Just announced this morning:
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2012/04/province-rolls-out-new-motorcycle-laws.htmlWe all knew it was coming, and I don't necessarily see it as a bad thing. However, what I'd prefer to see is some money put into motorcycle training, to make it more accessible--I've been working with a new rider in Nelson, who currently has NO local access to training--and even if he travels to, say, the Okanagan, he's looking at an $800 bill for tuition (instead, he's going to take the American MSF course in Spokane--dunno what that will cost him, I'll have to ask).
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2012JAG0061-000569
April 30, 2012
Ministry of Justice
Province rolls out new motorcycle laws
VICTORIA - To mark the beginning of Motorcycle Safety Awareness
Month, the Province is announcing new safety regulations aimed at
improving road safety and reducing motorcycle deaths, injuries and
crashes.
Effective June 1, all motorcycle riders and their passengers must
wear helmets that meet safety industry standards. This means
motorcycle riders will no longer be able to wear novelty helmets,
typically known as skid lids, skull caps or beanies, which do not
meet the new requirements.
In addition, the new regulations:
* Will require passengers, including children, to place their feet on
foot pegs or floorboards. Drivers can easily be thrown off balance
and risk crashing if their passengers do not keep their feet fixed on
foot rests. Children who are unable to reach foot rests will no
longer be allowed to ride as passengers.
* Will improve visibility and enforcement for police. The font size
on motorcycle licence plates has increased by 0.95 centimetres (3/8
of an inch). Since May 2011, all new motorcycle licence plates have
been issued with the larger font.
In making the announcement, Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Shirley Bond said the provincial government intends to move forward
with a graduated licensing program that includes power restrictions,
following additional consultation to determine the best model.
Feedback will be considered along with research and best practices to
develop a model that improves rider safety and reduces motorcycle
crashes especially for new riders.
The Office of Motor Vehicles and ICBC will also partner on an
awareness campaign to ensure automobile drivers are aware of how to
drive safely when they encounter motorcycles on the road.
The goal is to reduce fatalities and injuries from crashes involving
motorcycles. While motorcycles are estimated to make up about three
per cent of insured vehicles in B.C., they account for approximately
10 per cent of road fatalities. In the last five years, 203
motorcyclists have lost their lives on B.C.'s roads and 5,172 have
been injured. Motorcycle fatalities increased by about 57 per cent
between 1996 and 2010.
The new rider safety regulations are the result of extensive
consultations between the Office of the Superintendent of Motor
Vehicles, BC Coroners Service, ICBC, police and other road safety
partners to develop a comprehensive approach to improve motorcycle
safety within the motorcycling community and industry.
The month of May will allow for a transition period that will give
government time to move to the new laws by informing riders and the
public about the upcoming changes. Starting June 1, police will
begin enforcing the new laws and issuing educational materials to
riders found violating the helmet and seating regulations.
Fines for all new helmet-related offences are $138 and fines for
seating requirements range from $109 to $121. In addition to fines,
riders violating seating requirements will have their motorcycles
impounded.
Quotes:
Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond -
"While B.C. already has mandatory helmet and seating laws, these new
standards provide even more guidance to help riders - who are more
vulnerable to injury and death than other road users- enjoy a safe
journey.
"Thanks to individuals like Denise Lodge and the Adey family, who
have shown a commitment and passion for improving road safety, we are
able to turn tragic circumstances into real improvements."
Denise Lodge, Coalition of Riders Educating Youth (COREY) -
"Since March 3, 2005, in memory of my son Corey, I've been actively
advocating changes to legislation, the culture, attitude, belief and
behaviour to ensure other young riders don't needlessly lose their
lives.
"With more people getting motorcycle licences, risks are rising. We
know that safety starts with the rider and we also know that an
approved motorcycle helmet can save a life."
"Times have changed; motorcycles are more light weight and much more
powerful. Now more than ever, riders need the tools and skills to
ride safely."
Jamie Graham, chair, BC Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic
Safety Committee -
"Police have been asking for these changes for years. We have seen
the harm that inadequate safety equipment and poor choices cause. You
have to be responsible for your actions, dress appropriately, pay
attention and focus on driving, and you will prevent a tragedy."
Dr. Roy Purssell, emergency physician and chair of the BCMA's
Emergency Medical Services Committee -
"The new safety requirements will save lives. When motorcycles and
vehicles collide, the rider of the motorcycle is the one most often
seriously injured or killed. I have provided care for motorcyclists
who arrive at the emergency department with minimal injuries after
surviving a terrible crash simply because they were wearing a well-
designed helmet and other protective gear."
Quick Facts:
* Helmet laws have been found to reduce fatalities by as much as 37
per cent.
* Each year in B.C., there are about 2,200 crashes involving
motorcyclists and about 42 rider deaths.
* Motorcyclists are eight times more likely to be killed and more
than 40 per cent more likely to be injured in a crash than other road
users.
* The main factors contributing to motorcycle crashes are speed, an
inattentive driver and failure on the part of other drivers to yield
to right-of-way of motorcyclists.
* Helmets that meet industry standards have a rigid head covering
with a strong, stiff outer shell and a crushable liner. The stiff
outer shell protects the head by distributing the impact throughout
the surface of the helmet, and the crushable liner protects the head
by being able to absorb the energy of the impact. Full-face helmets
are not mandatory.
* Helmets must comply with standards outlined by the United States
Department of Transportation (DOT), Snell Memorial Foundation 2005 or
2010, or United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE).
A backgrounder follows.
Contact:
Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-6961
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: Connect | BC Newsroom
BACKGROUNDER
For Immediate Release
2012JAG0061-000569
April 30, 2012
Ministry of Justice
B.C.'s new motorcycle safety law
Beginning June 1, 2012, B.C.'s new motorcycle safety law will come
into force. It has three components:
1. Helmet Safety Standards
All motorcyclists and motorcycle passengers in B.C. must wear a
motorcycle helmet that meets one of the following safety standards:
* DOT - Also known as FMVSS 218, conforms with the U.S. Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218.
* Snell M2005 or Snell M2010 - In accordance with the Snell Memorial
Foundation 2005 or 2010 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use with
Motorcycles and Other Motorized Vehicles.
* ECE - In accordance with the United Nations Economic Commission for
Europe ECE Regulation No. 22.
The safety helmet must display the proper certification label. Full-
face helmets and visors are not required and riders are free to
choose any helmet colour they prefer. However, eye protection and
brightly-coloured helmets are strongly recommended to help prevent
collisions, injuries and fatalities.
Uncertified, novelty "beanies" do not meet the requirements.
Fines for all new helmet related offences are $138. Refusing an
officer's demand to produce a helmet carries a $276 fine.
2. Seating Requirements
Motorcycle operators and passengers must be seated with their feet on
foot pegs or the floorboards at all times (even when the motorcycle
is stopped at an intersection).
The operator is responsible for ensuring passengers younger than 16
years of age are properly seated. Any passengers, including children
who cannot reach the foot pegs or floorboards, are not permitted to
ride as passengers.
Fines for violating seating requirements range from $109 to $121 or
vehicle impoundment, if considered stunting. Failing to use foot pegs
and permitting a passenger to be unlawfully seated both come with a
$109 fine.
3. Licence Plate Improvements
Since May 2011, ICBC has been issuing motorcycle licence plates with
larger font. Font size has increased 0.95 centimetres (3/8 of an
inch) to assist law enforcement with identifying the vehicle.
Existing plates can be upgraded to a plate with larger font by
contacting ICBC.
The fine for an improper display of a licence plate or an illegible
licence plate has increased to $230 from $196.
Contact:
Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-6961
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: Connect | BC Newsroom
