10 Vancouver Cycling Laws You Should Know
As Vancouver moves forward with its Green Transportation goals, the city is becoming a safer city to bike, walk and take transit in. Safer transportation corridors are encouraging cyclists of all ages to reclaim the roads once dominated by vehicular traffic. But part of safe cycling is understanding the Vancouver cycling laws.
This week we have compiled a list of ten important laws that all cyclists (commuters, casual riders and working bike messengers) should know and understand. The regulations listed below are mix of laws found under the BC Motor Vehicle Act and the Vancouver City Bylaws. It is important to remember that bicyclists have the same rights and duties as a driver of a vehicle. The following is a list of Vancouver cycling laws that apply specifically to cyclists.
1. Helmets For All (MVA Section 184 – COV Bylaw 60D, 60E)
Helmets have been mandatory in British Columbia since 1995. BC was one of the first provinces in Canada to put through legislation enforcing helmet use. Riders are required to wear a helmet with CSA, ANSI, ASTM or SNELL rating or certification. Sports helmets, including hockey helmets, do not meet the standard for adequate head protection. Parents and legal guardians are responsible for their children’s helmets and can be charged accordingly for non-compliance under Vancouver cycling laws.
2. Light Bright (MVA 183.6-7)
All riders in BC operating a bike 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise are required to have a front white headlight with a visibility distance of 150m and a rear red light with a visibility distance of 100m. During daylight hours, cyclists are also required to have a red rear deflector; most rear red lights have reflective properties. For more info on purchasing bike lights, please see our blog Bike Lights: Lighting up the Vancouver Night.
Violation Cost: $109
3. Be Heard (COV Bylaw 60B)
Vancouver cycling laws require all cyclists to have a bell or device “capable of being used as a warning.” This bylaw only pertains to the City of Vancouver and is not part of the Motor Vehicle Act.
Violation Cost: Not Specified
-Officer could charge $109, cost for MVA Section 183.14, cycling without reasonable consideration
4. Hands On (MVA Section 183.2 e)
The BC government requires all cyclists to ride with at least one hand on the handlebars. This seems congruent with Vancouver’s label as a ‘No Fun City’. Sure you have more control with two hands or even one, but riding hands-free is a small pleasure that cyclists with adequate balance enjoy. What’s next to be banned? Coasting?
Violation Cost: Not Specified
-Officer could charge $109, cost for MVA Section 184.14, careless cycling.
5. Double Trouble (MVA Section 183.2 f, g)
All riders on a bicycle must have their own seat. This is another safety law, with possible good intentions, but really – this is a joy killer. What it basically means is no doubling your friend home from the movies on your handlebars. Tandem bikes, child seats, tag-a-long attachments and child trailers are considered to have two seats and are therefore immune from this law.
Violation Cost: Not Specified
-Officer could charge $109, cost for MVA Section 184.14, careless cycling.
6. Two Abreast (MVA Section 183.2 d)
According to Vancouver cycling laws, cyclists riding in pairs or in a larger group must ride single file while on the road. Riders on the shoulder or on separated bike paths may ride two abreast when there is space and it is safe to do so. This law is a date-killer and basically makes cycling an individual sport.
Violation Cost: Not Specified
-Officer could charge $109, cost for MVA Section 184.14, careless cycling.
7. Pedal Grooves (Bylaw 60A)
“No person shall ride a bicycle upon a street while wearing headphones, or any other manufactured device capable of transmitting sound, over or in close proximity to both ears.” This bylaw is why so many riders in Vancouver rock portable speakers – yes they are somewhat annoying, but they also keep you within the law. You will also notice that the law specifically says both ears, so one ear or a hands free Bluetooth phone are both legal. The law also goes on to explain that hearing aids, or any device that amplifies sound is legal.
Violation Cost: Not Specified
-Officer could charge $109, cost for MVA Section 181.14, careless cycling.
8. Catching a Lift (MVA Section 183.5)
It is illegal in British Columbia for cyclists to receive a boost from a moving vehicle by holding the arm of a passenger or the driver. Seems like this one is common sense, but maybe a previous case brought about this law’s existence.
Violation Cost: Not Specified
-Officer could charge $109, cost for MVA Section 181.14, careless cycling.
9. Them the Brakes (MVA Section 183.8)
Every bicycle in the province that is built to ride on the street “must be equipped with a brake that will enable the person operating the cycle to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level and clean pavement.” This is an interesting law for those fans of fixed gear bikes. Vancouver bicycle messengers are often ticketed for failing to comply with this law, but fixed bikes do allow the rider the ability to skid. So, according to the law, even though fixed riders do not have hand brakes or coaster brakes, they are in accordance. Prepare to fight this ticket
Violation Cost: Not Specified
-Officer could charge $109, cost for MVA Section 181.14, cycle without reasonable consideration.
10. Without a Warrant (Bylaw 60F)
It may seem tempting to want to out pedal a bike cop, or give them a false name or address when stopped, but either of these actions are grounds for arrest under Vancouver’s bicycle laws Bylaw 60F. If an officer believes you have committed any of the actions listed above, he/she can pull you over. If you do not stop, the officer can arrest you and seize your bike. Also, if you are convicted in court of any of the above infractions, “a police officer may enter any place or building in which your cycle is located.”
Violation Cost: Immediate Arrest and or Property Seizure
- For the safest ride in the city, signup for a guided Vancouver Bike Tour. Your guide will take you around the city utilizing AAA bike lanes, the Vancouver seawall and traffic-calmed streets.
