Who Can You Call?
Reprinted with permission from the Cycling BC 2000 handbook

While bicycle commuters may sometimes feel embattled and overlooked, there are, in fact, a number of resources available to help improve life for those who use their bikes as a primary means of transportation. Cyclists are a legitimate and recognized part of traffic and they have a legal right to safe riding conditions on our province's roads. Listed below are some people and groups that you can contact if you have bicycle-related concerns and issues to be addressed.

Many cities have Bicycle Coordinators in their Engineering, Traffic or Planning departments that are able to deal with concerns regarding road conditions, construction or other cycling hazards. It's their job to ensure that cyclists' needs and concerns are being taken into account when municipal decisions are being made. Call your City Hall to get in touch with your Bicycle Coordinator. If your city or area doesn't have a Bicycle Coordinator, then you can ask for the person in charge of bicycle planning, or even ask for the Head Engineer or Planner. Your voice is important.

You can also ask if your city has a Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC). Many cities and municipalities have BAC's which are composed of staff members (police, planners, engineers) and members of the cycling public. These committees, as the name implies, provide advice to municipalities on bicycle-related issues.

In February 2000, the BC Ministry of Transportation created a new Provincial Cycling Coordinator position, and a new Provincial Cycling Advisory Committee. Both of these will be particularly important in ensuring that the principles of the new Cycling Policy are indeed applied throughout the province. The Provincial Cycling Coordinator can be reached through the provincial toll free information line (800) 663-7867 or through the website: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/cycling/bicycle.htm or by email: motcycling(at)gems1.gov.bc.ca..

The recent cycling-friendly steps taken by government can in large part be credited to the work of non-governmental groups that have set bicycle transportation issues as their primary agenda. The following groups all address bicycle transportation issues at a regional level:

The British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) acts as an umbrella organization for these groups and tackles the issues at the provincial level.

The British Columbia Cycling Coalition, a Cycling BC partner, has a very narrow focus and mandate, making it a highly effective organization. Recent successes include spearheading the creation of the new provincial Cycling Policy, forging a stronger relationship between ICBC and the cycling community, and creating a committee with BC Ferries to work on ferry related cycling issues. They both lobby for cyclists' rights at the provincial level and + provide support at the regional level. If you have transportation oriented cycling concerns that you would like addressed at a provincial level, contact the BCCC at their website: http://www.bccc.bc.ca.

Public Transit
Reprinted with permission from the Cycling BC 2000 handbook

As part of their mandate, the BC authorities provide a growing number of services to cyclists. The integration of bicycles into existing and planned transit systems is a highly effective way to expand the range of travel possible on two wheels. These inter-modal links can help fill the gaps on certain trips made by bike and should be explored by cyclists when planning routes and making transportation decisions.

Ferries
British Columbia is defined by its mountains and by its bodies of water. While you still have to lug yourself up the mountains, BC Ferries can help you get across the bodies of water. It costs an additional $2.50 to bring your bike across on most major runs. For costs and schedules, call BC Ferries at (888) 223-3779 or check out their website at http://www.bcferries.bc.ca.

West Coast Express
The commuter rail service between Vancouver and Mission, the West Coast Express, carries bicycles. The service costs $1.00 per trip in addition to your passenger ticket, and is run on a first come first serve basis. Trains can carry from 8 to 12 bikes depending on the size of the train and the number of passengers (2 bikes fit on each car). For those that would rather leave their bike at the station, bicycle racks, and often secured enclosed bicycle lockers, are available. ) For more information, contact (604) 488-8906 or visit their website at http://www.westcoastexpress.com

Seabus & Skytrain
In the Lower Mainland, bicycles are allowed on the SeaBus at all times for no extra charge. Bikes are presently not allowed on the Skytrain but authorities have agreed to consider allowing bicycles in the new Mark II cars scheduled for the new line.

Bike Lockers
In the Lower Mainland, bike lockers are available at two Skytrain stations, King George and Scott Rd, and two Bus Exchanges, Ladner and Sexsmith. TransLink rents the lockers for 3-month periods at a cost of $30, with a $30 key deposit. Cycling BC administers these rentals; so if you would like to rent a locker call the Cycling BC office at (604) 737-3034.

In Victoria, bike lockers are available at the McTavish Road and Sooke Park and Rides. The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition administers the rental of these lockers. For more information on their program, please call at (250) 480-5155 or see their website: http://www.gvcc.bc.ca

Bus Bike Racks
An increasing number of cities in BC have buses equipped with bicycle racks. At present, the service is offered on all buses in Kelowna, Nelson, Kamloops, Kitimat, Nanaimo, Whister, Parksville/Qualicum Beach, Penticton, West Vancouver and on specific routes in Vancouver and Victoria.

Bicycles travel free with a passenger fare. Stops that can load bikes are identified by a green bicycle logo. For routes, times, and loading stops in the Lower Mainland area visit the TransLink website at http://www.translink.bc.ca. For other areas in BC, see the BC Transit webpage at http://www.bctransit.com.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A COLLISION
Reprinted with permission from the Cycling BC 2000 handbook

Check for injuries first. If someone is injured, call for help right away. Administer first aid if you are trained. After the injured have been helped and removed from harm's way, begin gathering information. It is best not to discuss fault at the scene of the collision.

