New rules have come into effect mandating drivers to keep a minimum distance when passing vulnerable road users in B.C.
When passing vulnerable road users — including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, people on animals or in vehicles pulled by animals, and people who use electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and electric kick scooters — drivers must keep a minimum passing distance of one metre on B.C. roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less, or 1.5 metres on roads with a speed limit of 51 km/h or more.
When passing vulnerable road users in a separated and protected bike lane or on the sidewalks, drivers must allow at minimum a half a metre passing distance.
If there is no physical barrier separating the vulnerable road user (for example, a painted bike lane) the one or 1.5 metre passing distance applies.
The province says the distance is measured from the furthest protruding part of the vehicle, like the mirror, to the furthest protruding part of the vulnerable road user or their equipment, like a bike handlebar.
Penalties for failing to pass at the minimum distance include $109 and three driver penalty points for failing to take proper precautions with vulnerable road users, $368 and three driver penalty points for failing to maintain prescribed minimum passing distances, and a maximum fine of $2,000 and six months of imprisonment. Police can issue tickets based on the specific circumstances of the infraction.
These changes come into effect on World Bike Day, and the first day of Go By Bike Week.
READ MORE: ‘It’s green, it’s economic’: Victoria cyclists gear up for GoByBike Week
Laura Brougham
