Drinking, Biking, and the legality of it all?

crumpet19

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2002
2,189
1
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So, I'm sitting here thinking of how to get around town (smaller college town) while intoxicated. It's still too far to walk between some parties and where I live. I'm somewhat confident that I could ride a bicycle while intoxicated.

But, are there any laws regarding riding a bicycle while drinking? :D
 

Spoooon

Lifer
Mar 3, 2000
11,563
203
106
I think you have to follow some of the same rules that a driver does. I've seen people on campus get ticketed for riding around at night without a light and stuff.
 

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
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I was under the influence a couple years back and opted to take my bike instead of a car to go to the store to pick up more brew. Interestingly the two people behind the counter in the gas station were talking about how they'd seen a guy get DUI on a bike. I laughed along with them, and biked home to finish the evening :0

There must be something, but I'd sure as hell rather be caught drunk on a bike than in a car.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
I don't think it's illegal.

Don't the alcohol laws specify a motor vehicle?
 

mee987

Senior member
Jan 23, 2002
773
0
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for some reason i read it as "drinking, binging, at the legality of it all"

whats wierd is just about 10 minutes ago i was talking to a friend about riding bikes after a party we are going to in about an hour. i dont have a bike here, but ill let him know its not a good idea. i dont know if he'll listen to me, ive seen him ride a dirtbike in the dark with beer in hand while drunk before and he did alright.
 

HappyPuppy

Lifer
Apr 5, 2001
16,997
2
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You can be arrested just for being drunk in public. I was walking home from a bar many years ago intoxicated and minding my own business when a nice Los Angeles County Deputy Sherriff put the bracelets on me and took me to jail. It was only 4:00 in the afternoon and they didn't let me out until 9:00 the next morning. I was just walking for crying out loud. I had deliberately left my car at the bar because I didn't want to get busted.

I have no idea what the penalty is for riding a bike under the influence, but watch out.
 

johnjohn320

Diamond Member
Jan 9, 2001
7,572
2
76
Seems kind of ridiculous that you could be charged with "Driving Under the Influence" while not driving.
 

AreaCode707

Lifer
Sep 21, 2001
18,447
133
106
UC Davis is a no-car campus, and so Davis has the dubious distinction of being the "bike capital of the world" (so they claim). And the cops give out plenty of BUI's - Biking Under the Influence. They'll also ticket you for riding at night without a light and for any traffic violations.
 

tnitsuj

Diamond Member
May 22, 2003
5,446
0
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Yes you can get a DUI on a bike, scooter, go-kart, red ryder wagon, boat, etc.