Bike and e-bike rules and safety
Last updated on June 12, 2025
Cyclists riding bikes and e-bikes must follow the same general road rules as drivers. This means they must obey traffic signs and lights and yield to pedestrians.
On this page
- Riding your bike or e-bike safely
- Wearing a bike helmet
- Where you can cycle
- Cycling on restricted highways
- Legislation and regulations
- Cycling resources
Riding your bike or e-bike safely
A cyclist riding a bike or e-bike must always take due care and attention and have reasonable consideration for other road users.
Stay to the right
Always ride as far right as practicable on a paved roadway unless directed elsewhere by a sign or other traffic control device. You must not cycle on sidewalks unless a sign or other traffic control device permits it.
Ride single file
Do not ride beside another person riding a bike, e-bike or other personal mobility device, except to pass.
Use hand signals
Always signal your intent to turn, slow down or stop. Use the standard hand signals (BC Cycling Coalition) to communicate your intentions to other road users.
Use lights and reflectors at night
You must use a white light mounted at the front and a red reflector and a red light mounted at the rear when riding between sunset and sunrise. Wearing high-visibility clothing is recommended for safety.
Do not ride while impaired or distracted
Never ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs or while using a cellphone or other electronic device.
Watch for obstacles
Watch for obstacles such as potholes, debris, uneven surfaces or rumble strips. DriveBC has up-to-date information on highway conditions and weather information.
Wearing a bike helmet
Cyclists of all ages must wear a bicycle safety helmet whenever riding on a public road. A parent or guardian must make sure that a child under the age of 16 wears a bike helmet when operating or riding as a passenger on a bike or e-bike.
A helmet must meet safety standards set out in the Bicycle Safety Helmet Standards Regulation. You could get a violation ticket or $29 fine for not wearing a helmet while cycling, unless you have an exemption, under the Bicycle Safety Helmet Exemption Regulation.
Where you can cycle
Cycling is generally allowed on B.C. highways except in certain areas. While these areas usually have signs to direct you, it is best to plan your trip in advance.
Choose cycle-friendly routes
Bike lanes, shared roads and other low-vehicle traffic routes are safer and a more comfortable way to get around. Contact your local government for information on cycle-friendly routes near you.
Know the rules in your community
Some municipalities set their own rules for where you can cycle, including on shared paths. Check with your municipality to find out what rules apply to you and follow rules on signage.
Check for road access
Some roads may be closed to cycling at certain times, such as for construction or due to weather conditions. Check DriveBC for up-to-date information on highway conditions, traffic and weather information.
Connect with public transit
Some transit providers may carry your bike or e-bike. Check TransLink or BC Transit for size and weight restrictions.
Cycling in special events
Portions of provincial highway may be used for special events involving cycles, such as triathlons, parades, rallies or bicycle races. Get more information on highway use permits for special events.
Cycling on highways
Cycling is restricted on parts of certain highways and wherever a sign or other traffic control device indicates cycling is not permitted. You may not ride your bike or e-bike on the road portion of these restricted highways. You may ride on adjacent footpaths or the shoulder of the highway if signage allows cycle use.
Cyclists are prohibited from going over or through certain bridges and tunnels. Follow the traffic controls for directions.
Plan your route before you leave. Find the elevations of major summits and passes on B.C. highways.
Restricted highways and prohibited bridges and tunnels
Trans-Canada Highway 1
No cycling permitted on Trans-Canada Highway 1 from:
- The ferry terminal at Horseshoe Bay to the north approach of the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Bridge
- Its intersection with Rupert Street to its junction with Highway 3 in Hope
- Its junction with the Coquihalla Highway (Afton Interchange) on the west approach to Kamloops to its junction with the Yellowhead Highway 5 on the east approach to Kamloops
Exceptions:
- Horseshoe Bay to Capilano Road
- Highway 11 (Abbotsford) to Highway 3 (Hope) excluding the section between No. 3 Road (Abbotsford) and Lickman Road
- Valleyview Road to Route 5 (Kamloops East) for westbound travel only
When cycling on Highway 1 east of Hope, activate your flashers before entering tunnels. These tunnels have narrow shoulders and some are on a curve so it is difficult for motorists to see cyclists. Some tunnels have lights to warn motorists that a cyclist is in the tunnel and to proceed with extra caution.
Hope-Princeton Highway 3
No cycling permitted on Hope-Princeton Highway 3 from:
- Its junction with Highway 1 in Hope to its junction with the Coquihalla Highway, 7.7 km east
Exceptions:
- Highway 1 (Hope) to Highway 5 (east of Hope)
Coquihalla Highway 5
No cycling permitted on Coquihalla Highway 5 from:
- Its junction with Highway 3, 7.7 km east of Hope, to its junction with Highway 1 (Afton Interchange) on the west approach to Kamloops.
Exceptions:
- Highway 3 (east of Hope) to Highway 1, Afton Interchange (Kamloops West)
Inland Island Highway 19
No cycling permitted on Inland Island Highway 19 from:
- Craig's crossing south of Parksville to its intersection with Highway 19A at Willow/Tamarac in Campbell River
- Its North Cedar Road intersection with Trans-Canada Highway 1, south of Nanaimo, to its intersection with Highway 19A north of Nanaimo
Exceptions:
- South of Parksville (Craig's Crossing) to Campbell River (Willow/Tamarac)
- From its North Cedar Road intersection with Trans-Canada Highway 1, south of Nanaimo, to its intersection with Highway 19A north of Nanaimo
Annacis Highway 91
No cycling permitted on Annacis Highway 91 from:
- Its interchange Highway 99 to the south approach to the Annacis Bridge
- The north approach to the Annacis Bridge to the the south approach to the East Channel Bridge
- The north approach to the East Channel Bridge to the Richmond Connector
There are no exceptions.
Annacis Highway 91A
No cycling permitted on Annacis Highway 91A from:
- From the Richmond Connector to the south approach to the Queensborough Bridge
There are no exceptions.
Okanagan Connector Highway 97C
No cycling permitted on Okanagan Connector Highway 97C from:
- Its junction with Highway 5A to its junction with Highway 97, a distance of approximately 108 kilometres
Exceptions:
- Highway 5A (east of Merrit) to Route 97 (Peachland)
Highway 99
No cycling permitted on Highway 99 from:
- 1st Avenue in Surrey to the south approach of the Oak Street Bridge.
Exceptions:
- Canada/U.S.A. border to Eighth Avenue (Surrey)
Prohibited bridges and tunnels
You may not ride your bike or e-bike on the highway over or through:
- Port Mann Bridge
- George Massey Tunnel (use the George Massey Tunnel shuttle to cross)
- Cassiar Connector Tunnel (use the Cassiar Connnector)
You may not ride your bike or e-bike on the road portion of theses bridges. You can ride on the sidewalk or a shared use path where cycle use is permitted.
- Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Bridge
- Oak Street Bridge
- Knight Street Bridge
- William R. Bennett Bridge
- Annacis Bridge (Alex Fraser Bridge)
- East Channel Bridge
- Queensborough Bridge
- Pattullo Bridge
There are no cycling restrictions on these bridges:
- Nelson Bridge - Highway 3A
- Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge
Please note, these bridges are narrow so you will be travelling with highway traffic.
Legislation and regulations
Friendly Url for this Page: gov.bc.ca/cyclingrules
The B.C. government is updating transportation policies and regulations so more British Columbians can choose active transportation and stay safe on roads.