Look to see if all parties involved have remained or returned to the scene of the collision. Cyclists are required to remain at the scene of a collision, the same as the driver of a motor vehicle must. You are also required to provide your name and address to the other parties involved or to a police officer upon request. Carry identification, emergency contact information, and medical insurance information, especially when you cycle alone. Write down the following as soon as possible:

1. Location and exact time of the collision.
2. Vehicle descriptions and plate numbers.
3. Driver's description and driver's licence information. Copy this information directly from the driver's licence, if possible. Don't accept a business card without verifying that the name is the same as on the driver's license.
4. Details of the incident, including a diagram. Describe the circumstances of the collision in detail: weather conditions, lighting, speeds, etc.
5. All witness' information (names and phone numbers), including passengers: do not depend on others to take names and phone numbers.

Police involvement may depend on the extent and seriousness of the collision. Report the matter to a police officer within 24 hours (48 hours in outlying areas) if there is property damage over $100, injury to a person, or evidence for a charge (where a traffic violation occurred and a licence plate number was obtained). This requirement is met by calling ICBC's Dial-A-Claim service if the police do not attend and make a report.

You can report a claim to ICBC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling:

• Outside of Greater Vancouver 1-800-910-4222
• Greater Vancouver 520-8222

When calling, have all collision information ready including vehicle and drivers' licence numbers, witness' names and phone numbers, and your police report number if you have obtained one. Although you have 30 days to report an injury claim, and six months to report a hit and run complaint, it is best to report your claim as soon as possible. Document your injuries and property damage with photographs or videotape; save all receipts and repair estimates. Cyclists and pedestrians have many rights as insureds of collisions, and medical benefits may be available even if the cyclist is responsible for causing a collision. It is recommended that you contact ICBC and speak to an adjuster who can confirm whether your damages will be covered. When claiming for personal items (bikes, clothes, etc.), be prepared to show the damaged goods to the adjuster. If you have difficulty understanding your legal obligations, it is recommended that you consult your property or liability insurer, or a lawyer with experience representing cyclists.

Hit and Run
In the case of a hit and run, with or without a vehicle licence plate number, follow the same procedure as above. You may still be covered by ICBC, depending on the circumstances of the collision. You must make a reasonable effort to identify the motor vehicle. To report a hit and run that you have witnessed or been involved in, call:

TIPS BC Line 1-800-661-6844
TIPS Lower Mainland (604) 661-6844

Dangerous Traffic Violations
Many cyclists and motorists are unaware of the rights and responsibilities of cyclists. In the event that you are on the receiving end of dangerous driving behaviour and are able to obtain a vehicle licence plate number, report the matter to police as soon as possible. It is unwise to confront motorists on the road with your opinion of their traffic etiquette. Use common sense when traffic incidents occur and avoid entering into 'road rage' behaviour yourself. As in the case of a collision, write down all relevant information immediately. Police can only act upon reports where there is evidence (vehicle licence plate) for a charge (i.e. unsafe passing, failure-to-yield, failure to drive with due care and attention, etc.). Depending on the location of the incident and the caseload of the local police, you may find the authorities reluctant to follow up on a report. It is important to avoid making 'nuisance' complaints. However, if your concern is of a serious nature, obtain a police report number and follow up on the outcome.

Most common collisions

Be aware of the most common circumstances surrounding collisions and stay especially alert when cycling in these conditions. The following statistics are from a 1996 study*, which analyzed the reported 6,000 collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles that occurred in BC during a three-year period.

Collision location
Most collisions happened at intersections, where there were no traffic controls, and in residential areas.

• 63% of the collisions occurred at the intersection of a street with another street, alley or driveway, while 31% happened between intersections.
• 57% of the collision sites had no traffic controls at all; 19% had stop signs and 15% traffic lights.
• 40% occurred in residential areas, and 35% in business/shopping areas.

Pre-collision actions
Almost four out of five cyclists were going straight ahead, while 42% of the drivers were turning either left or right.

Going straight ahead - Cyclists: 79% Car drivers: 41%
Turning left - Cyclists: 5% Car drivers: 19%
Turning right - Cyclists: 2% Car drivers: 23%

Contributing factors
The most common error among cyclists was to ride without due care. Among motorists the most frequent fault was failure to yield right-of-way.

Operating vehicle without due care - Cyclists: 23% Car drivers: 14%
Failure to yield right-of-way - Cyclists: 13% Car drivers: 27%
Using the wrong side of the road - Cyclists: 10% Car drivers: 0%

Several other studies in North America have found that the primary fault in bicycle/motor vehicle collisions is approximately equally shared between cyclists and drivers. These studies also found that the single most common bicycle accident was falling without any other vehicle being involved.

All cyclists should be aware that the three most common motorist-caused bicycle/motor vehicle collisions are:

• An oncoming driver turns left in front of the cyclist.
• A driver on a cross street stops, and then pulls out directly in front of the cyclist.
• A driver barely passes the cyclist and then turns right.

