Travellers warned about cycling drunk
The Austrian Automobile Association (ÖAMTC) has warned that those who might be tempted to cycle home after a few glasses of wine on a warm summer evening - whether at home or abroad - could incur hefty fines.
The ÖAMTC reminded holidaymakers that the permitted alcohol limit can vary widely from country to country - from 0.0 millilitres in the Czech Republic, up to 1.6 millilitres in Germany.
For those cycling in Austria, the limit is 0.8 millilitres - the second highest tolerance level in Europe behind Germany.
"If you are caught with a higher blood alcohol level, you can expect a fine of €800," said Maria Renner from the ÖAMTC.
In Italy, France, Croatia, Switzerland and the Netherlands, the limit for cyclists is 0.5 millilitres. Fines vary from country to country - from €65 in Croatia, to at least €500 in Italy.
Renner cautioned that even in countries where there is no legal limit, tourists should still avoid drinking and cycling.
In the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden cycling is prohibited as soon as the rider is deemed to have “lost control of their bike”.
Drunk cyclists caught in Ireland can face a fine of up to €2,000, for example.
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The ÖAMTC reminded holidaymakers that the permitted alcohol limit can vary widely from country to country - from 0.0 millilitres in the Czech Republic, up to 1.6 millilitres in Germany.
For those cycling in Austria, the limit is 0.8 millilitres - the second highest tolerance level in Europe behind Germany.
"If you are caught with a higher blood alcohol level, you can expect a fine of €800," said Maria Renner from the ÖAMTC.
In Italy, France, Croatia, Switzerland and the Netherlands, the limit for cyclists is 0.5 millilitres. Fines vary from country to country - from €65 in Croatia, to at least €500 in Italy.
Renner cautioned that even in countries where there is no legal limit, tourists should still avoid drinking and cycling.
In the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden cycling is prohibited as soon as the rider is deemed to have “lost control of their bike”.
Drunk cyclists caught in Ireland can face a fine of up to €2,000, for example.
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