Wierd Bicycle laws

**Nomoreengland** · 03-09-2010, 01:34 AM

The other day I decided to buy a cheap mountain bike from K-mart to get around on. When buying the bike the shop assistant said to me "do you want to buy a helmet"? I said no as I never wear them, and he was going on about its against the law not to and you get fined if caught??

Whilst I can see it is safer to wear one, I now look ridicolous riding round my cheap mountain bike with one of these stupid looking helmets - at the end of the day I only pop the shop or the pub to save a taxi on it.

ALSO, I was having a few beers down the pub last night and as I was about to leave, one of the bar staff said to me that I was over the limit and I should leave my bike and collect it in the morning. I thought he was joking at first, but he reckons police over here in South Australia breathalise people on bicycles??!! Whilst I would NEVER drive a car whilst drinking, surely if I pop home on my bike (keeping to the pavement) then Im causing no harm? If I really have to wear a helmet AND cant ride my bike after a few swift beers then I think its a little far fetched dont you?

**joolz** · 03-09-2010, 01:50 AM

I know what you are saying re: looking daft in the helmet...we never had them in the UK but we are going to get them here as we noticed everyone wears them, so we will all look like prats lol!!!

I think that even in the UK you can get done for riding a bike drunk...I'm sure I've heard that somewhere...if you think about it you are a danger to other traffic if your all over the place:oon your push bike...

**The Dimmocks** · 03-09-2010, 01:57 AM

You not having much luck, in your short time in SA you have had a few disagreements with one person or another. Hows your garden doing with all this rainy weather? :D

**Nomoreengland** · 03-09-2010, 02:26 AM

Joozl - when I ride my bike after a few too many I always stick to the pavement so its safe. Ive never come across anyone being breathalised on a bicyle in England before.

Dimmocks - thanks for your interest in my garden. Yes, its pretty drenched thanks.

**Tyke** · 03-09-2010, 02:29 AM

Both are good laws.

You know how dangerous it is on the roads for cyclists.
Think of your family man if not yourself!

Yep - over the limit and you become a danger not only to yourself but others -selfish again.

**Tina** · 03-09-2010, 02:36 AM

is it legal to ride on the pavement if there are cycle lanes on that stretch of road?, if so, i would prefer to use the pavements instead of risking these roads sometimes...

plus i heard you can actually lose your driving license if found to be drunk in the charge of a bicycle... madness..don't know if that is true or how many times you have to get caught though.. bit harsh i thought......we thought about doing a wine tour on bikes and using the cycle lanes (the ones away from roads).. but thought against it in case we get caught a bit tipsy...

but i do agree with the helmet.. it may look stupid but it could save your life...and if everyone wears them then you all look stupid...

**Rachiegarlo** · 03-09-2010, 02:46 AM

helmet laws have been in place for 20 odd years here, in that time death from brain injury to bike riders has dropped significantly, especially for kids. It is illegal to ride on the pavement if you are over 12 but police will nearly always turn a blind eye unless you are being a nuisance.

**joolz** · 03-09-2010, 03:14 AM

Originally Posted by Nomoreengland

Joozl - when I ride my bike after a few too many I always stick to the pavement so its safe. Ive never come across anyone being breathalised on a bicyle in England before.

Dimmocks - thanks for your interest in my garden. Yes, its pretty drenched thanks.

Just looked it up on http://www.camdencyclist.org.uk under Drinking and Cycling, you won't be breathalised but you can be fined in the UK...

Even on the path you could still have a accident with a car coming off a driveway or a pedestrian...these laws are only made to protect you.

**Diane** · 03-09-2010, 03:40 AM

LOL you're all giving this sad person the attention he's seeking!

**Diane** · 03-09-2010, 03:42 AM

Originally Posted by Tina

is it legal to ride on the pavement if there are cycle lanes on that stretch of road?, if so, i would prefer to use the pavements instead of risking these roads sometimes....

No it's not, unless you're under 12, as I'm sure the OP realises totally which is why he/she mentioned it!