At this year's Traffic Court Conference (VGT) in Goslar, a working group will be looking at the risks posed by drunk drivers of bicycles, pedelecs and e-scooters. For cyclists, the limit for absolute unfitness to drive has so far been 1.6 per mille - although scientific studies show that the ability to drive decreases significantly from around 0.8 per mille, according to the VCD transport club. 83 per cent of drunk cyclists who have an accident had at least 1.1 per mille in their blood. The VCD (Verkehrsclub Deutschland) sees a need for action here and supports the introduction of a fine for cyclists with a blood alcohol level of 1.1 per mille or more.
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At the same time, the association warns against focussing solely on cycling. "The greatest danger for cyclists still comes from car traffic," emphasises Harald Walsberg, road safety expert and VCD representative at the Traffic Court Day. In over 75 per cent of cases, car drivers are mainly to blame for accidents involving bicycles - for example due to mistakes when turning, carelessly opening car doors, turning, failing to give way or not keeping a safe distance when overtaking.
Expansion of cycle paths required
In order to permanently reduce the number of road deaths, the VCD is therefore calling for the rapid expansion of safe, comfortable and continuous cycle path networks and the introduction of 30 km/h as the standard speed limit in urban areas. According to the organisation, these measures are key to achieving Vision Zero - zero road deaths.
In addition, the VCD is in favour of the introduction of a nationwide 0.0 per mille regulation for all motorists. The existing limit of 0.5 per mille as an administrative offence in motorised traffic is not sufficient to effectively prevent accidents. Studies have shown that the risk of accidents increases measurably from 0.2 per mille. According to the VCD, novice drivers are already subject to an absolute ban on drinking and driving.
"Very few people can realistically estimate when they exceed a certain blood alcohol limit," says Harald Walsberg. "This is because the blood alcohol level depends on numerous factors, such as body weight, age and previous food intake. A 0.0 per mille regulation provides clarity and can save lives."
Thomas Musch
Publisher
