Don’t drink and cycle, warns IAM

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has warned against the dangers of drinking and cycling during this ‘barbeque summer’.

The IAM says that many people are not aware of the dangers of cycling 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 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.”

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.

For more information contact the IAM Press Office on 020 8996 9777