Please Use Bike Share, Just Don't Ride Home from the Bar

Cheaper than a cab and more appealing than waiting for a train, Citi Bike has become a popular means of late night travel for New Yorkers. The Times finds the need to point out to overly enthusiastic users that biking while drunk isn't exactly legal.

1 minute read

August 25, 2013, 9:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


New York Cycling

The Bike Fed / Flickr

"Citi Bike, the city’s newest form of public transportation, is colliding with one of the city’s favorite pastimes: bar hopping," observes Sheila Marikar. "While ridership peaks during the day (for commuting to work, running errands and sightseeing), some New Yorkers are beginning to see it as a convenient way to explore the city’s night life, despite the obvious pitfalls of getting behind those handlebars after a drink or two."

"But is it illegal? Technically, no. While cycling under the influence is not explicitly against the law in New York City, a drunk rider can be charged with disorderly conduct or reckless endangerment, just as a pedestrian can. The program’s user agreement prohibits riding 'under the influence of any alcohol, drugs, medication or other substance,' but no one’s handing out breath testers at docking stations."

Wednesday, August 21, 2013 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog