Cyclists and the Rules of the Road

A recent blog post on the Drive Smart BC website has sparked backlash and considerable debate within the cycling community and the driving public at large. The author of this widely-read site highlights the growing issue of inconsiderate cyclists, particularly during the summer months, noting an influx of complaints about cyclists disregarding traffic rules. This is a concern many of us have encountered—cyclists who seem to believe that the rules do not apply to them and that motorists must always yield because they are morally superior for relying on muscle power.

It’s important to remember that the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) does indeed apply to bicycles. The Act outlines general traffic regulations and specific provisions for cyclists. In British Columbia, the MVA governs all road and highway users, including cyclists. This means that when a cyclist approaches a stop sign, they are legally required to stop. At a four-way stop, they must yield just as a car would. Pedestrian signals do not exempt bicycles from stopping at stop sign.

With more bicycles on the road than ever, we often see cyclists who expect motorists to yield at all times. This attitude may be emboldened by new MVA provisions aimed at protecting vulnerable road users. While most drivers are keenly aware of the risks of harming a cyclist in a collision, the government’s focus on protecting vulnerable road users has not been matched by efforts to educate cyclists about their responsibilities under the law.

Unfortunately, this lack of education is evident on our roads. Many cyclists blatantly disregard traffic rules, often endangering others. This behavior might suggest that some cyclists drive their cars with the same disregard for safety and rules. Notably, some of the worst offenders are those on expensive racing bikes, dressed in high-end cycling gear. One might speculate that their aggressive driving habits extend to their cycling behavior as well.

As the Drive Smart BC article mentions, the police do enforce cycling laws, but not with the same rigor applied to motor vehicles. The bottom line is simple: in a collision between a car and a cyclist, the cyclist always loses. However, the motorist often suffers in the long run, as the assumption is that they were not as careful as they should have been in protecting the vulnerable road user.

If you have received a ticket as a motorist or a cyclist, we are there to help. We defend traffic tickets in all corners of BC because we are the original BC Driving Lawyers.

Got caught? Call us. 604-608-1200.