Cycling after a few pints or cans, is it illegal?

John Hutton

This is something I do now and again. In ye olden days when there were those things called pubs I'd stick the Brompton under the table and have a few before heading home after work on a Friday.

Never so many that I'm staggering all over the place or slurring my words. Never had any issues, just have to be conscious to be patient and not take any chances at lights and junctions.

Anyway, I was at a BBQ in a friend's garden the other evening and took my ebike. When I went to go home she insisted that I couldn't cycle it in case the Gardai stopped me, that it was illegal to cycle after drinking and because it was an ebike I could be done under motor laws for drunk driving. Anyway, she strongly insisted that I stay over and cycle home the next day when completely sober, which I did.

Pretty sure she was wrong, but what say ye? Do any of you cycle after a few pints or cans?

KaneToad

John Hutton wrote: »

This is something I do now and again. In ye olden days when there were those things called pubs I'd stick the Brompton under the table and have a few before heading home after work on a Friday.

Never so many that I'm staggering all over the place or slurring my words. Never had any issues, just have to be conscious to be patient and not take any chances at lights and junctions.

Anyway, I was at a BBQ in a friend's garden the other evening and took my ebike. When I went to go home she insisted that I couldn't cycle it in case the Gardai stopped me, that it was illegal to cycle after drinking and because it was an ebike I could be done under motor laws for drunk driving. Anyway, she strongly insisted that I stay over and cycle home the next day when completely sober, which I did.

Pretty sure she was wrong, but what say ye? Do any of you cycle after a few pints or cans?

Sounds like she really wanted you to spend the night, OP. 😉

Pinch Flat

Cycling while drunk is illegal and stupid. I know someone sporting a titanium plate in their skul and someone else who spent a few days in an induced coma after coming off their bike while drunk.

Chips Lovell

From here:

Cycling While Intoxicated

What the law says:

Originally Posted by Road Traffic Act 2010
6.— (1) A person shall not, in a public place—

(a) drive or attempt to drive, or be in charge of, an animal-drawn vehicle, or

(b) drive or attempt to drive a pedal cycle,

while he or she is under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle or cycle.

What this means:
You can't cycle while intoxicated. Also, the use of the word "intoxicant" means that the legislation covers all drugs, not just alcohol. There is no alcohol/drug limit in place, which means that Garda has to form an opinion that you are intoxicated. They are entitled to ask you to perform an impairment test.

John Hutton

Pinch Flat wrote: »

Cycling while drunk is illegal and stupid. I know someone sporting a titanium plate in their skul and someone else who spent a few days in an induced coma after coming off their bike while drunk.

There's a difference between being drunk and having had three cans (as was the case with me)

Stone Deaf 4evr

John Hutton wrote: »

There's a difference between being drunk and having had three cans (as was the case with me)

I wonder if its the same blood alcohol content as for driving a car - if so, you'd certainly be over the limit after 3 cans.

John Hutton

Chips Lovell wrote: »

From here:

Cycling While Intoxicated

What the law says:



What this means:
You can't cycle while intoxicated. Also, the use of the word "intoxicant" means that the legislation covers all drugs, not just alcohol. There is no alcohol/drug limit in place, which means that Garda has to form an opinion that you are intoxicated. They are entitled to ask you to perform an impairment test.

That's interesting, I wonder what an impairment test is? Hardly a breathalyzer?

loyatemu

Stone Deaf 4evr wrote: »

I wonder if its the same blood alcohol content as for driving a car - if so, you'd certainly be over the limit after 3 cans.

it's not, as mentioned a few posts up the Guard has to form an opinion you're intoxicated, there's no specific limit. Provided you're not weaving all over the road you're probably fine. If you are weaving all over the road they'll probably confiscate your bike.

TheBoyConor

John Hutton wrote: »

Anyway, she strongly insisted that I stay over and cycle home the next day when completely sober, which I did.

