The weather is getting warmer, and many motorcyclists throughout the province are getting ready for their first ride of the year (if they haven’t already got a jump start on the season).
B.C.’s open roads are an invitation to riders, but that comes with a downside: province-wide, motorcycle crashes significantly increase from May to September, with 212 people injured in crashes with motorcyclists each month.
Due to the lack of protection, motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of being injured in a crash than car or truck drivers. The average age of a motorcyclist injured or killed in crashes in B.C. is 45 years old, and these crashes occur most often in the Southern Interior (28 per cent), followed by Vancouver Island (22 per cent), Greater Vancouver (21 per cent), and the Fraser Valley (17 per cent).
In British Columbia, motorcycles represent only 1.5 per cent of insured vehicles, but 10 per cent of all road fatalities.
“We know motorcyclists are enthusiastic about seeing our beautiful province by bike and we want to help keep them safe this season,” says Shabnem Afzal, ICBC’s director of road safety. “As a rider, wear gear every time you ride. Riders and drivers need to stay focused on the road, leave plenty of space, and choose safe speeds to prevent crashes.”
“As we embrace the warmer weather and motorcyclists take to the roads, it’s imperative to remain vigilant and aware of our surroundings,” says Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Let’s work together to promote safe riding practices, enhance visibility, and foster mutual respect among all road users. Together, we can ensure that every journey on two wheels is a safe one.”
Some tips for driving safely near motorcycles:
Leave space: The top contributing factor for drivers in motorcycle crashes is distraction, followed by speed and following too closely. Stay alert, travel at a safe speed, and allow at least three or four seconds of following distance when behind a motorcycle. When passing a motorcyclist, leave at least one metre of space (1.5 metres when on a highway with a speed limit over 50 km/hr).
Look around: Six out of 10 crashes involving a motorcycle in B.C. happen at an intersection. Stay alert, scan intersections carefully, check blind spots, and take an extra moment to look for motorcycles when you’re turning left. They can be harder to see than vehicles, especially for large trucks.
Be ready to yield: Motorcycles are often closer than they seem. Since it can be difficult to tell how fast they are moving, be prepared to yield.
Stay alert: Leave your phone alone and avoid other distractions that take your mind off driving, or your eyes off the road.
Tips for motorcycle riders to stay safe include:
Be seen: Dress to be seen and protected. Wear reflective clothing, bright colours, and an approved helmet and riding gear.
Target open spaces: Leave yourself as much space as possible between your motorcycle and other vehicles on the road.
Cancel your signals: Check your signals to ensure you are not indicating a turn when you are continuing straight ahead.
Avoid centre of lane: When traffic slows, keep to the left or right of your lane, to allow yourself an exit strategy.
If you’re getting on a bike after a long break, it’s important to refresh your skills before riding again. Practice emergency braking, obstacle avoidance, and other core skills in a safe place like an empty parking lot.
The top contributing factor for motorcyclists in crashes is distraction, followed by speed and rider error/confusion. It’s important to stay focused on the road and drive at a safe speed that leaves enough time to stop or steer out of a vehicle’s path if necessary and reduce your risk of crashing.
When you wear protective gear, you’re less likely to be seriously injured in a crash, so make sure you wear gear every time you ride, regardless of the weather or how long the ride will be. Buy the best gear you can afford and make sure your helmet is in good condition.
Never assume a driver has seen you or will give you the right-of-way, as they may not accurately judge your distance or speed. Do your best to stay out of a driver’s blind spot. Use your signals to let drivers know what you plan to do so they can anticipate your next move and react in time.
