Traffic laws that apply to motorosts are also

Lieutenant Donnie Brown of the Kent City Police said that the traffic laws that apply to motorists also apply to bicyclists, including speeding and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Some bicyclists decide to take their bikes out, drink, then ride their bikes home.

Travis Sessions, senior accounting major, said he will take his bike out and have a few drinks, but in strict moderation.

“It is important that you do not become too inebriated and try to ride,” Sessions said. “It will impair your vision and motor control, and when you are so vulnerable, you need those to stay safe.”

Brown said being drunk on a bike is worse than operating a car under the influence because if an accident were to happen, the biker is always going to be hurt.

“Some people end up having more drinks than they should,” Brown said. “I would definitely advise walking the bike home, or keeping it locked downtown and come back to get it at a different time.”

Brown said drivers should follow this policy with their vehicles, leaving their cars downtown and walking or getting a safe ride home.

Brown said there has been a noticeable increase in bike riders, but he has noticed no increase in enforcement or bike-related accidents in Kent.

Contact features reporter Darren D’Altorio at [email protected].