Cycling regulations, restrictions and rules of the road
It's the Law: Just like driving a car, there are rules of the road that cyclists must follow to keep themselves and others safe.
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.
Check highway conditions: View highway conditions, traffic, and weather information at a glance
Rumble strips: Rumble strips are shallow grooves milled into the centreline and the shoulder of a roadway. When cycling on highways, cyclists should be aware of shoulder rumble strips and use gaps in the rumble strip to maneuver across the edge line to avoid obstacles on the shoulder. Rumble strips end before most driveways and intersections to allow cyclists comfortable turning movement.
Where can you cycle?
Cyclists are allowed on all highways except designated freeways.
Restricted bridges: Bicycles are not permitted on roadways but may use a sidewalk on the following bridges.
- Annacis Bridge - Highway 91
New Westminster - Richmond - Delta - East Channel Bridge - Highway 91
New Westminster - Richmond - Delta - Queensborough Bridge - Highway 91A
New Westminster - Knight Street Bridge - Knight Street
Vancouver - Richmond - Lions Gate Bridge - Highway 1A/99
North Vancouver - Vancouver - Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Bridge - Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway)
North Vancouver - Vancouver
- Oak Street Bridge - Highway 99
Vancouver - Richmond - Port Mann Bridge - Highway 1
Trans-Canada Highway
Coquitlam - Surrey - Pattullo Bridge - Highway 99A/1A
New Westminster - Surrey - William R. Bennett Bridge - Highway 97 - Kelowna
Use designated shuttle service for this tunnel:
- George Massey Tunnel - Highway 99
Richmond - Delta
Use designated bicycle route for this highway:
- Cassiar Connector - Highway 1
(Trans-Canada Highway)
Vancouver
City of Vancouver Cycling Routes and Maps
Unrestricted bridges: There are no bicycle restrictions on the following bridges. Please note, these bridges are narrow so you will be travelling with highway traffic:
- Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge - Highway 9
Agassiz - Rosedale
- Nelson Bridge - Highway 3A
Nelson
Restricted highways: For safety reasons, cyclists are not allowed on these portions of the following Schedule 1 highways except to cross an intersection and where signs are in place permitting cyclists.
- Cycling restrictions on B.C. highways (BC Laws)
- Cycling restrictions on bridges (BC Laws)
Schedule 1 Highways |
Summary of Restricted Highway Sections (no cycling permitted) |
Exceptions |
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Trans-Canada Highway 1* |
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Hope-Princeton Highway 3 |
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Coquihalla Highway 5 |
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Inland Island Highway 19 |
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Annacis Highway 91 |
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Annacis Highway 91A |
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Okanagan Connector Highway 97C |
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Highway 99 |
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* 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. We're piloting an active warning sign to warn motorist to be are that a cyclist may be in the tunnel, and to proceed with extra caution.
Holding an event on or along a highway: Events that take place on a provincial highway, like triathlons, parades, rallies, relay races, bicycle races and fundraising events, require special permission.