Denver is a thriving town with a large cyclist community. While biking can be a great way to get around the city, you still have to be mindful of certain laws, including DUI laws. Yes, you can still be pulled over and arrested for bicycling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What Happens If I Get Pulled Over?
If you are found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit while riding your bicycle in Colorado, you can be criminally charged. So what is the legal limit?
Under Colorado law, any rider with a BAC between .05% and .08% is considered to be impaired in their ability to operate a bicycle. When the rider’s BAC is above .08%, it is considered riding under the influence. This can result in being charged with a misdemeanor if it is a first offense.
Bicyclists are treated as motorists on the road, which means the same laws apply to them. Simply put, if you are riding a bike, make sure you ride responsibly.
What About Marijuana?
As marijuana has become legalized in Colorado, many who use it wonder what regulations they need to follow. There have been several studies indicating that bicycling while “stoned” isn’t as inherently dangerous as bicycling while under the influence of alcohol is.
While there aren’t any specific laws regarding marijuana use and riding a bicycle, DUI laws do indicate that any person operating a “vehicle,” or bike, while under the influence of alcohol or any other substance can be charged.
Though law enforcement is typically focused on intoxicated or stoned drivers (as they are much more dangerous), as the state continues to crack down on safe cycling, it is important to know what you can and cannot do while cycling around Denver.
If you have been charged or arrested for bicycle DUI, contact Orr Law Firm for trusted counsel. Our Denver DUI lawyers are ready to defend you.