More protections coming for B.C. cyclists and other vulnerable road users

B.C. has announced changes to the Motor Vehicle Act that it says will enhance safety for cyclists and vulnerable road users (VRUs).

The changes include stricter regulation on age restrictions for operating e-bikes and a ban against some fully automated self-driving vehicles.

As well, starting June 3rd, drivers will have to give cyclists and other vulnerable road users a certain amount of space when passing. Failure to do so could result in driving point penalties with a maximum of $2,000 in fines and 6 months in jail.

Navdeep Chhina with HUB Cycling is happy with this change.

“We now have regulation that will help enforce Bill 23 that was passed last year, and they have now defined what a vulnerable road user is,” Chhina said, explaining that prior to 2024, there was no such definition.

“As a result you couldn’t create policies or laws to better protect them.”

Joel Zanatta with “The Biking Lawyer” law firm says the policies are a good first step, but more needs to be done to protect people who aren’t in cars.

“This is a gesture that recognizes the damage that motor vehicles have on vulnerable road users,” he said.

“Anyone on a bike, or a pedestrian, they aren’t encased in steel, so hitting them causes very severe damage. So they are vulnerable, much more vulnerable than an occupant of an automobile.”