Do the same alcohol limits apply to cyclists as to car or motorcycle drivers? And what are the consequences if I ride a bike while drunk?
H. Sipic, Ostermundigen BE
Alcohol is involved in about 19 percent of serious self-occurring single-vehicle accidents on a bicycle or e-bike. Alcohol reduces alertness and responsiveness, and also impairs the sense of balance. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 per thousand or higher threatens a fine, excluding the direct consequences of the accident and any insurance deductions. The limit value is therefore the same as driving a car or motorcycle.
0.8 per mile is gross negligence, and authorities may ban cycling. Even a motor vehicle license can be revoked if there is alcoholism. However, cyclists are treated less harshly when assessing the penalty because they primarily put themselves in danger.
threat of withdrawal
The consequences are more severe for fast e-bike riders, i.e. those using pedal assist up to 45 km/h. These e-bikes are considered motor vehicles and can only be used with permission. This can be reversed for a few months if the e-bike rider’s blood alcohol content is found to be 0.8 or more. More tips and tricks on cycling can be found at pro-velo.ch.