Jesus man, could you not get the hint? Perhaps she was partly right, - the drink had clearly clouded your judgement of the situation!!!:pac::D

On a serious note, you'd want to be fairly bad for the Gardai to bother with hassling you over having had a drink on a bike.
And what are they going to do with you realistically? Not like they can put points or suspend your non-existent bicycle licence, can they?

John Hutton

KaneToad wrote: »

Sounds like she really wanted you to spend the night, OP. 😉

Well that's blown my mind. Might not have been drunk but perhaps I'm an idiot 😂

TheWonderLlama

Done it loads of times myself. If you're not too drunk to stay up on a racer, you're grand.

Anyway, did you get the ride?

Chips Lovell

John Hutton wrote: »

That's interesting, I wonder what an impairment test is? Hardly a breathalyzer?

From the same act:

11.— (1) A member of the Garda Síochána, for the purposes of forming the opinion that a person in charge of a vehicle in a public place is under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle, if he or she considers it would assist him or her to form such opinion, may require the person to perform in the presence of the member or another member such impairment tests, in the manner indicated, in accordance with impairment test regulations, by the member or other member in whose presence the test is to be performed.

These appear to be the latest regulations.

Lurching

What is the penalty if the Guard forms an opinion that you're twisted?
Could it effect your car license (if you have one)?

feartuath

I remember the couple of old mans bicycles outside the pub on pension day years ago.
They then walked home pushing the bike after a few bottles of Guinness.

magicbastarder

i've heard of sporadic cases of judges applying penalties to cyclist's driving licences after being found guilty of a cycling offence. seems rare enough though.

Chips Lovell

Lurching wrote: »

What is the penalty if the Guard forms an opinion that you're twisted?
Could it effect your car license (if you have one)?

No.

(b) if the offence relates to a pedal cycle, he or she is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €2,000.

Chips Lovell

My wife once gave out to me for drafting a squad car while we were cycling home from a barbecue. I may have had a few cans.

delboythedub

]What is the penalty if the Guard forms an opinion that you're twisted?
Could it effect your car license (if you have one)?
Heard of this argument before and also would like to know if one is caught riding a bike while intoxicated could your driving licence suffer. I do know if full licence holder is intoxicated while learner permit is driving car >>gardai state full licence holder is in charge of vehicle and can be breathalysed on the spot.

Pinch Flat

John Hutton wrote: »

There's a difference between being drunk and having had three cans (as was the case with me)

Fair enough. The second case I cited above - someone I personally know - only had a few pints before cycling home.

Captain Flaps

I was told before that if you're caught cycling drunk you can get points on your driver's license if you have one. Probably bull****.

CrankyHaus

As referred to above intoxicated is a fairly high bar; not least as you have to be acting drunk enough to come to the attention of the Gardaí in the first place. You're unlikely to reach that threshold after a pint or two.

Injuring yourself is much more likely than any encounter with the Gardaí. A better question to ask yourself would be, is it safe to cycle home after this many drinks?

tomasrojo

Stone Deaf 4evr wrote: »

I wonder if its the same blood alcohol content as for driving a car - if so, you'd certainly be over the limit after 3 cans.

I don't think it is. I think it's quite vague, and up to a Garda to decide you're intoxicated.

I don't think the e-bike means you'd come under motorised vehicle law. If it's a pedelec, I think it's legally treated as a bicycle.

loyatemu

CrankyHaus wrote: »

Injuring yourself is much more likely than any encounter with the Gardaí. A better question to ask yourself would be, is it safe to cycle home after this many drinks?

that question normally only occurs to you after you've started cycling home

tomasrojo

Captain Flaps wrote: »

I was told before that if you're caught cycling drunk you can get points on your driver's license if you have one. Probably bull****.

There was a case in Ireland of a person charged for behaviour on a bike getting points put on their driver's licence by a judge. Don't think it was related to intoxication, but can't remember the details.

oinkely

I used to cycle home from the city centre to suburbia when in college after a night out - always found the cycle lanes to be very narrow on such occasions. That would have been when i was younger and more foolhardy.

