Police ignore drink-cycling, say cyclists

By Meaghan Kirby

Sydney cycling groups have accused NSW Police of allowing drunk cycling to continue by lack of enforcement.

Bicycle NSW Vice-President Richard Birdsey says a lack of policing has made bicycles a vehicle of choice for drinkers.

“I have been pulled over by an RBT twice, they didn’t breathalyse … [It] doesn’t happen much, unless you are very obviously intoxicated,” he said.

“It seems almost acceptable.”

Cycling NSW CEO Kevin Young says some of his members have been pulled over by mobile RBT’s, but not often.

“It is not common practice. Police seem to be quite tongue-in-cheek when they pull cyclists over,” he said.

NSW Police says cyclists are rarely submitted to random breath tests and only pulled over if clearly drunk.

“Cyclists are not usually breath tested…[there is] usually a sobriety assessment if they appear to be drunk,” a Police spokesperson said.

Under the Road Transport Act, high range or repeat offences of cycling while intoxicated can receive up to two years imprisonment.

Low range offences incur fines.

City of Sydney Council has announced new education programs informing cyclists of the consequences of riding under the influence.

“About 80 per cent of bike riders also hold a driver’s license, so there is no excuse for not knowing that riding under the influence is a serious risk for both rider and other road users.” a Council spokesperson said.

Launched last week, the free cycling workshops teach road rules and procedures for riding in all conditions.

Cycling organisations say relaxed attitudes to the enforcement of DUI laws are causing yet more friction between cyclists and other road users.

“It’s the same as for car drivers, you don’t drive and drink, so don’t ride and drink. We would never encourage that for cyclists,” Mr Young said.

Bicycle NSW has condemned cyclists riding under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

“Obviously cyclists pose less of a danger, but they can still cause accidents if intoxicated,” Mr Birdsey said.

The groups say riders are largely unaware of the consequences of cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“There is a lot of confusion about how the law relates to bicycles. There is definitely a lack of understanding and knowledge. There is a need for more information and education,” Mr Birdsey said.