Whereas the Province of British Columbia encourages cycling and walking for transportation, yet relatively few roads in BC have bike lanes or shoulders, and many do not have sidewalks, directing cyclists and pedestrians to share roads with high-speed motor vehicle traffic, which can result in close passes, poses potentially fatal crash risks, and discourages active transportation; And whereas over 40 jurisdictions across North America, including the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador, have all enacted safe passing distance legislation designed to protect vulnerable road users by requiring motor vehicle operators to maintain a minimum distance when passing vulnerable road users, thus creating a better understanding of and expectation for road safety: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the Province of British Columbia to amend the Motor Vehicle Act to better support safe active transportation by requiring drivers to provide 1 metre of space at speeds 50 kmh or less, and 1.5 metres of space at speeds in excess of 50 kmh, when passing people cycling or walking.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure In support of the goal to double the percentage of trips taken by active transportation by 2030, the provincial government continues to work with local governments and other partners to make active transportation safer and more convenient for everyone. The Provinces active transportation strategy Move. Commute. Connect. includes support for Vision Zero, an international project that aims to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities on the road to zero. Expanding cycling infrastructure, boosting enforcement of road safety laws and delivering safety education programs are just some of the ways the provincial and local governments are working toward making cycling safer across the province. Although the Motor Vehicle Act requires vehicle drivers provide a safe distance when passing, it does not dictate a specific minimum passing distance between vehicles and cycles or pedestrians. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure continues to monitor developments in other jurisdictions with minimum safe passing distances to determine the safety benefits of these laws, as well as issues related to enforcement, driver education and awareness, and impacts to road infrastructure. The Ministry shares responsibility for road safety with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and the ministries are working together to ensure the provincial governments legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks, including the Motor Vehicle Act, acknowledge all road users and emerging transportation modes while maintaining overall safety.