KZN Transport Dept issues warning about drunk cycling

Drunk cycling in the spotlight as authorities clarify that riding under the influence is a criminal offence.

A man riding a bicycle was arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) at the weekend after police detected alcohol in his system through a breathalyser.

The Department of Transport is reminding road users that cyclists are also subject to the same laws as motorists.

Drink and cycle and you could end up in handcuffs.

KZN’s Department of Transport said officials acted within the law — under the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996,  which defines a vehicle to include a bicycle and prohibits any person from operating it while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This means cyclists can be stopped, breathalysed and face arrest — just like motorists, if they are found to be impaired on public roads.

KZN transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya: "A total of 5,689 motorists have been arrested since 15 August 2025. They were removed from our road networks before they could kill innocent people and in the process create orphans and widows."

Sibiya says the message is clear, whether you’re behind the wheel or on two pedals — intoxicated road use puts lives at risk and will be dealt with.