New Cycling Safety Regulations in British Columbia

The British Columbia government has introduced new regulations to enhance safety for cyclists and other vulnerable road users. The changes include a requirement for drivers to maintain a minimum passing distance of 1 meter when passing cyclists and 1.5 meters on highways with a speed limit above 50 km/h.

• Safe Passing Distance: New regulations require drivers to maintain a minimum passing distance of 1 meter when passing cyclists and other vulnerable road users, and 1.5 meters on highways with a speed limit above 50 km/h.
• New Class of E-Bikes: People 14 and older will be able to use a new class of e-bikes with lower power and speed limits.
• Mobility Devices: Regulations will clarify that mobility devices are an extension of the person, who is already considered a pedestrian under the Motor Vehicle Act.
• Automated Vehicles: Regulations will bring into force a prohibition against the operation of fully automated self-driving vehicles unless provincially authorized.

• The changes improving safety for vulnerable road users and regulatory changes for mobility devices will come into effect on June 3, 2024.
• The introduction of the new class of e-bikes and the framework for regulating automated vehicles will come into effect on April 5, 2024.
• The Province will also start a four-year safety review for electric kick scooters on April 5, 2024.