DUI and riding at night

Posted on June 29, 2011 by .
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Colorado Springs ranks consistently high in the Men’s Health survey (the only national survey I am aware of, and Colorado Springs is 16th for 2010) of drunkest cities in the U.S., so it follows that DUI is a big problem here.

This past weekend, a cyclist was struck and killed by a hit and run driver at 1:00 a.m. while coming home from work. Having commuted at night for a couple of years, it goes without saying that vigilance is paramount in this arena. As cyclists, one of the first things we think when we read these reports are: Was drinking a factor, and was the cyclist reflective and well-lit? All that is clear in this case is that drinking may have been involved.

I used to work at a bar and witnessed my share of ribaldry and late night hijinks, but never this. It is a common assumption around here (and I’m sure all over) that if someone is riding a bike to work or generally using a bike more than a car, that a license has been suspended or drinking and law enforcement were involved.

RIP, Mr. Byas, and peace and calm to your family.



See also:

  1. Chicago: Bike Winter visibility craft night
  2. San Francisco bicyclist survey
  3. Bike Glow lights product launch in Santa Cruz Tuesday night
  4. Bicycle excise tax pays for trail network


  • http://www.twitter.com/VeloBusDriver VeloBusDriver

    “It is a common assumption around here (and I’m sure all over) that if
    someone is riding a bike to work or generally using a bike more than a
    car, that a license has been suspended or drinking and law enforcement
    were involved.”

    It’s sad that the cyclist was hit and killed.  I’ve also got to say that this sentence jumped out at me.  This isn’t the first thing that jumps to mind when I see somebody on a bike and I really hope that others in this area don’t.  I’d like to think people think I’m being frugal and wise with my money – not that I’m some sort of deadbeat loser.  Ugh.

  • Biking Viking

    It really is a different world when it comes to this problem. Sadly, I know enough people to count on two hands who have served time for multiple DUI – used to work in a bar, and it kinda comes with the territory when that much drinking is happening at such a high frequency.

  • http://www.cyclelicio.us/ Cyclelicious

    I have a theory that a desire to avoid this ‘loser’ stereotype drives a lot
    of the cycling-as-sport image many of us participate in (including Yours
    Truly)

    Sent from my Googaw

  • Biking Viking

    I was going to mention that, while I really could care less about what others think around here, I ride like I’m supposed to be on the road. I was once asked the question while stopped at a red light. The lady was polite, but nosy and I was in full kit. I responded curtly, “Do I LOOK like I might’ve done this before?”

  • Siouxgeonz

    So wretchedly sad. Makes me want to just stick giant globs of chewing gum all over the road to slow people down.

  • Siouxgeonz

    So wretchedly sad. Makes me want to just stick giant globs of chewing gum all over the road to slow people down.

  • Siouxgeonz

    So wretchedly sad. Makes me want to just stick giant globs of chewing gum all over the road to slow people down.

  • Siouxgeonz

    Naw, it is an assumption many drivers make.   We get classified as “snooty spandexers” or … losers of the wastrel class. It doesn’t happen as much in this town ’cause it’s a college town and *lots* of people ride (we got listed as #14 in the nation for percentage riding as transportation in The Atlantic).

  • Siouxgeonz

    Naw, it is an assumption many drivers make.   We get classified as “snooty spandexers” or … losers of the wastrel class. It doesn’t happen as much in this town ’cause it’s a college town and *lots* of people ride (we got listed as #14 in the nation for percentage riding as transportation in The Atlantic).

  • Siouxgeonz

    Naw, it is an assumption many drivers make.   We get classified as “snooty spandexers” or … losers of the wastrel class. It doesn’t happen as much in this town ’cause it’s a college town and *lots* of people ride (we got listed as #14 in the nation for percentage riding as transportation in The Atlantic).

  • http://shop.ladiesplus.info/reflective-night-riding.cfm Reflective Night Riding

    [...] DUI and riding at night » Cyclelicious As cyclists, one of the first things we think when we read these reports are: Was drinking a factor, and was the cyclist reflective and well-lit? All that is clear in this case is that drinking may have been involved. I used to work at a bar and witnessed my share of ribaldry and late night hijinks, but never this. It is a common assumption around here (and I'm sure all over) that if someone is riding a bike to work or generally using a bike more than a [...]