New B.C. road rules to protect pedestrians, cyclists now in effect
Posted June 3, 2024 6:55 am.
Last Updated June 5, 2024 11:54 am.
If you’re on the road Monday morning, keep in mind there are new laws in effect to keep drivers back from people walking and riding.
The province says the new rules will protect “vulnerable road users,” and now require drivers to keep at least one metre away when passing them.
If you’re driving at 50 km/hr or less, you need to keep a minimum distance of one metre, however, if you’re driving at 51 km/hr or more, you must keep a minimum distance of 1.5 metres.
“The distances are measured from the furthest protruding part of a passing motor vehicle, such as a mirror, to the furthest protruding part of a vulnerable road user or their equipment, such as a handlebar,” the province explained Monday.
Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, individuals on animals or in vehicles pulled by animals, and people who use electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and electric kick scooters.
The move to create minimum distances is “long overdue,” Navdeep Chhina with advocacy group HUB Cycling tells CityNews.
He explains the law now means you’re able to edge over farther if you are required to give someone enough space.
“This not only protects the people cycling or walking, but also helps remove the conflict between different modes of users. Now, people driving will know that when they are driving they must maintain a minimum passing distance and follow at a safe distance,” he said.
However, Chhina reiterates the new laws are just a minimum, “and just like driving in any other circumstances, you must take into account the speed, the weather, the road, and traffic conditions. And accordingly, you might want to increase the distance you’re following a person behind.”
The government explains police across the province may issue violation tickets for those who don’t follow the new rules.
Penalties include fines beginning at $109 with three penalty points. The maximum fine is $2,000 and six months in jail.
–With files from Mike Lloyd
