Cyclist convicted of cycling under the influence after collision with scooter rider

A cyclist was sentenced this week to a conditional fine of 250 euros for cycling under the influence of narcotics. He was in court because of a collision with a scooter rider in the summer of 2022.

The public prosecutor found that the accident was the cyclist’s fault. While driving on the Abcouderpad in Zuidoost, he allegedly suddenly steered to the left to turn and did not extend his hand. The driver of the moped was just overtaking him and therefore collided with him. The accident left the scooter rider with fractures in his jaw, eye socket and phalanx.

After the collision, the cyclist told an officer that he was indeed turning left. He came back to that later. During the hearing he said that he swerved a little to the left, but wanted to go straight ahead. The earlier statement cannot be used as evidence because the officer did not tell him that he did not have to answer and had the right to an attorney. The court therefore does not believe that he can be convicted for dangerous behavior that led to a traffic accident.

After the accident, he cooperated with a saliva test and a blood test. It showed that he had used cocaine and cannabis. According to the court, this is reason for a conviction. Yet he only has to pay the fine of 250 euros if he makes the mistake again. This is partly because the accident took place almost two years ago and the cyclist has not come into contact with the police since then.