Wierd Bicycle laws

**Northern Mick** · 03-09-2010, 03:49 AM

come on guys, you know this is a wind up right?

Although to be honest the OP of these s**t stirring posts always brings up subjects that can raise a worthwhile discussion!

**ShouldIStayOrShouldIGo** · 03-09-2010, 04:01 AM

Winding up or otherwise, if you do ride a bicycle its probably best to be aware of your responsibilities and the following guide is helpful http://www.sa.gov.au/upload/franchis...klet__web_.pdf and by the way

It is both dangerous and against the law to
ride a bicycle or any other vehicle, ‘under the
influence’ of intoxicating liquor or a drug. This
is a criminal offence, and upon conviction
you will be fined and will consequently have a
criminal record. You will also lose six demerit
points from your driver’s licence or learner’s
permit, potentially losing your licence. If you
do not hold a driver’s licence you will still incur
demerit points which can prohibit you from
obtaining a licence in the future.

You can be fined or convicted for driving under the influence
regardless of whether you are over or under the 0.05 blood
alcohol concentration level. This is particularly the case if you are
so affected by any amount of intoxicating liquor or a drug that you

are incapable of exercising effective control of your bicycle.

**salvadordillon** · 03-09-2010, 04:41 AM

Just thought I could let you know that being a very keen mountain biker in the UK, that I also had never worn a cycle helmet & considered myself to macho to do so & would look a prize dick head if I did, until I decide with my 4 other friends to cycle the London Bridge ride (TEAM SPINNING)for the stroke association, we ended up cycling 41 miles that day or 65km, & was recommended by my fellow riders to wear a cycle helmet as this was quite a dangerous ride to under take, so I did as it turns out we complected our ride in the British summer of 32 degrees, raising £1,250.00 for the charity & with out a shadow of doubt that the cycle helmet saved me from getting heat stroke, it actually creates air flow over your head keeping you cool, so in the S.A summer I think this is a great piece of equipment.

**ratters2005** · 03-09-2010, 05:18 AM

go and spend a day in the head injury clinic and see if wearing a helmet is not a good idea..
If that's all you have to moan about... I can see where we get the label from..

**Tyke** · 03-09-2010, 06:15 AM

Perhaps we should ask the OP what they actually like about Adelaide, it must be a much shorter list!!

**Nomoreengland** · 03-09-2010, 07:35 AM

Like I said, I only use my bicycle to get to the local shop (2 mins away) and the pub (approx 1000 yards) and I stick to the pavement so Im not sure its too dangerous if I dont wear a helmet. You could argue that any joggers running on the pavement are also at the same risk of falling over or being mowed over by a car- should they too have to wear a helmet?

Also, my main gripe is the fact that you can apparently get breathalised on a bicycle? I always thought I was being a good citizen back in the UK by riding my Bicycle home on the pavement late at night from the pub rather than using my car (which I never wold do).

Tyke- yes there are positive things about Adelaide im sure. Ive only been here about 4 weeks so all Im simply doing is trying to understand different laws in South Australia. Im just simply trying to understand the differents laws/rules over here and just because ive migrated here I dont have to like all of them.
gl

**katsmajic** · 03-09-2010, 07:56 AM

Did you know your not allowed to ride a horse under the influence either!?

I got breatho'd on a boxing day morning whilst out on a hack, in uk about 15yrs ago.

My 'strange' uncle has been fined for riding a bike under the influence - they pulled him for riding on the pavement, then breatho'd him....about 12 yrs ago in uk....

I love the law that says you have to wear a helmet - my kids cant argue the fact here that it messes their hair/not cool etc...

**jimmyskinner** · 03-09-2010, 08:07 AM

Another wind up ???

**monty9110** · 03-09-2010, 08:19 AM

Just to clarify an answer to the original question:

You MUST wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. A child under the age of 12 must wear a helmet, if they don't the parents may be liable to a fine.

You are NOT allowed to ride on the footpath, this may incur a fine. Unless under 12 and/or supervising a child under 12.

You are not allowed to ride across a pedestrian crossing, again may incur a fine.

Exactly the same as in the UK, you can be prosecuted for being drunk in charge of a pedal cycle.

I think the laws over here are quite fair in regard to cyclist's really, doesn't it annoy you when a cyclist on the road, suddenly mounts the footpath, goes around the red light then rejoins the roadway!!

Also, you must have a bell or warning device attached to your bike, and a light attached back and front when cycling at night.

Hope this answers the question.

**tina&steve** · 03-09-2010, 09:13 AM

you cannot be breathalised for riding a bicycle but you can be done for driving under the influence. This is done on the observations of the police officer and not by a breathaliser. breathalisers are for motor vehicles. you can be done for P.C.A (perscribed content of alcohol) and D.U.I (drive under the influence) in a car!