BC Highway Patrol says it’s adding extra enforcement to the roads this month due to a spike in high-risk driving and motorcycle riding.
While many Island motorcyclists enjoy year-round riding, the addition of warmer weather and a busy May long weekend brings heavy traffic to B.C. highways.
According to RCMP, in B.C., the May long weekend sees on average, more than 2,100 collisions with four fatalities.
On Friday, RCMP announced High-Risk Driving and Motorcycle Awareness Month in B.C.
During the month, BC Highway Patrol will be on alert for high-risk driving and is deploying additional resources to crack down on “impaired driving, aggressive driving (including speeding and excessive speeding), distracted driving and seatbelt violations,” states RCMP.
“It’s all part of BC Highway Patrol’s effort to lessen the impact of the most dangerous weekend of the year on BC roads- the May long weekend.”
RCMP says its seen an increase in “excessive speeding, crashes involving motorcycles, and impaired driving.”
“Public safety is our top priority and we take it very seriously. People who choose to ignore safety will certainly be educated on its importance.”
Island high-risk driving and riding incidents this spring 2025 to date
“So far, the spring of 2025 is not encouraging,” states RCMP.
With May long weekend three weeks away, to date for the spring of 2025, RCMP have responded to multiple serious crashes due to high-risk driving or riding.
In February, a motorcyclist was handed a $483 ticket and had their bike impounded after police clocked the rider at speeds of 211 km/h on Pat Bay Highway.
Back in March, Nanaimo RCMP charged six motorcyclists for reckless stunt riding.
Also in March, a Colwood man was arrested for speeding and impaired driving leading to a collision between a car and motorcycle in Langford.
During the month of April, BC Highway Patrol officers have seen drivers speeding more than 100 km/h over the limit, driving impaired and motorcycle crashes due to reckless riding.
This past week, B.C.’s police oversight agency reported it’s investigating a crash that occurred in downtown Nanaimo late last Saturday night after police attempted to conduct a traffic stop with a motorcycle rider. After failing to stop for RCMP, the motorcycle collided with a taxi near the intersection of Victoria Road and Milton Street, causing injuries.
In early April, a motorcyclist was seen speeding nearly 300 km/h on Vancouver Island.
“All road users need to start driving more reasonably right now to reverse the recent trend and make our roadways safer for everyone,” says Superintendent Mike Coyle with BC Highway Patrol.
On April 14, RCMP nabbed a driver on the Nanaimo Parkway and issued a $483 speeding ticket. RCMP say the man was driving more than 100 km/h over the speed limit while en route to pick up his child.
“The driver also failed two breath tests for impairment,” state RCMP.
Province-wide high-risk incidents in April
On April 9, 2025, a motorcycle that was being driven recklessly crashed in the Massey Tunnel causing huge delays for other road users and sending the motorcycle rider to hospital.
On April 13, 16 excessive speeders were impounded in a single day by a small group of BC Highway Patrol officers says RCMP.
“These numbers don’t even include the tickets are officers were writing for people speeding less than 40 km/h over the limit,
” says Corporal McLaughlin.
On April 19 an officer nabbed and impounded two excessive speeders at once in Chilliwack. RCMP say the speeders were travelling over the narrow Vedder Canal Bridge.
“Motorcycle safety is a lot like high-risk driving — you have to take responsibility for your own unsafe behaviours while also watching out for other people who are being unsafe,
” says Supt. Coyle.
“Before you speed, ask yourself, ‘Would I be happy to donate $500 to the government and lose my vehicle for a week?’ You might prefer to slow down, enjoy your drive, and arrive at your destination safely and stress-free
,” adds Coyle.
Tips from RCMP to have a safer riding season:
To ensure a safer and more enjoyable season on the roads, BC Highway Patrol reminds drivers and riders to first, slow down and drive (or ride) within your skills and ability and avoid driving or riding — not only if impaired — but if tired or distracted. Take a break and let someone else drive instead, and add extra stops to improve your mood and focus while driving.
Watch for motorcycles, cyclists and pedestrians as the weather gets warmer.
Expect your trips and commutes to take longer with more recreational vehicles, trucks, and construction work on the roads.
If you are thinking about riding a motorcycle this season, explore buying a lighter, smaller-displacement motorcycle as they are typically “easier to handle and more fun to ride at slower, reasonable speeds,” says RCMP. Lastly, whether your new to motorcycles or have been riding for years, consider advanced rider or driver training, to keep up with the latest regulations and safety practices.
READ ALSO: Motorcyclist clocked at 211 km/h on Pat Bay Highway has bike impounded
