ICBC is offering free motorcycle safety courses across the province this season, hoping to help curb crash rates, after reporting 65 per cent of crashes involving a motorcycle result in the rider being injured or killed in B.C.
Island riders looking to improve their motorcycle safety skills can sign up for a free skills course taking place in the West Shore at the end of the month.
The skills course is one of many offered across B.C. as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
“Tragically, we are seeing too many motorcycle-related incidents and fatalities in British Columbia that are preventable,” said Garry Begg, minister of public safety and solititor general. “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a great reminder that we all share responsibility for road safety. I’m calling on all drivers and riders to stay alert, stay sober, stay within speed limits and for all riders to wear proper protective gear.”
According to ICBC, motorcyclists are more than three times more likely to be injured or killed in a crash in B.C. compared to vehicle passengers.
“Every month from May to October, 158 motorcyclists are injured or killed in crashes in B.C.,” states ICBC, adding that 23 per cent of those occur on Vancouver Island, with 31 injured or killed during that time period.
“Motorcyclists injured or killed in crashes occur most often in the Lower Mainland (46%), followed by Southern Interior (27%), Vancouver Island (23%) and northern B.C. (5%),” said the insurance corporation.
The skills courses, offered to riders of all levels, are run by expert-level police motorcycle riders.
The day also includes gear giveaways and protective clothing demonstrations from ICBC’s road safety team.
“The top contributing factor for motorcyclists in crashes is distraction followed by speed and rider error or confusion,” said ICBC in a release Friday.
“It’s important to stay focused on the road and drive at a safe speed that leaves enough time to stop or steer out of a vehicle’s path if necessary and reduce your risk of crashing.”
The Vancouver Island course takes place on May 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Westhore Town Centre parking lot.
Additional courses are provided across B.C., including in Abbotsford, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Chilliwack, Surrey and Kelowna.
See the list of dates and locations below:
- May 10 – Abbotsford, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Northview Community Church at 32040 Downes Rd.
- May 31 – Capital Regional District, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westshore Town Centre parking lot.
- June 14 – Tri-Cities, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Coquitlam Centre parking lot.
- June 28 – North Van, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Capilano University parking lot.
- July 19 – Chilliwack, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Alliance Church at 8700 Young Rd.
- August 2 – Kelowna, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Okanagan University parking lot.
- August 17 – Surrey, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kwantlen Polytechnic University parking lot.
Tips for riders of all levels
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or hitting the road for the first time, ICBC is reminding riders of all levels to follow a few fundamental safety tips.
“If you’re getting on a bike after a break over winter or even longer, it’s important to refresh your skills before riding again,” says ICBC.
Before hitting the road, it suggests practicing skills required when riding at slow speeds, like emergency braking and avoiding obstacles. This can be done by using a set of cones in an empty lot.
But before even starting up the bike, ICBC reminds riders to do a proper maintenance run-through.
“Check your bike and do any necessary maintenance like changing the oil and checking the brakes, cables, chains, tires and handlebars to make sure your bike is ready for the road,” said ICBC.
It also suggests getting the bike checked by a qualified mechanic if you’re unsure.
Wearing protective gear is also essential, even if the weather calls for a beach day.
“Buy the best gear you can afford and make sure your helmet is in good condition. Full-face helmets offer the best protection, but at a minimum, make sure your helmet meets or exceeds legal requirements including DOT, Snell or ECE safety standards.”
“Most motorcycle crashes in B.C. happen at intersections,” added ICBC.
The insurance corporation reminds riders to “never assume a driver has seen you, or give you the right-of-way, they may not accurately judge your distance or speed.”
Instead, ICBC says to signal to drivers your plan before initiating and anticipate your next move to be able to react in time.
To learn more, visit learn to ride smart and tuning up for riders. Find more driver and rider tips on the ICBC website.
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