No Place to Race

Video Motorcycles are nimble, brake and accelerate quickly and the temptation to race through other traffic can be difficult to resist for some. The riders weaving through traffic are usually young males who have not yet realized the risk that they are taking or imposing on other road users.

image of motorcycle in a race between cars

Motorcycles are Harder to See

That one headlight among many may not be apparent to a driver who glances in their rear view mirror and then changes lanes. The chances of being cut off or hit by another vehicle are high.

Reaction Time

With small distances separating the rider from the driver and the high speed differences usually involved there is very little time to react if things don't go as planned. The rider is the only one doing the planning here and the drivers are not on board with it.

No Protection in a Crash

Finally, but likely most importantly, is the fact that riders have almost no protection in a crash. This YouTube video by South Australia's Motor Accident Commission clearly illustrates the hazards of racing your motorcycle on the streets instead of on the track.

Intentional Blocking

Some drivers don't follow the driving rules either and may intentionally block the path of rapidly overtaking rider.

Vehicle Impound for Speeding

Riding at a speed of more than 40 km/h over the speed limit will result in an impound of your motorcycle. At minimum the impound lasts for 7 days but this rises to 30 or 60 days for repeated offences within a two year period. The owner is responsible to pay towing and storage fees for the impound.

Liability

If you are convicted of a criminal driving offence after causing a crash you may be sued for damages. ICBC's no fault insurance system will not apply to prevent the injured party from taking action in these cases.