Motorcycles

Information related to motorcycles.

How to Be Seen on a Motorcycle: Visibility Tips That Help Prevent Collisions in BC

red motorcycle seen from the front with only the rider on boardThe best way to be seen on a motorcycle is to combine bright, reflective riding gear, proper lane positioning, an illuminated headlight and defensive riding techniques. While these measures improve your visibility, never assume another driver has seen you—especially at intersections where many motorcycle collisions occur.

Noisy Motorcycles in BC: Regulations, Enforcement, and the Law

a red cruiser motorcycle emitting loud sound waves from a modified gold exhaust pipeComplaints regarding noisy motorcycles spike across British Columbia as warm weather arrives. For law enforcement personnel, roadside enforcement of exhaust system violations generally follows three specific paths based on the condition of the vehicle and the language of provincial traffic law.

Motorcycle Safety in BC: Sharing the Road as Riding Season Begins

A motorcycle rider on a BC road demonstrating safe lane positioning Braap, braaaap, braaaaaaaaaap, chug, chug, chug, chug. Yes, it's motorcycle season again. For many drivers—often referred to as "cagers" by the riding community—it is the time of year to complain about engine noise. For riders, however, it is a season defined by the constant risk of being overlooked by drivers who simply fail to see them.

Using Electric Dirt Bikes

image of active transportation symbolsGive them an inch and they'll take a mile. Since B.C. has allowed new motorized forms of transportation to use the roads people have pushed the limit even further, perhaps by thinking that if it is battery powered, it must be OK. Electric dirt bikes are one recent example of this.

Passengers on Motorcycles

MotorcycleRiding 2-up can add greatly to the enjoyment of riding a motorcycle. Many couples make this their favourite holiday excursion. You will typically see them on larger touring models that are built for carrying passengers and their cargo comfortably and safely. You will also usually see the passenger dressed just as well as the rider, which is as it should be. But casually carrying a passenger isn’t always a great idea.

Motorcycles in Bike Lanes

Bicycle Lane SignQuestion: I have been driving home on Rupert Street in Vancouver lately and there are some lane markings I am not clear about. Between 12th Avenue and about Kingsway there is a narrow right hand lane that has a bicycle and a white diamond, there is no other signage. Are motorcycles allowed to use this lane because they regularly do.

Modifying a Motor Assisted Cycle

BC Courts Coat of ArmsTerrence Wojtkiw was issued a violation ticket for three Motor Vehicle Act offences while riding a TAG 500 electric scooter equipped with pedals. He had modified this motor assisted cycle (MAC) so that it no longer qualified for exemptions under the Motor Vehicle Act. He disputed the ticket.