Wichita officials consider drunken biking measure

Wichita city officials are moving ahead with a plan that would separate drunken bicycling from local laws on driving a car under the influence and make drunken bicycling a misdemeanor.

The proposed ordinance would make riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The Wichita Eagle reports (http://j.mp/29vwHTG) city code currently bans operating any vehicle under the influence but makes no distinction between those powered by motors and those powered with pedals. The proposal makes drunken bicycling a different crime than driving a car under the influence.

Assistant City Attorney Jan Jarman says she plans to meet with stakeholders before bringing a revised proposal to the board and the City Council.


Information from: The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle, http://www.kansas.com.