Across Australia, the image of a drunk man riding home on a bicycle is certainly going to get a few laughs, but, in reality, this situation is far from humorous. In many cases, the sight of a “pub bike” (so to speak) chained outside a bar is not uncommon for tourists and locals of this country, while forgetting where you put your bike after a rampant night of drinking might be commonplace for some Australians. Based on reports from the Aussie group Reid Bikes, the question of riding home intoxicated is still up in the air. Besides the dangers of drunk driving, what are the risks of drunk cycling? Let’s take a closer look at what the Australians have to say about this unfortunate issue.
Use Your Judgement
Obviously, your logic would conclude that riding a bicycle while drunk is as equally dangerous as driving a vehicle while drunk, and, ultimately, you would be right. Even the smallest quantity of booze can expose you to numerous problems on the roadway, as you will not be able to concentrate on small tasks or make split-second (lifesaving) decisions. Of course, if you have ever made a mistake of drinking too much, the only option is riding a bus or train or being taken home by a designated driver. An intoxicated person plus a bike equals disaster.
How the States See It
Needless to say, Australia’s provinces and states have different views concerning alcohol abuse and bike riding. While it is not considered “drunk driving” in general, officials still express concern over this problem, as it can lead to grisly accidents. Here are how the different states perceive this issue:
- South Australia: Drunk cycling is considered an offence under the Road Traffic Act of 1961 (the same penalty for DUI). However, the fine is less than $500 AUD for cyclists.
- Queensland: Drunk cycling is considered an offence and can result in 40-penalty units ($4,400 AUD) or a 9-month prison sentence.
- New South Wales: Bicycles are considered road vehicles and are governed by the same roadway laws as motor vehicles. Cyclists are only charged with an attempt to use a bike while intoxicated and do not face the same charges as DUI offenders (Road Transport Act of 2013).
- Western Australia: People caught driving a bike while drunk face 2 penalty units and a $100 AUD fine.
- Victoria: These slightly outdated laws still recognize a bike as a “carriage,” meaning a rider will face the same charges as a person driving a horse-drawn buggy. The punishment is 10 penalty units or a 2-month imprisonment.
- Tasmania: Riders face the same charges as a DUI motorist (maximum 1-year jail time and 30 penalty units for first offense).
- Northern Territory: Laws only apply to motorists. Generally, bicyclists are only arrested if they endanger the public.
- ACT: This region provides some rigorous penalties, at 50 penalty units or 6-month imprisonment.
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