讀後心得

In Taipei City, the number of DUI cases involving slow vehicles surged to 507 last year, nearly tripling compared to the year before. Among these, 33 cases were sent for prosecution due to public endangerment. Council members pointed out that many people mistakenly believe that riding a bicycle does not count as DUI, which can actually lead to serious accidents and has become a new issue for traffic safety. The Transportation Bureau emphasized that fines for DUI on slow vehicles can reach up to 2400 TWD, while those who refuse breath tests will face a fine of 4800 TWD, and they will strengthen the promotion of related knowledge to reduce violations.

Last year, the number of cases of drunk cycling in Taipei City surged to 507, nearly tripling from the previous year, with 33 cases referred for prosecution under the crime of public endangerment. Many citizens believe that riding a bicycle does not count as drunk driving, raising concerns among council members who believe that although the speed of slow vehicles seems safe, it can still lead to serious traffic accidents, becoming a new hidden danger to traffic safety.

The Transportation Bureau pointed out that drunk cycling not only faces fines of up to NT$2,400 but may also lead to legal penalties due to violations of public endangerment laws. If a YouBike user is caught drunk cycling, their membership will be suspended for two years in accordance with the membership terms, and related advocacy efforts will be further strengthened.

Regarding the increase in cases of drunk cycling, the Taipei City Traffic Police analyzed several reasons: Since 2022, penalties for drunk driving have been intensified, leading some individuals to switch to cycling to evade penalties; moreover, in 2022, the central government issued regulations regarding electric bicycles, and due to a two-year grace period, last year the police increased enforcement against related violations, causing many drunk drivers to switch to electric bicycles to escape harsher penalties associated with motorcycle drunk driving; finally, with the end of the pandemic in 2023, opportunities for gatherings and socializing for citizens have also increased.

According to data presented by Taipei City councilors, the number of drunk cycling cases was only 129 in 2023, but surged to 507 in 2024, an increase of approximately 2.93 times, with 33 cases already referred for legal action under public endangerment laws. Council members believe that drunk cycling is gradually becoming a new hidden danger to urban traffic safety, reflecting a lack of public awareness and highlighting significant blind spots in enforcement and advocacy, suggesting that intensified advocacy should focus on high-risk periods and hotspots, and even install advocacy slogans at YouBike stations.

Data from Chiao Tung University indicates that if caught drunk cycling, individuals will be fined between NT$1,200 and NT$2,400 in accordance with the Road Traffic Management Penalty Regulations and will be required to stop driving on the spot; those who refuse breathalyzer tests will face a fine of NT$4,800. Particularly, riding electric-assisted bicycles or micro electric two-wheelers may result in charges of public endangerment.

The Director of the Taipei City Transportation Bureau stated that many people mistakenly believe that riding a bicycle does not count as drunk driving, and emphasized that enforcement is the most effective means of education. The Transportation Bureau and related agencies will continue to promote the concept of "No driving before, during, or after drinking." Drunk users of YouBike will be suspended for two years according to membership terms; the Bureau will also promote through CMS content management systems, rolling banners, and press releases.

[Reminder: Drunk driving is prohibited; excessive drinking is harmful to health]