ICBC: Motorcycle crashes on the rise, help keep riders safe

May 09, 2025

Motorcyclists are more than three times (325%) more likely to be injured or killed in a crash in B.C. compared to those in passenger vehicles. With the arrival of motorcycle season, ICBC is asking riders to freshen up their skills before their first trip and for drivers to look for and share our roads with motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users.

Motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in fatalities on B.C. roads. Motorcycles make up only 4% of insured vehicles in B.C., yet riders account for 14% of deaths on our roads. With the lack of protection from a vehicle for riders, it’s important that riders wear gear every time they ride regardless of the weather or length of their trip.

“Tragically, we are seeing too many motorcycle-related incidents and fatalities in British Columbia that are preventable,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a great reminder that we all share responsibility for road safety. I’m calling on all drivers and riders to stay alert, stay sober, stay within speed limits and for all riders to wear proper protective gear.”

As the weather warms and temperatures rise in our province, the number of motorcyclists injured or killed also increases. Every month from May to October, 158 motorcyclists are injured or killed in crashes in B.C.

“We’re asking drivers to stay alert, leave plenty of following distance, and take an extra moment to look for motorcycles and other vulnerable road users when turning left,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety manager. “As a rider, practice low-speed skills like emergency braking and obstacle avoidance before your first ride, wear protective gear on every trip, and don’t assume a driver has seen you and will yield the right-of-way, they may not be accurately judging your distance or speed.”

Motorcyclists are invited to practice their riding at free upcoming skills course events taking place in the Lower Mainland, Capital Regional District and Kelowna. Expert-level police motorcycle riders will coach riders of all experience levels through a challenging training course to help improve their skills. ICBC’s road safety team will be doing free gear giveaways at these events and demonstrating protective clothing and gear options for riders.

• May 10 - Abbotsford, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Northview Community Church at 32040 Downes Rd.

• May 31 - Capital Regional District, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westshore Town Centre parking lot.

• June 14 - Tri-Cities, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Coquitlam Centre parking lot.

• June 28 - North Van, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Capilano University parking lot.

• July 19 - Chilliwack, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Alliance Church at 8700 Young Rd.

• August 2 - Kelowna, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Okanagan University parking lot.

• August 17 - Surrey, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kwantlen Polytechnic University parking lot.

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

Tips for riders:

• If you’re getting on a bike after a break over winter or even longer, it’s important to refresh your skills before riding again. Practice low-speed skills like emergency braking and obstacle avoidance with a set of cones in a safe place like an empty parking lot. ICBC's learn to ride smart and tuning up for riders guides will also help you freshen up your knowledge and skills.

• Check your bike and do any necessary maintenance like changing the oil and checking the brakes, cables, chains, tires and handlebars to make sure your bike is ready for the road. If your bike has been sitting unused for a long time or you’re not comfortable doing bike maintenance yourself, get your bike checked out by a qualified mechanic before riding it.

• The top contributing factor for motorcyclists in crashes is distraction followed by speed and rider error or 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.

• Wear protective gear every time you ride to protect yourself regardless of the weather or length of ride. Buy the best gear you can afford and make sure your helmet is in good condition. Full-face helmets offer the best protection, but at a minimum, make sure your helmet meets or exceeds legal requirements including DOT, Snell or ECE safety standards.

• 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.

Tips for drivers:

• Most motorcycle crashes in B.C. happen at intersections. 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 to 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.

Statistics*

• In the Lower Mainland, 85 motorcyclists are injured or killed each month from May to October.

• On Vancouver Island, 31 motorcyclists are injured or killed each month from May to October.

• In the Southern Interior, 35 motorcyclists are injured or killed each month from May to October.

• In northern B.C., seven motorcyclists are injured or killed each month from May to October.

• Motorcyclists injured or killed in crashes occur most often in the Lower Mainland (46%), followed by Southern Interior (27%), Vancouver Island (23%) and northern B.C. (5%).

• 34% of motorcycle crashes are single vehicle crashes.

• In B.C., 65% of motorcycle riders in crashes are injured or killed.

• The average age of a motorcyclist who is injured or killed in crashes in B.C. is 46 years old. The average age of a licensed motorcyclist in B.C. is 56 years old.

*ICBC crash data from 2019 to 2023 (based on five-year average). Motorcycle includes mopeds, limited speed motorcycles, scooters and trikes.

Editor’s note: B-roll and photos from media opportunity in Burnaby available for download. This includes photos/video of ICBC motorcycle riders practicing low-speed maneuvers like emergency braking and obstacle avoidance at a practice skills course.