Pushing a Motorcycle on the Sidewalk

Published by DriveSmartBC -
Motorcycles
Q&A

motorcycleQuestion: I am aware that it is against the rules to park or stop on a sidewalk. Is pushing a motorcycle covered under the Motor Vehicle Act? I mean pushing it with the engine turned off and not riding it in any way.

For example, say a motorcycle runs out of fuel and the vehicle operator feels that leaving the motorcycle on the road wouldn't be the best thing to do. Also, pushing the motorcycle on the road seems unsafe.

Pushing a Motorcycle

I suppose if one wanted to be really technical, pushing a motorcycle along the road, even if the motor is not running, is operating it.

Definition of Operate

While the Motor Vehicle Act does not contain a specific definition of “operate” it is interpreted through legislation and case law to mean being in care, control, or command of a motor vehicle, regardless of whether it is in motion.

This includes:

  • Driving the vehicle
  • Sitting in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition
  • Having control over the vehicle’s mechanical systems
  • Starting the engine, even if the vehicle doesn’t move

Motor Vehicle Act

200   A driver must not drive on a sidewalk, walkway or boulevard, except when entering or leaving a driveway or lane or when entering or leaving land adjacent to a highway, or by permission granted under a bylaw made under section 124.

Municipal Bylaws

For example, the City of Vancouver's Street & Traffic Bylaw 2849 forbids propelling and vehicle along a sidewalk in section 80.

My Personal View of Enforcement

I always took the view that if the rider was walking along side pushing and the motor was shut off I didn't need to bother myself with them. They were doing their best to comply with the rules while moving the motorcycle to a place where it was proper for them to ride it.

If You are Obstructing the Sidewalk

If this were a full size motorcycle and you were creating difficulty for usual sidewalk users I would probably suggest that it wasn't the best idea and that you should either move to the shoulder or call for help.

Caveat: Other officers may have different enforcement standards.

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