WIN: New updates to BC Law now protect vulnerable road users

 

 

HUB Cycling has worked hard for many years to reform the Motor Vehicle Act and better protect people walking and cycling. We are very excited to share that Bill 23 - 2023: Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2023 has been approved in the BC Legislature. 

This success is made possible only due to HUB Cycling supporters. Thank you to everyone who made a donation, signed a petition, participated in a local committee, or shared HUB’s cycling advocacy work with their networks.

Due to your support, the BC Government will adopt 6 of HUB Cycling’s 32 recommendations, including:

  1. A duty (of care) imposed on drivers of motor vehicles in relation to vulnerable road users.
  2. A minimum safe passing distance.
  3. Death or bodily harm caused to a vulnerable road user is to be considered an aggravating factor in imposing a sentence for an offence, including for careless driving. This allows for stronger penalties for collisions involving vulnerable road users which can be a motivator for safer behaviour.
  4. Vulnerable Road User, Cycle, Pedestrian, and Motor Assisted Cycle (e-bike) are now defined in the full Act, providing more clarity and accountability.
  5. Motor Assisted Cycles (e-bikes) must have pedals or hand cranks that allow for human power, and the pedals must be able to be used when the motor is engaged. This differentiation between e-bikes and motorcycles ensures that each class of device can be addressed differently in the regulations, thereby improving safety for all vulnerable road users. 

This is an important step towards protecting the road users that need it most. However, we still need your continued support to ensure that the government develops adequate regulations to put the new legislation into force and best protect vulnerable road users. For example, the legislative baseline is 1 metre minimum safe passing distance. Data shows that 1.5 metres would be safer, so HUB will work hard to define that in regulation. We must ensure that public education for all road users, including people driving, is effectively developed and publicized before these new laws come into force in about a year.