It’s now mandatory for motorists to keep a one-metre distance when passing vulnerable road users on BC roadways.
Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, individuals on animals or in vehicles pulled by animals, and people who use electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and electric kick scooters.
On a highway where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less, motorists are required to leave a minimum distance of one metre.
On highways where the speed limit is over 50 km/h, the minimum distance increases to one and a half metres.
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.
Penalties for violating the new requirements include a $109 fine and three driver penalty points for failing to take proper precautions with vulnerable road users.
Drivers who fail to maintain prescribed minimum passing distances face a $368 fine and three driver penalty points, with a maximum fine of $2,000 and six months in prison.
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