[Closed] What is the UK drink/cycling limit

AFAIK there is no legal limit for riding a bike while under the influence. But here in Germany you are allowed a little more leeway which I think is 1,6. If you are caught then you can loose your driving license (which happened to a German friend of mine who was pushing his ‘ahem pushbike’ Home. Lost his license for three years and now needs to take an idiot test to get it back!

[for those that want to see the law, its covered here well. https://www.slatergordon.co.uk/media-centre/blog/2015/03/is-it-illegal-to-ride-a-bicycle-when-drunk/ ]

If the punishment in Germany is the loss of your driving license, what happens to drunk cyclists who don't hold a driving licnese?

UK -Same as a car but in the case of cycling you're not obliged to provide a sample, and you dont get points if you do.

The can get you under a careless or inconsiderate cycling charge though.

No limit as such but don't get caught as the roz can harass you or something like that. Refuse a breath test and stumble off pushing your bike, you'll be fine.

@RoterStern - did he lose his licence while only [i]pushing[/i] his bike? That's amazing and a little scary

I that here (Belgium) it also doesn't matter if you are on the road or a separated cycle path.

No leffeboy he was only pushing his bike.This was in a well known “alternative lifestyle” part of the city but theoretically you can loose your driving license whilst being under the influence on foot in Germany!

It isn't the same as a car. There is not set blood alcohol level. As long as you are in proper control of the bike you are legal.

Law is RTA 1988 Section 30

A person who, when riding a cycle on a road or other public place, is unfit to ride through drink or drugs (that is to say, is under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the cycle) is guilty of an offence.

So properly drunk, not just having had a pint or three.

I guess that makes sense as if you are unable to force tests there is no point in having thresholds.

Down good info there, I had I’m the back of my mind you could be banned from driving for ‘Drink Cycling’ which seemed a bit unfair, seems it’s amounts to a fine for ‘riding like a dick’ as ever.

I have to admit enjoy riding back from the pub after a pint or two.

i am usually ok with about 6 pints. bit wobbly with any more. 😆

3 pints and I have to be put to bed these days.

I can wheelie after a pint of cider though, no more, no less.

[i]If the punishment in Germany is the loss of your driving license, what happens to drunk cyclists who don't hold a driving license[/i]
You just get a fine. Completely unfair, isn’t it? But as a licensed e driver you are expected to.know the law.

I don't think loosing a driving license for drunk cycling is fair. Two dramatically different activities.

The in control of a bike clause in the UK is a interesting one. What is in control? I have much less control of my bike after a all day session, but still not much different to many of my non cycling mates and better than many...

Stoner's link covers it well, although that chap is a bit draconian for my liking.

I’m sure I’ve heard of people getting points on their driving licence for cycling offences.

Rockhopper - Member

I’m sure I’ve heard of people getting points on their driving licence for cycling offences.

It's a mistake then. Cyclists don't get points. The Highway Code has a list of offences with max fines and what points can be given. No points for the cycling offences listed.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/annex-5-penalties

I used to ride loads as a youth whilst rat-arsed. Last Christmas though I rode a short distance after 5 pints after the Sunday club run seasonal do. I don't think I was drunk in charge as such, but I got the wife to pick me up this year. Anyway, cycling doesn't affect your driving licence at all in the UK, and I find it a bit stupid in other countries if it carries the same penalties as driving - you may as well take the two tonne killing machine.

Used to live in a village near Cambridge as teenager and the only way of getting in to town was by bike. pretty much standard form to be rat arsed cycling home (mainly footpath through Grantchester meadows and farmland) Everybody was pissed cycling at 11pm on a saturday and the cops were only interested in whether you had lights or not. In fact once I had a whole riot van watching in hysterics as I repeatedly failed to mount my bike and kept falling over sideways - in the end they suggested I perhaps walk home. I guess those times have changed....

Sadly it's the law here in Aus that you lose your car licence if you're nabbed for drink riding. Absolute cobblers, but it is the law. Not quite sure it engenders the correct attitude though as rather than "not do it", most people I know go down the "try not to get caught doing it" route. This may or may not also extend to their approach to drink driving. :/

As said for other countries: no license in the first place and the worst you'll get is a fine, and points against a license should you ever chose to get one.

I guess it the UK it's a little bit more sensible, based on the fact that a cyclist will cause a lot less damage /harm to others.

Where as a car driver has potential to cause complete carnage.

This is a serious thread mattyfez, I'll have no truck with these motoring puns.

A Valiant effort to lighten the mood mattyfez.

I’ve sold quite a few electric bikes either for getting-home-from-the-pub purposes, or to people who’ve lost their licenses through drink driving. Basically, be careful.

(Unlike me when I was a student, cycling home from the Union bar at night. I was riding 1m out from the kerb, not wobbling much, it was only when I saw oncoming lights did I realise I was on the wrong side of a dual carriageway...)

Back in the 80s I was pushing my 125 trial bike, maybe slightly worse for wear and a kindly policeman told me to take my keys out and turn the fuel off. And go on your way.

used to be a ghost bike on a bend in the Mayfield valley heading back into Sheffield from the Norfolk Arms - believe the guy had only a couple of drinks in him but enough to miss the bend - not that I haven't ridden home after a few but worth remembering

When I've been out drinking I usually get home by unicycle. When I'm properly drunk I find it hard getting started, which is the most tricky bit for balance, but I figure if I'm able to ride it at all then I'm legal as you can't ride a unicycle if you aren't in control. The most drunk I've been doing this I stopped at the kebab van on the way home and the rozzers were there - I was quite clearly drunk but they weren't at all interested.

Roter Stern - Member
AFAIK there is no legal limit for riding a bike while under the influence. But here in Germany you are allowed a little more leeway which I think is 1,6. If you are caught then you can loose your driving license (which happened to a German friend of mine who was pushing his ‘ahem pushbike’ Home. Lost his license for three years and now needs to take an idiot test to get it back!

Also happened to a friend of mine. Five beers in the beer garden a few summers back. Pozilei sit and watch him unlock his bike and then nab him as soon as he starts to ride off.

Number of times I've ridden through town and crashed into lamp posts, trees, grass verges.... I've been lucky. I no longer take the bike if I know I'm going to have a few beers, but you can still get done for being drunk on foot...!

zokes - Still not a customer
Sadly it's the law here in Aus that you lose your car licence if you're nabbed for drink riding.

depends on which state - above think is only true for NSW - surprisingly in Victoria can only be done for the old "being drunk in charge of a carriage" which still attracts a max $1500 fine or 2months but oddly no impact on license - not seen any prosecutions though

......still trying to buy one of these beauties

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