Always on Father's Day: Alcohol-related accidents involving bicycles reach annual high

The accident statistics show a clear pattern: the number of road accidents under the influence of alcohol rises significantly on 14 May. The Federal Statistical Office recorded a total of 340 accidents in 2023, compared to 289 a year later. These figures are around three times higher than the daily average of fewer than 100 alcohol-related accidents. Men in particular are out and about on this public holiday with handcarts, carriages or bicycles, often consuming large quantities of alcohol.

DVW President Kirsten Lühmann appeals to the common sense of road users: "Getting on a bike while drunk sounds like a stupid idea to many, except on Father's Day. There is no other day of the year when there are so many alcohol-related accidents. So my tip: ride first, then celebrate!"

Behaviour in road traffic

Motorists should drive with increased caution on Ascension Day. Anyone approaching a group of cyclists must expect unsafe driving behaviour, sudden swerves or falls. The German Road Safety Organisation recommends significantly reducing speed. Overtaking manoeuvres should only be carried out with sufficient distance and a clear view.

Demand for new blood alcohol limit

The accident statistics only record some of the incidents. Single-vehicle accidents such as falls on bicycles are often not recorded by the police, which leads to a high number of unreported cases. Deutsche Verkehrswacht is therefore calling for a blood alcohol limit of 1.1 for bicycles and pedelecs as an offence. Currently, cyclists are only prosecuted from a blood alcohol level of 1.6, provided there are no signs of impairment. In this case, it is directly a criminal offence with correspondingly higher penalties.

Kirsten Lühmann justifies the demand: "Drunk cycling is not an offence and so many people think it's perfectly fine. We need to change that. We urgently need an alcohol limit of 1.1 per mille for cyclists."

Statistics on the subject of bicycle accidents on Father's Day:

• Alcohol-related accidents in 2023: 340 on Ascension Day
• Alcohol-related accidents in 2024: 289 on Ascension Day
• Average per day: less than 100 alcohol-related accidents
• Current blood alcohol limit for bicycles: 1.6 (criminal offence)
• Required blood alcohol limit: 1.1 (administrative offence)
• Date 2025: 14 May (Ascension Day)