• 29
  • November
    2010

In general, the majority of our DUI/DWAI-related blog posts focus on more common offenses in Colorado news, including DUI first offense and felony DUI. However, today's post will examine a DUI-related offense that is far less common: driving a bike under the influence.

Earlier this month, a 19-year-old student at the University of Colorado was arrested for driving her bicycle down a busy thoroughfare while intoxicated, eventually admitting to arresting officers "I shouldn't ride my bike home, I'm too drunk."

According to reports, late in the evening of Saturday, November 13, a Boulder police officer saw a young woman bike her way northbound through the red light at a busy intersection. Fortunately, the driver of an automobile headed westbound saw the young woman and stopped to let her pass.

However, the young woman was unable to navigate around the stopped automobile and crashed into it. Shortly thereafter, she pushed herself off the hood of the automobile and continued down the street until crashing into the median on two separate occasions.

After the young woman crashed for a second time, the officer engaged their flashing lights and pulled her over. She subsequently failed a series of roadside tests and admitted to having had several drinks that evening. In addition, her blood alcohol content (BAC) was measured at .215, over twice the legal limit in Colorado.

The officer subsequently placed the young woman under arrest for suspicion of driving a bicycle under the influence and riding a bicycle in a careless manner.

Surprisingly, the number of cyclists arrested in Boulder for driving under the influence is steadily rising. In 2010, there have been five arrests. (In 2009, there were five DUI arrests while in 2008 there were three arrests and in 2007 only one arrest.)

Stay tuned for further developments from our Denver DUI/DWAI blog ...

Whether you have been arrested and charged with a DUI first offense or felony DUI, it is imperative to consider speaking with an experienced Colorado attorney. Your rights and your future may be at stake.

This post is provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Related Resources:

Cyclist Gets DUI Ticket After Unsteady Ride Through Major Boulder Intersection (The Daily Camera)