The man was spotted by district police officers after 9 p.m. while riding a bicycle along one of the town’s streets. The way he was riding aroused the officers’ suspicions. After stopping him for inspection and checking his sobriety, it turned out that the 45-year-old was completely drunk. A breathalyzer test showed nearly 4 promille of alcohol in his system.
The 45-year-old’s irresponsible behavior could have ended in tragedy. At this time of year, when darkness falls quickly and road conditions are difficult—especially in autumn, when visibility is limited—every intoxicated road user poses a huge danger, not only to themselves but also to other road users.
We appeal to you!!! Autumn is a time of limited visibility—stay sober and visible on the road!
Reminder!
Since January 1, 2022, riding a bicycle after consuming alcohol—that is, with between 0.2 and 0.5 promille in the exhaled air—is punishable by a PLN 1,000 fine. Riding a bicycle while intoxicated—above 0.5 promille—is punishable by a PLN 2,500 fine.
The court may also impose a ban on operating non-motor vehicles for a period of between 6 months and 3 years. If, during the period of a court-ordered ban on cycling, a cyclist gets back on a bicycle, they may face 3 years in prison. It does not matter whether they are drunk or sober.
When using a bicycle, we should also make sure that it is in good technical condition. A bicycle should have properly functioning brakes and appropriate equipment; proper lighting is particularly important. In addition, although it is not mandatory, every cyclist should wear a protective helmet, because even an apparently harmless fall from a bicycle can have tragic consequences.