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

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.

An Investigator’s Perspective

As a former collision investigator, I can tell you that the noise is a minor annoyance compared to the reality of a crash site. My experience reinforced one hard truth: a rider must drive defensively at all times, and even then, the road can be unforgiving.

The provincial driving manual, Learn to Drive Smart, devotes significant space to sharing the road with motorcyclists. The manual notes that more than half of motorcycle collisions result in injury or death. This is a stark reminder that riders are vulnerable road users with nothing but a helmet and protective clothing to shield them.

Why Drivers Miss Motorcycles: Inattentional Blindness

Why do we fail to see motorcycles in traffic? One scientific explanation is inattentional blindness. Simply put, our brains often look for the larger footprint of a car, failing to register smaller profiles even when they are visible.

High-Risk Moments: Intersections and Lane Changes

Nearly half of the safety advice in provincial manuals focuses on intersections, specifically regarding left turns. Whether it is the driver or the rider turning, this is a primary conflict point.

I would also emphasize the danger of lane changes. Motorcycles are harder to spot in side mirrors. A thorough check of your blind spot is mandatory. "Sorry mate, I didn't see you" is not a legal justification for a collision.

Space and Communication

Appropriate safety margins—side margins, following distances, and passing space—provide the time necessary to react to traffic events.

• Braking: Motorcycles can often stop more quickly than cars. Increase your following distance.
• Lane Positioning: A typical lane is divided into thirds. Riders choose their position based on maximum space, visibility, and traction.
• Intentions: A rider moving to the side of their lane does not necessarily mean they are about to turn. Watch for signals.

The Road Safety Checklist: Officer’s Recommendations

In my years investigating crash scenes, I’ve noticed a pattern: most collisions were preventable with just two extra seconds of observation.

For Drivers:

• The Double-Look: Look twice at intersections—once for cars, once for motorcycles.
• The 3-Second Rule: Maintain a minimum 3-second gap behind riders.
• Shoulder Checks: Always perform a physical check before changing lanes.

For Riders:

• Assume Invisibility: Ride as if drivers cannot see you.
• Lane Dominance: Stay in the driver's mirrors using the "thirds" strategy.
• Dress for the Slide: Always wear full protective gear.

BC Law Reminder

While it is common elsewhere, lane splitting and riding on the shoulder are currently illegal in British Columbia.

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