New rules will protect vulnerable road users: Ministry

Beginning this week, all B-C drivers must keep new minimum distances from people walking and riding on roads in British Columbia.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced on Monday that the new rules will protect vulnerable road users, requiring drivers to keep at least one metre away when passing.

Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, individuals on animals or in vehicles pulled by animals, and people who use electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and electric kick scooters.

When passing these road users, drivers must keep a minimum of distance of:

• one metre on highways with speeds of 50 km/h or less; and
• one-and-a-half metres on highways with speeds of 51 km/h or more.

Drivers passing vulnerable road users who are in separated and protected cycling lanes and on sidewalks must allow a minimum of half a metre.

Police may issue tickets for violations under the new Motor Vehicle Act regulations. Penalties include:

• $109 and three driver penalty points for failing to take proper precautions with vulnerable road users.
• $368 and three driver penalty points for failing to maintain prescribed minimum passing distances.

The maximum fine is $2,000 and six months of imprisonment.