Don't pedal home drunk, says IAM

It's a common misconception that if you're planning on drinking more than the driving limit you can take a bike and pedal home.

If you're planning to have a few drinks at a barbeque this summer don't cycle home, warns the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).

Although drink-driving is socially unacceptable, many people wouldn't think twice
about cycling home after consuming more than the legal blood-alcohol limit for
driving.

Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research said: "Cycling crashes are
underreported, and we need more research into hospital-based records to see how big this problem really is. A lot of cyclists that fall off under the influence just go
to A&E, meaning the police never record the incident.

"Many people will have a bit of a wobble on the way home, but while you may be of less risk to other road users than when in a car, you could easily fall into a
dangerous situation or cause someone else to swerve and crash to avoid you. If your cycling does result in a collision you are likely to come off worse.

"It is often the case that people who have had a couple of extra drinks will be
cycling home in the dark, increasing the danger involved."

Drink-cycling can also cost you financially. Anyone riding a cycle under the
influence of drink (or drugs) to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper
control of it on either a road or other public place, can be fined up to £1,000.

So if you're planning to use any public right-of-way with excessive levels of
alcohol in your body this summer, then you are better off in a cab, or getting a
lift.  Without saying as much, the IAM is also warning cyclists that any preferential treatment they think they might get after a conflict with a car goes out of the window if they are found to be drunk in charge of a set of handlebars. And quite rightly too.