There are new laws in place that require BC drivers to maintain a minimum distance when passing cyclists on roads.
According to updates to BC’s Motor Vehicle Act, drivers must now keep a distance of at least one metre when passing cyclists. This distance increases to 1.5 metres on highways with speed limits exceeding 50 kilometres per hour.
“These new regulations will keep people safer on our roads and encourage even more use of active transportation,” Rob Fleming, minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, said in a statement.
“It’s another step in modernizing our rules to keep up with new technologies that are changing how people are getting around.”
The new regulations also apply to e-bikes, mobility devices, and autonomous vehicles.
Police have the authority to issue violation tickets and fines to motorists who neglect to maintain the allotted minimum passing distances and take proper precautions.
Penalties for such violations range from a $109 fine and three driver penalty points to a maximum fine of $2,000 and six months in prison.
Additionally, amendments to the act introduce a new category of light e-bikes, which can now be operated by individuals aged 14 and above, compared to the previous minimum age of 16.
Related: E-scooters officially allowed on Victoria streets as part of new pilot project
As of Friday, April 5th, e-scooters will officially be street-legal in the City of Victoria.
This move comes following the launch of a provincial pilot program aimed at increasing the viability of different methods of active transportation.
“E-kick scooters” will be considered legal as per the pilot program only if they are outfitted with a speed-limiter which is capped at 25 km/h.
Riders must also be at least 16-years-old and be wearing a helmet.
The City says that e-scooters may only be ridden if using the designated bike lanes when available and are not allowed to be on any sidewalks or pedestrian-only paths.
“This pilot project will give residents and visitors another clean, convenient and relatively affordable option for getting around Victoria,” a City of Victoria spokesperson wrote in a media release.
“By expanding opportunities for people to legally test and try e-kick scooters, the City can help reduce household transportation costs while continuing to support a shift toward sustainable travel modes.”
This pilot project will last four years before a reassessment is conducted. Victoria, Saanich and Langford all among the 13 municipalities participating.
It is yet to be determined whether a company such as Lime, an industry leader electric mobility sharing company, will be permitted to move into the city during this pilot project.
In other cities, many who use these e-scooter sharing methods of transportation oftentimes do not wear helmets, or have them provided, nor do they adhere to the ‘no riding on sidewalks’ rule.
