Drinking or Using Drugs While on the Road

Your friend answered three easy questions about your habits as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist. Now they want to give you three clutch tips for staying safe on the road! Read this lil’ personal guide on avoiding using alcohol or drugs while on your bike.

1) Use a designated driver (DD).

It’s pretty simple -- have someone commit to DD before you even go out. If you’re out on your bike and meet up with them, maybe your bike can fit in their vehicle. Or maybe you leave your bike at their place, hop a ride, and pick it up the next morning.

2) Use a rideshare service.

Download an app like Lyft or Uber, which most have options for larger vehicles that can fit a bike. Deep cut: There’s an episode in The Office where Jim is drunk and Karen puts his bike her in her SUV and drives him home. Do that. (P.S. We all love Pam, but wasn’t Karen so underrated?)

3) Ditch your bike.

If you’re intoxicated, high, or drowsy, lock up your bike, and walk or catch a ride home. Seems risky, but not as risky as drunk riding. Unrelated: Jim was kind of a bad boyfriend before he ended up with Pam.

Those struggling with substance abuse should contact the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD): 1 (800) NCA-CALL (622-2255).