Can a cyclist lose their driving licence?

Drunken cycling?

While stepping away from one's car while under the influence is a decision to be applauded, cycling is not the best solution to travel quandaries on a night out. Cycling whilst drunk could not only put your health at risk, but also your driving licence.

If police were to catch a person cycling whilst under the influence of alcohol, the person can lose points in the same way as if they were caught driving whilst drunk. Depending on the alcohol levels on a breathalyser test, an offender could even have their driver's licence confiscated.

This is due to the wording found in Luxembourg's Highway Code, which refers to the "driver of a vehicle" in general. There is no distinction made between motorised vehicles or vehicles without engines. Another article in the Highway Code states that driving bans can apply to cyclists, although it is purely theoretical.

The Grand Ducal police say the law is likely to be changed on the subject, with amendments on the way.

In summary, it's true to say one could lose their driver's licence for infractions committed while cycling.

However, there is a certain paradox meaning that a person who lost their driving licence while cycling would still be permitted to continue cycling, as no licence is required to ride a bike.

Are there speed limits when cycling?

By law, cyclists must adhere to speed limits on roads. As such, it is feasible for cyclists to commit speeding infractions, for example, travelling at 50 km/h in a 20 km/h zone. 
The Highway Code once again does not differentiate between motorised and non-motorised vehicles on this point.

Speed cameras are unlikely to pick up on speeding cyclists, as there is no number plate to record. However, if a cyclist is caught speeding by a police patrol they could well find themselves appearing in court, with the exact punishment to be determined on a case by case basis.

Cycling on the road beside a cycle lane

If there is a specific cycle lane on a road, then cyclists are expected to make use of it. There are exceptions to this rule, for example, in the event of roadworks or parked cars blocking the cycle lane.

In these instances the cyclist is permitted to join normal road traffic. The Highway Code specifies that cyclists must follow the rules of the road in these cases.

Are cyclists permitted to overtake cars?

There are some instances where a cyclist is permitted to pass other vehicles on the road, for example at a crossroads or railway barrier. However, cyclists must only overtake on the right, and must always prioritise road safety.

Listening to music

While listening to music in the car is a must for many people, it is a risk for cyclists. This is because the Highway Code forbids the use of headphones while travelling in a vehicle, and once again it does not differentiate between motorised and non-motorised.

In the absence of a radio on a bike, cyclists are advised to forgo listening to music. Headphones block out traffic noise, which can be critical, such as ambulance sirens or other emergency vehicles.

Obligatory equipment for cyclists

According to the Highway Code, the following items must be included on any bike:

1. A bell
2. Two independently-functioning brakes 
3. A white or yellow light at the front
4. Two white or yellow reflectors on the spokes of both wheels
5. Yellow or white reflectors on both pedals 
6. A red reflector at the rear of the bike
7. A red light at the rear of the bike

© Police Lëtzebuerg

If a bike is not fully equipped in accordance with the above list, the rider risks a fine of 49 to 74 euros.

However, there are exceptions for racing bikes.

Helmets are not mandatory for cyclists, however, police strongly recommend the use of a helmet when on the roads. Further recommendations and advice for road safety whilst using a bicycle can be found here.