The Netherlands is recognised as one of the EU countries with the largest number of regular cyclists thanks to the often flat terrain and a wish to protect the environment.
It would therefore not be unreasonable to assume that the Dutch cyclists are law abiding and anxious to ensure that they behave in a proper manner.
Many Dutch cyclists ride whilst drunk according to survey
A recent survey by Dutch insurance company Univé however suggests that this is far from the truth and according to the results, more than 50 per cent of cyclists are believed to have ridden their bikes whilst under the influence of alcohol.
What is even more surprising is that 25 per cent of those who responded indicated that cycling whilst drunk is quite normal and acceptable which argues with both logic and fact.
Many Dutch cyclists ride whilst drunk and this adds to number of head injuries sustained
Picking up on this survey, Dutch newspaper the Telegraf revealed that in 2023 it was estimated that around 2,000 Dutch cyclists had suffered some form of brain injury as a result of a fall when drunk, twice as many when compared to statistics from 10 years ago.
The 2024 figures are not yet available but it is anticipated by NVSHA (the association of emergency doctors) that this figure will at least remain the same, if not increase due to the fact that bike riders do not always wear helmets and can fall at higher speeds thanks to the rising popularity of e-bikes and so called ‘fat bikes’ with the face and head being the most vulnerable parts of the body.
The fact that it is illegal to ride a bicycle whilst drunk is either not understood by many cyclists in The Netherlands or is simply ignored on the basis of ‘it won’t happen to me’ but if caught, a cyclist breaking the law would be liable to a fine and a police record.
Whilst it is recognised that accidents caused by drunk cyclists are less likely to be as catastrophic as those who are drunk in charge of a motor vehicle, the fact is that it is far safer to catch public transport or a taxi if as a cyclist you have been drinking alcohol.