Nowadays I would still choose the bike over public transport to get me home after a few pints. I won't drive with any drink taken, but happy enough to cycle after a few pints. As other posters have said, it may not be exactly legal but I wouldn't ever be in such a state that i couldn't maintain control of the bike, and as such would be surprised if I were to be stopped by the Gardaí.

I would also occasionally take public transport to the pub, but run the 15km home at a nice easy pace. Never had a hangover when i have cycled or run home. However you do get awful hungry exercising with a few pints on board!

tomasrojo

John Hutton wrote: »

That's interesting, I wonder what an impairment test is? Hardly a breathalyzer?

Pretty strict in Austria:

Car99

John Hutton wrote: »

This is something I do now and again. In ye olden days when there were those things called pubs I'd stick the Brompton under the table and have a few before heading home after work on a Friday.

Never so many that I'm staggering all over the place or slurring my words. Never had any issues, just have to be conscious to be patient and not take any chances at lights and junctions.

Anyway, I was at a BBQ in a friend's garden the other evening and took my ebike. When I went to go home she insisted that I couldn't cycle it in case the Gardai stopped me, that it was illegal to cycle after drinking and because it was an ebike I could be done under motor laws for drunk driving. Anyway, she strongly insisted that I stay over and cycle home the next day when completely sober, which I did.

Pretty sure she was wrong, but what say ye? Do any of you cycle after a few pints or cans?

What wattage is your ebike ?

Car99

John Hutton wrote: »

This is something I do now and again. In ye olden days when there were those things called pubs I'd stick the Brompton under the table and have a few before heading home after work on a Friday.

Never so many that I'm staggering all over the place or slurring my words. Never had any issues, just have to be conscious to be patient and not take any chances at lights and junctions.

Anyway, I was at a BBQ in a friend's garden the other evening and took my ebike. When I went to go home she insisted that I couldn't cycle it in case the Gardai stopped me, that it was illegal to cycle after drinking and because it was an ebike I could be done under motor laws for drunk driving. Anyway, she strongly insisted that I stay over and cycle home the next day when completely sober, which I did.

Pretty sure she was wrong, but what say ye? Do any of you cycle after a few pints or cans?

What wattage is your ebike ?

tomasrojo

oinkely wrote: »

I would also occasionally take public transport to the pub, but run the 15km home at a nice easy pace. Never had a hangover when i have cycled or run home.

I remember walking home from town in Galway with a friend after a fair few drinks. It was pretty cold, so I decided to run to warm up, and my friend pursued me. So a squad car stopped us just as we'd crested Taylor's Hill and were heading down to Salthill. They demanded to know where were coming from. I said the top of the hill. And where we were going. I said the bottom of the hill. They looked at me blankly, and I just started running again. My friend, who seems to have been a lot more together than me, stayed slightly longer and said they seemed bemused but satisfied by this minimalist explanation.

plodder

Chips Lovell wrote: »

No.

(b) if the offence relates to a pedal cycle, he or she is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €2,000.

There would have to be a provision somewhere like the above that would allow a judge to apply penalty points to a driving license for a cycling offence. Given there are so many loopholes concerning points for driving offences, I'd be really surprised if such a provision existed. I could be wrong, but I can't find any reference to one.... which is exactly what you said. I missed the first word of the reply...

tomasrojo

tomasrojo wrote: »

There was a case in Ireland of a person charged for behaviour on a bike getting points put on their driver's licence by a judge. Don't think it was related to intoxication, but can't remember the details.

Think this was it:
Injured cyclist gets driving ban for breaking red light

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/injured-cyclist-gets-driving-ban-for-breaking-red-light-2228117.html

(So, not penalty points, but a driving ban.)

I have heard of people being arrested driving a ride on mower while intoxicated,but never on a bike.

tomasrojo

Deleted User wrote: »

I have heard of people being arrested driving a ride on mower while intoxicated,but never on a bike.

The sorry tale of George Jones and his alcohol addiction springs to mind.

