The law of 1861

[tintin40]

For all those who think cycling is seperate from the law. A cyclist was sent to prison yesterday for killing a pedestrian. 7 months. far too low. The cyclist struck Ronald Turner 84 after jumping on to a pavement to run a red light.
Five days a week i watch cyclists jump red lights. May the law catch you :x

 

[lewis1641]

Is it illegal to ride a bike whilst over the alcohol limit? would my driving licence be at risk? anyone know

 

[tintin40]

Yes it is. Not sure about your driving licence

 

[pete_mcc]

Is it illegal to ride a bike whilst over the alcohol limit? would my driving licence be at risk? anyone know

The Licensing Act 1872 makes it an offence to be drunk in charge of a bicycle (or any other vehicle or carriage, or cattle) on a highway or in a public place but this old law also forbids any public drunkenness - even in a pub - so is clearly never enforced.

In law a bicycle is defined as a carriage for use on the highway but cyclists are not in charge of 'mechanically propelled' vehicles so, in law, do not have to adhere to exactly the same 'drink drive' rules as motorists.

Section 30 Road Traffic Act 1988 says: "It is an offence for a person to ride a cycle on a road or other public place when unfit to ride through drink or drugs - that is to say - is under the influence of a drink or a drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the cycle.

In Scotland a PC may arrest without warrant a person committing an offence under this section. There is no obligation for a cyclist to submit to a blood or urine alcohol test.

'Road' in the above bit of legislation includes a bridleway so don't think you can get blotto at a country pub and ride home 'off road' without risk.

And here's the rub. If you ride drunk you risk endangering yourself and possibly others by your actions. Would you ride home blindfolded? Beer-googles and bicycles do not mix. And, as stated above, cycling 'dangerously' can be fined by up to £2500.

You cannot get endorsements on your UK driving licence for a 'drink cycling' offence.

 

[velomaniac]

I'm a law abiding road user and have no sympathy for law breakers even amongst the cycling community. The guy ran a red light, numerous cyclists run red lights but as no registration plate is fitted its difficult to get them for it. Numerous cyclists don't have working lights either.

We as cyclists are not above the law and as long as we demand to use the public highway we should abide by the law. I know bike MOT's, registration plates, licences etc are unlikely to happen but that does not give us rights above the motoring public.

Seven months for killing someone by doing something illegal and stupid is not enough, 10 years minimum in my book !

Rant over.............. :roll:

 

[Enid_Puceflange]

I spent a little time as a cycle courier in the 90's
While on a run I got a "tug" by a female bobby for nipping up a one way street the wrong way.
She took my details and reported it to the fiscal but I never heard anything back about it .

Gc

 

[kase1983]

I jump kurbs most days cummuting but only if no one is around,

recently had a police woman stop me while on the kurb, i pointed out the bus was in the cycle lane for no reason while in stationairy traffic,

she went to look at what i was moaning about so i belted it off,

felt 12 again, haha.!

 

[magicmistertea]

I was fined £20 about 10 years ago for riding my bmx pissed up !!
me and my mate were jumping on and off the pavements and wheeling around etc etc at 2 o'clock in the morning.... then suddenly a highway patrol car sped up with lights flashing, stopped in the middle of the road and 2 cops jumped out and told us to put our bikes against the wall.. they then sat us in there car ran some checks on us etc and fined us for being pissed riding on the pavement !!!
they then let us ride home !!