Dubai: A bicycle is considered, according to the UAE's traffic law, a means of transportation. If you ride it under the influence of alcohol you will be jailed.
This is what happened to a 24-year-old mechanic after the Dubai Traffic Court of First Instance jailed him for a month for riding a bicycle recklessly and under the influence of alcohol.
"According to the traffic law, a bicycle is considered a means of transportation; just like a motorcycle or any sort of vehicle," Chief Traffic Prosecutor Salah Bu Farousha, Head of Traffic Public Prosecution, told Gulf News.
"The suspect rode his bicycle under the influence of liquor. He lost control and hit a sports utility vehicle," he said.
"The vehicle's mirror was broken and the side door was slightly damaged. We charged the suspect with inattentive driving, drinking and riding a bicycle under the influence alcohol."
According to the charge sheet, the intoxicated man drove recklessly and caused an accident in the Jumeirah 1 area.
Medical tests confirmed that the suspect had alcohol in his blood, the court heard.
"We warn individuals that riding bicycles or motorcycles under the influence of liquor is punishable by law," Bu Farousha said.
When the defendant appeared in court, he pleaded guilty and asked the court for leniency.
