Drinking and cycling

[fair weather cyclist]

Have you ever been stopped when you were a bit tipsy on your bike? Maybe you went down the pub for a pint, 1 pint turned into 7 and off you went...just a little wobbly?

I'm asking because I'm planning a visit in a renowned and very low populated island of Scotland, famous for its whisky. We're going by car, but bringing the bikes with us. The island is small enough to be able to cycle from a distillery to the other, and cycle back to the hotel. Obviously would be nice to do the distillery tours and whisky tasting sessions, although not sure how straight I can cycle after 9-12 drams of delicious single malt

Have any of you ever attempted such a thing?

 

[Dogtrousers]

I'd look at it from a safety point of view first. If you're planning to get rat-shoot is it safe/sensible to ride a bike? If you're just planning to get tipsy and the area is low traffic maybe adjust your assessment. Never mind whether plod is going to stop you.

 

[CXRAndy]

Have you ever been stopped when you were a bit tipsy on your bike? Maybe you went down the pub for a pint, 1 pint turned into 7 and off you went...just a little wobbly?

I'm asking because I'm planning a visit in a renowned and very low populated island of Scotland, famous for its whisky. We're going by car, but bringing the bikes with us. The island is small enough to be able to cycle from a distillery to the other, and cycle back to the hotel. Obviously would be nice to do the distillery tours and whisky tasting sessions, although not sure how straight I can cycle after 9-12 drams of delicious single malt

Have any of you ever attempted such a thing?

We have cycled to many a pub and maybe 2 or 3. Never sloshed, but might be over the limit. We live in the countryside and travel on deserted unlit lanes. Our bikes run dynano German lights to illuminate our way home

 

[ianrauk]

A few FNRttC'ers that shall not be named have been known to imbibe after the ride and fall off their bikes

 

[T4tomo]

Yes a bit tipsy, but still in control of the bike is fine, done it lots. You're more danger to yourself than others and drunk in charge of bike isn't really an offence - yes there are technically the odd ancient law you can be done under, but the chances of plod both encountering you and taking any action is miniscule.

 

[MichaelW2]

The drunkest I have ever been on a bicycle was in Ireland on the Beara peninsular, in a convoy of about 6 drunkards from pub to hostel. I felt in full control of of bicycle at all times occifer, which is what you might expect any rider cycling under the influence to say. If you avoid speeding, and are coherent enough to balance , and in the middle of nowhere, you can get away with it.

 

[PaulSB]

Same criteria as driving. I don't drink/drive or cycle/drive. It's dangerous to oneself and other road users.

Drinking after a ride, which depletes one's energy, hydration levels etc. is likely to have a greater impact than usual. I've done it once. Never again.

 

[GetFatty]

I had an altercation with a Gendarme at Dieppe Port after 9 pints on the ferry, does that count?

 

[Brandane]

Have any of you ever attempted such a thing?

Yes, frequently in my younger days. It is perfectly legal unless you are drunk to the point of being incapable of looking after yourself. Which is open to interpretation, but you would need to be pretty much out of it to attract the attention of the law. Fill your boots, it's a way of life on the islands .

 

[CanucksTraveller]

The group I ride with basically use the ride as purely a social vehicle with pub stops being the whole point. We'll do maybe 30 miles and have two stops out in the country, so literally every ride will see two pints drank at least, with a pub every ten miles or so. I don't think any of us ever feel worse for wear for having one at each stop. I think it's actually isotonic, or something.

I also cycle to my favourite pub now and then and have 3 to 4 pints of beer and some quiet time with a book, but I do limit myself to that amount, once my sensible head kicks in I call it a day. And it's a quiet route back and only 2 miles, so I'm okay with that.

It's a judgement thing isn't it, you just have to be a bit sensible. Once your balance and awareness have been affected it's probably not a good idea to be on the roads.

 

[T4tomo]

one thing to add - all good on the level - if there are any big downhills, take it easy, falling of at slow speed would probably be OK, road rash from a 30mph dismount not so good!

 

[Brandane]

I think it's actually isotonic, or something.

Only if it's Guinness!

 

[mickle]

The islands are renowned for having a more relaxed attitude to driving whilst inebriated. I'm sure tipsy cyclists are also widely tolerated. If not active encouraged.

 

[Pale Rider]

Wobbling home on an unlit bicycle is a country tradition.

However, with ever increasing traffic volumes it's probably a lot more hazardous than it once was.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

drunk in charge of bike isn't really an offence - yes there are technically the odd ancient law you can be done under

Riding a bicycle while drunk is very definitely an offence though, albeit one that is rarely prosecuted. The relevant legislation isn't ancient either, it's the same one currently used to prosecute dangerous driving and drunk/drugged driving, i.e. the Road Traffic Act 1988.

See S30 for the offence of drunk cycling:

30 Cycling when under influence of drink or drugs.​

(1)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.​

​

(2)In Scotland a constable may arrest without warrant a person committing an offence under this section.​