The first and most well-documented lawnmower incident was the late 60’s. George Jones was living 8 miles outside of Beaumont, TX with his then wife Shirley Ann Corley. Jones, who was born in Saratoga, TX just west and north of Beaumont, had already experienced a few #1 country hits by that time with the songs “White Lightning,” “Tender Years,” and “She Thinks I Still Care.” George’s success fueled his wayward ways with alcohol and he was drinking so bad, his wife Shirley resorted to hiding all the keys to the vehicles before she would leave so George wouldn’t drive to the nearest liquor store in Beaumont.

But that didn’t stop him. After tearing the house apart looking for a set of keys, George looked out the window to see a riding lawnmower sitting on the property under the glow of a security light. “There, gleaming in the glow, was that ten-horsepower rotary engine under a seat. A key glistening in the ignition,” George recalled in his autobiography. “I imagine the top speed for that old mower was five miles per hour. It might have taken an hour and a half or more for me to get to the liquor store, but get there I did.”

https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/george-jones-his-notorious-riding-lawnmower/

plodder

tomasrojo wrote: »

Think this was it:
Injured cyclist gets driving ban for breaking red light

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/injured-cyclist-gets-driving-ban-for-breaking-red-light-2228117.html

(So, not penalty points, but a driving ban.)

That's interesting (and surprising) that a driving ban is possible. Maybe, you can be disqualified from driving whether you have a license or not, but applying penalty points needs you to actually have a license and it needs to be allowed for in the law.

I like the quote at the end of that article though. Don't think I've ever seen an author say that about their own work.

tomasrojo

plodder wrote: »

I like the quote at the end of that article though. Don't think I've ever seen an author say that about their own work.

Yeah, pretty dry humour!

Eamonnator

CrankyHaus wrote: »

As referred to above intoxicated is a fairly high bar; not least as you have to be acting drunk enough to come to the attention of the Gardaí in the first place. You're unlikely to reach that threshold after a pint or two.

Injuring yourself is much more likely than any encounter with the Gardaí. A better question to ask yourself would be, is it safe to cycle home after this many drinks?

I had a drill instructor in Templemore many years ago, who was very very anti drink. He defined drunkedness as "the slightest departure from strict sobriety"

tomasrojo

Eamonnator wrote: »

I had a drill instructor in Templemore many years ago, who was very very anti drink. He defined drunkedness as "the slightest departure from strict sobriety"

From the point of view of a Garda assessing whether someone is drunk though, a slight departure from strict sobriety would be indistinguishable from, say, the high spirits in the morning of a gentleman who has been dissuaded from cycling home and spent an enjoyable night with the hostess of the party.

Laphroaig52

John Hutton wrote: »

... just have to be conscious to be patient and not take any chances at lights and junctions.

It sounds like you're a better cyclist after the few beers...

Wishbone Ash

tomasrojo wrote: »

The sorry tale of George Jones and his alcohol addiction springs to mind.


https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/george-jones-his-notorious-riding-lawnmower/

...or Alvin Straight and that great film "The Straight Story".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Straight

CantGetNoSleep

magicbastarder wrote: »

i've heard of sporadic cases of judges applying penalties to cyclist's driving licences after being found guilty of a cycling offence. seems rare enough though.

They do breathalise in places like France, the Netherlands and Germany. Particularly in countryside villages where cycling home on a Saturday night might be a fairly normal thing to do - sometimes even completely off road on bike paths.

There is even a discussion on whether you should get a driving ban or not. Belgium recently reversed this feeling that it could incentivise drink driving in a car if the punishment is the same as on a bike (albeit consequences obviously worse)

Euro Fred

I always do when out on a big spin, if its pints in pubs or cans out of a garage

Nothing better than a can or two in Rathdrum during the Wicklow 200 or stopping off and picking some cans up before the finish of the Mick Byrne or Orwell Randonee

Ofcouse stopping for a pint or two in a pub like Johnny Foxes or down in Glenmalure is brilliant.

Keyzer

Lad I used to work with, when he found out he got a new job, decided to go out and celebrate. Got hammered, fell off his bike on the way home with no helmet and smashed his head off the roadside kerb. Died a few days later... left behind a wife and young daughter.

