An increased number of motorcyclsts are hitting area roads and highways as the weather warms. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

bike safety

RCMP asking motorcyclists to ‘ride like you’re invisible’ as warmer weather approaches

Apr 12, 2023 | 4:15 PM

NANAIMO — With the warmer weather on the central Island, more motorcycles are hitting the roads and highways.

It means a higher rate of conflict between the smaller, more mobile bikes and larger vehicles and more onus on both riders and drivers to make sure everyone stays safe.

Cst. Mike Moore of B.C. Highway Patrol said intersections are a major source of incidents between vehicles and bikes, mainly due to expectations and visibility.

“If a motorcycle is proceeding straight through and a motorist is turning left for example, sometimes it’s more difficult for a motorist to see that motorcycle which is smaller when they may be expecting a larger vehicle to be proceeding straight through.”

Moore said the responsibility falls on all parties to ensure they’re surveying what’s around them, while riders need to take additional steps to ensure they’re easily spotted.

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High-visibility clothing is recommended for riders.

“Ride like you’re invisible, don’t assume that other drivers can see you whether you’re a motorist or a motorcyclist. Wear the appropriate clothing, ride at the appropriate speeds. Stay focused, driving is a multitasking thing to do and your attention is divided…make sure you focus your attention on the road.”

Motorcycles account for roughly 3.5 per cent of insured vehicles on B.C. roads but are featured in over 10 per cent of roadway fatalities annually.

On average, 40 riders are killed in over 2,200 incidents every year in B.C.

Moore said speed is sometimes involved, but is always a factor in any crash.

“You’re not protected by a metal cage as you would be in a car, so in the event of a high speed crash, a motorcyclist isn’t going to have as much protection around them. Just to get to your destination quicker or prove you have a fast bike it’s not worth exceeding the posted speed limits for.”

Motorcycles are subject to the same set of traffic fines and license point penalties as drivers, however have some additional sections of the motor vehicle act.

Fines related to wearing of a helmet or riding with a passenger range from $109 to $138 and up to two points off a license.

More information is available on the ICBC website.

–with files from Bill Nation, 97.3 The Eagle

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