Responsibilities of Bicycle Riders
A great deal of ‘discussion’ revolves around bicycle riders versus automobiles. There are strong, and sometimes, extreme opinions from both sides but at the end of the day, both types of transportations have the right to be on the road & courtesy to each other must prevail. There are many regulations that are in place to govern the safety of vehicles & their occupants, including the mandatory wearing of seatbelts. Do bicycles have some sort of exempt status when in use ?? I will give you the answer shortly.
On April 13/2005, The VPD made a press announcement that a Bicycle Safety Campaign will be launched, aimed at decreasing injuries while riding bicycles with particular emphasis on wearing protective helmets. Head injuries are the most common cause of death, particularly among children, and wearing a helmet decreases the risk of head injury by 85% (ICBC stats). In addition, the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit say bicycle injuries account for 10% of all pediatric trauma deaths.
Educational packages on bicycle safety are being distributed to all elementary schools in Vancouver with particular emphasis on the wearing of helmets, but what about the adults that are riding on the City streets?
The Traffic Enforcement Section will be actively enforcing the rules that apply to bicycle riders starting June 15/2005. In addition, Motor Vehicles that fail to yield to bicycles will also get to meet a Traffic Enforcement Officer. This brings me to the question I posed at the beginning.
The Motor Vehicle Act of BC is quite clear on the rights & duties of a cycle rider. Section 183 & 184 cover the issues & I encourage you to read them but section 183 (1) sums up the basics:
IN ADDITION TO THE DUTIES IMPOSED BY THIS SECTION, A PERSON OPERATING A CYCLE ON A HIGHWAY HAS THE SAME RIGHTS AND DUTIES AS A DRIVER OF A VEHICLE. (plus) you have to properly wear a helmet – sec 184)
You could get a ticket if you: ride on the sidewalk, ignore traffic lights, ride 2 abreast, not turn correctly at intersections, disobey stop signs, ride after dark without lights & NOT WEAR A HELMET.
Remember the obvious, a car will always win out in an accident so why take risks.