Drivers now required to keep minimum distances from ‘vulnerable road users’

Starting today (June 3), drivers in B.C., can face fines for not keeping minimum distances from people walking or riding on roads.

The rules are designed to protect vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, individuals on animals or being pulled by animals, and people who use electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and electric kick scooters.

The minimum passing distances are:

• Highways 50 km/h or less: 1 m
• Highways more than 50 km/h: 1.5 m
• Drivers interacting with vulnerable road users who are in separated and protected cycling lanes and on sidewalks: 0.5 m

Drivers passing vulnerable road users who are in separated and protected cycling lanes and on sidewalks must allow a minimum of half a metre.

“The distances are measured from the furthest protruding part of a passing motor vehicle, such as a mirror, to the furthest protruding part of a vulnerable road user or their equipment, such as a handlebar,” a news release from the Ministry of Transportation stated.

Police can issue tickets for violations under the Motor Vehicle Act.

The penalties include:

• $109 and three driver penalty points for failing to take proper precautions with vulnerable road users.
• $368 and three driver penalty points for failing to maintain prescribed minimum passing distances.
• The maximum fine is $2,000 and six months of imprisonment.

For additional information on the new regulations, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/sharetheroa