Twin Ports JOYRIDE Recruits Bars to Offer Sober Rides

1,000 DWI Arrests Annually in Duluth

Organizers of a sober ride program are trying to get more local bars and restaurants on board.

Leaders with Twin Ports JOYRIDE hosted an informational event about the service Monday night.

“This is the time when America drinks and drives more than any between Thanksgiving and through New Year’s. So if people can start changing their habits, take a cab, have a designated driver, make a plan, the roads are safer, right?” said St. Louis Count District Court Judge Shaun Floerke.

Participating bars and restaurants offer their customers a voucher worth $7 toward a ride from one of three cab companies: Bayside Taxi, Custom Cab Companies, and Yellow Cab of Duluth.

The program is currently available in eight West Duluth and Proctor locations: Bergey’s, Bedrock Bar, Gopher Lounge, Mr. D’s Bar & Grill, Players Sports Bar, Powerhouse Bar, Rustic Bar, and the West Duluth American Legion Post #71.

There are around 1,000 DWI arrests every year in Duluth.

JOYRIDE hopes to cut that number in half within the next few years.