for cyclists in the Netherlands to use their smartphones while riding their bicycles, thanks to a new law that will take effect July 2019.

"It is forbidden to use a mobile electronic device while driving any vehicle (including a bicycle)," according to the draft law announced by Transport Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen.

An increase in the number of accidents that have occurred while cyclists have been distracted by their phones prompted the government to take action. While hands-free devices will be permitted under the new law, those in violation can expect to incur fines. For now, it is unclear what the amount of those fines might be.

“It's just as dangerous on a bike and on all types of vehicles as it is in a car," Nieuwenhuizen said. "The fact is that when you are on the road you have to pay full attention and not send messages or do other things on the phone."

An ideal setting for cyclists with its flat landscape and an infrastructure that supports cycling, the Netherlands is home to more bicycles than people according to estimates — roughly 23 million bicycles for a population of around 17 million people.