Bicycling and Drinking

Due in part to the rising price of gasoline, bicycles are gaining popularity. This is especially the case in urban areas, which, typically, tend to be places with vibrant bar scenes. This means that there is ample opportunity for people to make a fundamental mistake. Instead of picking a designated driver, hiring a cab, or taking a bus, many people choose to ride a bicycle downtown for a drink.

Like drinking and driving, cyclists that imbibe before pedaling home are putting themselves and others on the road at tremendous risk. The risk to others may not seem apparent, but bicycles must share the road with other vehicles. A drunk cyclist might make mistakes like not turning on his or her lights or bike erratically. If a motorist doesn’t see the bicycle, he or she might be forced to maneuver dangerously, either into traffic or off of the road.

It also seems that cyclists are inclined to regard their alcohol limit more liberally than if they were going to end the night behind the wheel. While someone cycling home after the bars may think he or she is less of a danger to others, that is not necessarily the case. Furthermore, the danger of crashing or being hit by a car while drunk on a bike is much greater than if the cyclist were sober. This is because intoxication leads to impairment and slower reaction times, making it more difficult to react to dangerous situations.

If you are caught cycling and biking, you are navigating a vehicle, and this potentially subjects you to the the penalties of driving while intoxicated. Don’t make a bad decision and get saddled with a DWI. But if you’re arrested, don’t despair, call 214-457-1668 to speak with the Dallas DWI attorney Mark T. Lassiter.