Two motorcyclists were taken to hospital after crashing into each other while driving erratically on the Island Hwy., near Long Lake. (Image Credit: Allana Titian)

By Alex Rawnsley

too fast

Two riders hospitalized after Nanaimo highway accident at ‘high rate of speed’

Aug 17, 2026 | 3:21 PM

NANAIMO — Two motorcycle riders were fortunate to escape more serious injuries after crashing into the back of a southbound SUV.

The incident happened along the Island Hwy. by Long Lake around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16, and saw a pair of motorcycles crashing into the back of another vehicle.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the pair were seen travelling at “a high rate of speed” and “erratically” prior to the incident and crashed when the vehicle went to make a lane change.

“Both riders hit the ground, it appears they had protective clothing on, but they did have extensive road rash injuries. There was no injury to the driver of the vehicle, but there was significant damage to the back of the vehicle, causing it to be towed.”

The riders were taken to hospital for treatment, but later released.

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O’Brien said they were both ticketed under the Motor Vehicle Act for riding without due care and attention.

Fines for the offence typically start at $368 and include several penalty points on a licence, according to the provincial government.

“It’s an excellent reminder of how quickly things can accelerate when you’re going at a high rate of speed,” O’Brien said. “In this particular case, it’s a classic example, they didn’t have time to react and they smashed into the back of the vehicle, causing the second motorcyclist to crash into the first. We see it time and time again.”

Incidents of motorcycles travelling at high speeds are an increasing trend local Mounties are seeing.

Air support from Comox was deployed over Nanaimo earlier this month in a bid to catch offenders.

O’Brien added it’s not just an issue in the summer months.

“We just have more numbers, more incidents happening in the summer because the roads are relatively dry. It’s a call for any motorcyclists out there: obey the speed, keep your motorcycle in control at all times.”

Southbound traffic was backed up along the Island Hwy. for around an hour as a result of the incident.

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by Alex Rawnsley

Two riders hospitalized after Nanaimo highway accident at ‘high rate of speed’

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