Vulnerable road users
Last updated on April 10, 2024
Vulnerable road users in B.C. are defined as a pedestrian or person on:
- A cycle
- A motorcycle
- An animal or animal-driven vehicle
- An electric kick scooter
- An electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter
Vulnerable road users face higher risk of injury or death from incidents involving motor vehicles.
New rules drivers must follow around vulnerable road users
New rules for safe driving begin June 3, 2024. Drivers must:
- Always take proper precautions around vulnerable road users on a public road
- Keep a safe distance when passing vulnerable road users
It is an offence to fail to take proper precautions or to fail to provide the required minimum safe passing distances.
Police can issue violation tickets and fines for contraventions of the new vulnerable road user safety laws. Penalties range from:
- Failing to take proper precautions with vulnerable road users - $109 and 3 driver penalty points.
- Failing to maintain prescribed minimum passing distances - $368 and 3 driver penalty points.
To a maximum fine of $2,000 and 6 months of imprisonment.
How much space?
Give a vulnerable road user as much space as possible when following and passing.
When approaching a vulnerable road user assess your speed and that of the vulnerable road user. Consider weather, road and traffic conditions. If you cannot pass safely, then slow down to the speed of the vulnerable road user, stay back and give them space until you can pass safely.
If it is safe to do so, you can cross over a single or double yellow centre line to provide a vulnerable road user as much space as possible when passing. Use your signal, to alert others of your intention, before crossing the single or double yellow line.
Are there new minimum passing distances?
Yes, there are also some new minimum passing distances that you must observe.
The minimum passing distances are:
- Highways 50 km/h or less: 1 m
- Highways 51 km/h or over: 1.5 m
- Drivers interacting with vulnerable road users who are in separated and protected cycling lanes and on sidewalks: 0.5 m
How are the minimum distances measured?
The minimum passing distance is measured from the furthest protruding part of a passing motor vehicle (e.g. a mirror) and the furthest protruding part of vulnerable road user or their equipment (e.g. handlebar).
The new vulnerable road user laws will be supported by a comprehensive education and awareness campaign when they come into force on June 3, 2024.