Groups of cyclists, under the influence of alcohol, experience falls with no external interference
In the city of Ingolstadt, Germany, two cyclists found themselves in trouble with the law following separate incidents involving alcohol consumption. Both incidents occurred on different days and in different locations, but both cyclists hailed from the same city.
Last Friday afternoon, a 63-year-old man from Ingolstadt fell off his bicycle in Mailing at approximately 4:30 PM. The fall occurred without any external influence, as the man simply lost his balance. Despite the accident being relatively minor, the man was transported to a hospital by ambulance for a check-up. Blood samples were taken to determine his blood alcohol level, which was found to be within legal limits.
The following day, a 39-year-old woman from Ingolstadt had a more serious accident. She fell off her bicycle in Theodor-Heuss-Straße on Saturday morning at approximately 4:45 AM. The woman was riding her bicycle in the wrong direction on the bike path, which may have contributed to the accident. She was also transported to a hospital by ambulance and received light injuries. Her blood alcohol level was found to be around 1.6, which is significantly above the legal limit for cyclists in Germany.
Both cyclists are expected to face charges of driving under the influence, although the specific regulations differ somewhat from those for motor vehicle drivers. In Germany, cycling under the influence can lead to penalties if it causes noticeable unsafe behavior or a traffic accident. At a BAC of 1.6 per mille or above, cyclists are presumed to be severely intoxicated, which can trigger a medical-psychological assessment and potentially lead to the revocation of a driving license.
The Ingolstadt Police Department is involved in both cases, and the incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible cycling. Cycling is included in Germany's broader road safety policies that emphasize prevention and safety for all road users, including active mobility modes like bicycles. It is crucial for cyclists to remember that the roads are shared by many users, and safety should always be a priority.
[1] German Road Traffic Regulations [2] E-scooter Regulations in Germany [3] Cycling in Germany [4] Alcohol and Cycling [5] Road Safety in Germany
