‘Drink and cycle’ tragedy warning for Sidmouth

RESIDENTS in Sidmouth and Ottery have been warned not to ‘drink and cycle’ to ensure summer fun doesn’t end in tragedy.

Townsfolk planning to drink alcohol at barbeques have been urged not to cycle home by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

“Although drink-driving is socially unacceptable, many people wouldn’t think twice about cycling home after consuming more than the legal blood-alcohol limit for driving,” said Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research.

“Cycling crashes are under reported. A lot of cyclists that fall off under the influence just go to hospital, meaning the police never record the incident.

“While you may be of less risk to other road users than when in a car, you could easily fall into a dangerous situation or cause someone else to swerve and crash to avoid you. If your cycling does result in a collision you are likely to come off worse.”

Anyone riding a bicycle under the influence of drink could be fined up to �1,000.