KZN Transport Department cracks down on drunk cyclists
Can you get arrested for cycling under the influence? Apparently... yes.
If you thought “drinking and driving” only applied to people behind a steering wheel, there’s a cyclist who just learned the hard way that the law does not discriminate between four wheels and two.
Over the weekend in Estcourt, a roadblock turned into a bit of a plot twist when authorities stopped a bicycle rider and gave him a breathalyser test.
Yes, a bicycle. No engine, no airbags, but apparently still very much part of the law.
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Can you get arrested for drunk cycling?
Short answer: Yes.
According to KZN Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma, riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol is illegal.
So even if your “vehicle” runs on leg day and vibes, the rules still apply.
Authorities made it clear that:
- Cyclists on public roads can be breathalysed
- If you’re over the legal alcohol limit, you can be arrested
- “But I’m not even driving a car” is not a valid defence
Basically, if it moves on the road and you’re controlling it, congrats, you’re playing by road rules.
Big weekend for roadblocks
The cyclist wasn’t alone in meeting the long arm of the law.
A total of 68 motorists were arrested in Estcourt, with another 120 arrests linked to the #NenzaniLaEzweni operation.
"We are fixing the country. Duma has revealed that 120 motorists who were arrested over the weekend are appearing in court today for drunk driving," the department shared in a Facebook post.
Among those arrested were taxi drivers, nurses, a "house husband", an Eskom technician and even a Gauteng Meto Police officer as well as a mayor's bodyguard.
That’s a lot of people who probably woke up the next morning wishing they had just called a ride.
The Road Traffic Inspectorate confirmed that their actions were guided by the National Road Traffic Act.
In other words, this wasn’t a random “let’s test the cyclist for fun” moment; this is actual law being enforced.
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Tips to keep in mind
It’s simple:
- If you’re on the road, act like it
- Alcohol plus any kind of vehicle is a bad combo
- Even your bicycle isn’t a legal loophole
Nothing ruins a good night faster than explaining to your friends: “Guys… I didn’t crash… I got arrested… on a bicycle.”
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