Regardless of whether its legal or not, cycling while drunk is a really stupid thing to do.

tomasrojo

Yes, cycling while very drunk is strongly associated with serious injury.

However, cycling after, say, half a litre of 3% beer is a completely different matter.

I don't really like cycling after having a drink, but I sometimes have a small drink. It's a who-give-a-**** level of risk.

CramCycle

Hands up I have done it on many occasion in my youth. Was it OK. Of course not. I remember one night leaving harcourt St. Unlocking the bike and riding off. A few minutes later i was back in Harcourt St. despite remembering reaching the canal. This would occur 3 more times. On my last attempt I dismounted the bike and walked across the bridge and walked as far as Ranelagh so as to be sure. After getting through Ranelagh I realised i was too drunk. I locked the bike up to a lamp post, flagged a taxi and was home a few minutes later. Traffic was light so the fare was minimal. I got up the next day and decided, not being 100% confident of the location of my bicycle but knowing it was near Ranelagh, to hop on the 11 bus , sit on the top flight and just keep an eye out. As the bus left my stop i seen my bike within 30 seconds. I was no more than 30 seconds cycle or 5 minutes walk from my house. I actually got off the bus further away from my bike than if I had walked straight to it. The taxi driver must have been so confused at my laziness.

micar

Cycled to work one Friday after a work night out.

Only had about 4 hours sleep and was still a little drunk.

A few mins into cycle, the head dropped and I almost fell asleep. The bike went in close to kerb. Very luck not to come off.

The shock made me cop on and to forced me to be fully focused for the rest of the journey.

Have not cycled that way since.

grape86

I stupidly did it once myself after a few pints in town., took my eye for off the road for a split second and ended up face planting the kerb causing 2 grand worth of dental damage...I was lucky it wasn’t much worse

magicbastarder

chap i know played a gig (as a DJ) for a new years party a good few years back, and was on the way home on the bike and came across a man lying unconscious in the street half wrapped around his bike. simon called the ambulance, and stayed with them - the bloke in question regained consciousness but they couldn't tell whether him acting strange was due to the knock to the head or drunkenness. or both. anyway, between hopping and trotting somehow yer man managed to get it together enough to ring his girlfriend (who was in beirut of all places), passed out again, and simon ended up talking to this poor panicked drunk woman who'd been woken up by her boyfriend's phone call, heard enough that he was in an accident, demanded to be put back onto him, with simon trying to explain 'uh, i can't' while trying to reassure the poor woman that all was in hand while she kinda lost the plot...

don't drink and ride, kids.

magicbastarder

another chap i know went for a couple of pints with the cast and crew after a rehearsal for a play he was in, and cycled home with one of the other cast members from the production. she lived nearer town than he did, said her goodbyes, and indicated and swung off down her road.

problem was she indicated left while he was on her left, clotheslined him, and took them both down in the process. no major damage done, but we did speculate whether it was a clumsy way of her showing interest in him.

I could drink 6 beers and walk a straight line or so my drunk self would have me believe but my attention span and concentration are shot to **** after beer 3.

In my youth I was famous for my homing instinct once I had enough, never on the bike though thankfully.

Forgetting to wrap the cables when putting new bar tape on and arriving into the shed the next morning and that ffs moment was as bad as it got for me in terms of drinking and cycling I think.

tomasrojo

I knew a postgrad in college who cycled into the back of a parked car because he tried to cycle home very drunk. Plenty of people had tried to talk him out of it, but I think he was very emotional as well after some relationship trouble, IIRC. He had a fair bit of scarring on his face afterwards.

buffalo

I left UCD campus one night a bit worse for wear. After unlocking my bike by the lake, I mistook the steps up for the ramp due to the shadow from some scaffolding. I'm not sure how I didn't injure myself badly, as I hit the step hard enough to dent the rim on the front wheel. Then the front brakes kept catching on the dent, so obviously I disconnected them for the ~45min cycle home. :rolleyes: