Motorcycle season is here: share our roads to keep riders safe, urges ICBC

April 30, 2024

With the arrival of warmer spring temperatures, many motorcyclists throughout the province will set off on their first ride of the season. In B.C., motorcycle crashes significantly increase from May to September with 212 people injured in crashes with motorcyclists each month.* ICBC is asking riders and drivers to do their part to prevent crashes and share our roads together safely.

Motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of being injured in a crash than drivers due to their lack of protection. The average age of a motorcyclist injured or killed in crashes in B.C. is 45 years old and these crashes occur most often in the Southern Interior (28%) followed by Vancouver Island (22%), Greater Vancouver (21%), and the Fraser Valley (17%).

"We know motorcyclists are enthusiastic about seeing our beautiful province by bike and we want to help keep them safe this season,” said Shabnem Afzal, ICBC’s director of road safety. "As a rider, wear gear every time you ride. Riders and drivers need to stay focused on the road, leave plenty of space, and choose safe speeds to prevent crashes.”

"As we embrace the warmer weather and motorcyclists take to the roads, it's imperative to remain vigilant and aware of our surroundings,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Let's work together to promote safe riding practices, enhance visibility, and foster mutual respect among all road users. Together, we can ensure that every journey on two wheels is a safe one."

Motorcyclists are invited to practice their riding at free skills course events taking place this spring in the Lower Mainland: Abbotsford on May 18, Surrey on May 26, Coquitlam on June 15, Chilliwack on June 22, and North Vancouver on July 13. Police motorcycle riders will guide riders of all experience levels through a challenging training course to help improve their skills. ICBC’s road safety team will be doing gear giveaways at these events and demonstrating protective clothing and gear options for riders.

ICBC’s collision coverage for motorcyclists now includes improved coverage for gear.

Find more driver and rider tips on icbc.com and follow our motorcycle safety series on Instagram and Facebook.

Tips for drivers:

• Six out of ten crashes involving a motorcycle in B.C. happen at an intersection. Stay alert, scan intersections carefully and take an extra moment to look for motorcycles when you're turning left. They can be harder to see than vehicles – especially for large trucks.

• The top contributing factor for drivers in motorcycle crashes is distraction followed by speed and following too closely. Stay alert, travel at a safe speed and allow at least three or four seconds of following distance when behind a motorcycle. When passing a motorcyclist, leave at least one metre of space or 1.5 metres when on a highway with a speed limit over 50 km/h.

• Be ready to yield as a motorcycle is often closer than it seems and it can be hard to tell how fast they're travelling.

Tips for riders:

• If you’re getting on a bike after a long break, it’s important to refresh your skills before riding again. ICBC's learn to ride smart and tuning up for riders guides will help you freshen up your knowledge and skills. Practice emergency braking, obstacle avoidance and other core skills in a safe place like an empty parking lot.

• The top contributing factor for motorcyclists in crashes is distraction followed by speed and rider error/confusion. It’s important to stay focused on the road and drive at a safe speed that leaves enough time to stop or steer out of a vehicle's path if necessary and reduce your risk of crashing.

• When you wear protective gear, you’re less likely to be seriously injured in a crash so make sure you wear gear every time you ride, regardless of the weather or how long the ride will be. Buy the best gear you can afford and make sure your helmet is in good condition.

• Never assume a driver has seen you or will give you the right-of-way, they may not accurately judge your distance or speed. Do your best to stay out of a driver's blind spot.

• Use your signals to let drivers know what you plan to do so they can anticipate your next move and react in time.

Statistics*

• In the Lower Mainland, on average, 577 people are injured in crashes involving a motorcyclist from May to September.

• On Vancouver Island, on average, 198 people are injured in crashes involving a motorcyclist from May to September.

• In the Southern Interior, on average, 237 people are injured in crashes involving a motorcyclist from May to September.

• In northern B.C., on average, 41 people are injured in crashes involving a motorcyclist from May to September.

• In British Columbia, on average, 1,060 people are injured in crashes involving a motorcyclist from May to September.

*ICBC crash data from 2018 to 2022 (five year average). Motorcycle includes mopeds, limited speed motorcycles, scooters and trikes.