*Hamilton and Associates. 1997. A Review of Collisions Between Motor Vehicles and Bicycles in British Columbia. Produced for ICBC.

Cyclists and the Law

Cyclists have the same rights and duties as a driver of a vehicle. The laws that govern cyclists are contained in the BC Motor Vehicle Act [RSBC 1996]. Certain sections of the Act are exclusively for cyclists and excerpts are provided below. Some jurisdictions in BC also have bylaws specifically for cyclists. It is wise to check with your local police department or municipality for cycling-specific bylaws in your area.

Motor Vehicle Act [RSBC 1996] Chapter 318 Part 3
Reproduced with permission of the Province of British Columbia.

Rights and duties of operator of cycle
183 (1) In addition to the duties imposed by this section, a person operating a cycle on a highway has the same rights and duties as a driver of a vehicle.

(2) A person operating a cycle
(a) must not ride on a sidewalk unless authorized by a bylaw made under section 124 or unless otherwise directed by a sign,
(b) must not, for the purpose of crossing a highway, ride on a crosswalk unless authorized to do so by a bylaw made under section 124 or unless otherwise directed by a sign,
(c) must, subject to paragraph (a), ride as near as practicable to the right side of the highway,
(d) must not ride abreast of another person operating a cycle on the roadway,
(e) must keep at least one hand on the handlebars,
(f) must not ride other than on or astride a regular seat of the cycle,
(g) must not use the cycle to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped, and
(h) must not ride a cycle on a highway where signs prohibit their use.

(3) Nothing in subsection (2) (c) requires a person to ride a cycle on any part of a highway that is not paved.

(4) Despite section 165, a person operating a cycle who intends to turn it to the left at an intersection where there is more than one lane from which left turns are permitted must
(a) cause the cycle to approach the intersection in the lane closest to the right side of the highway from which a left turn is permitted,
(b) keep the cycle to the right of the line that divides the lane referred to in paragraph (a) from the lane immediately to the left of that lane,
(c) after entering the intersection, turn the cycle to the left so that it will leave the intersection to the right of the line referred to in paragraph (b), and
(d) when practicable, turn the cycle in the portion of the intersection to the left of the centre of the intersection.

(5) A person must not ride a cycle, skate board, roller skates, in-line roller skates, sled, play vehicle or other similar means of conveyance when it is attached by the arm and hand of the rider or otherwise to a vehicle on a highway.

(6) A cycle operated on a highway between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise must have the following equipment:
(a) a lighted lamp mounted on the front and under normal atmospheric conditions capable of displaying a white light visible at least 150 m in the direction the cycle is pointed;
(b) a red reflector of a make or design approved by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia for the purposes of this section;
(c) a lighted lamp, mounted and visible to the rear, displaying a red light.

(7) Despite any other provision of this Act or the regulations, a cycle may be equipped with a flashing red light that is of a make or design approved by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia for the purposes of this section.

(8) A cycle operated on a highway 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.

(9) If an accident occurs by which a person or property is injured, directly or indirectly, owing to the presence or operation of a cycle on a highway or a sidewalk, the person in charge of the cycle must
(a) remain at or immediately return to the scene of the accident,
(b) render all possible assistance, and
(c) give to anyone sustaining loss or injury, and to any peace officer who is present, his or her name and address and the name and address of the owner of the cycle, and if the cycle has been licensed and registered, the licence or registration number of the cycle.

(10) If an accident involving the presence or operation of a cycle on a highway or a sidewalk, either directly or indirectly causes death or injury to a person or damage to property causing aggregate damage apparently exceeding $100, the person in charge of the cycle must immediately report the matter to a police officer or a person designated by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia to receive those reports, and must furnish information, including that referred to in section 67 (8), respecting the accident as may be required by the police officer or person designated.

(11) A report made under this section is without prejudice and is for the information of the Provincial or municipal police, and must not be open to public inspection.

(12) The fact the report has been made is admissible in evidence solely to prove compliance with this section, and the report is admissible in evidence on the prosecution of any person for the offence of making a false statement in it.

(13) Despite subsections (11) and (12), a peace officer may, when giving evidence in a proceeding, refer to a report prepared by him or her under subsection (9) or (10) to refresh his or her memory.

(14) A person must not operate a cycle
(a) on a highway without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway, or
(b) on a sidewalk without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the sidewalk.

(15) If a person is convicted of an offence under this Act in respect of his or her riding or operating a cycle, the court may, in addition to or in place of any penalty otherwise prescribed, order the cycle seized, and on the expiry of that period the person entitled to it may again have possession of the cycle.

(16) For the purpose of seizing and impounding a cycle under an order made under subsection (15), a peace officer may enter any place or building in which the cycle is located.

(17) A person operating a cycle on a highway must signify
(a) a left turn by extending the person's left hand and arm horizontally from the cycle,
(b) a right turn by doing either of the following:
(i) extending the person's left hand and arm out and upward from the cycle so that the upper and lower parts of the arm are at right angles;
(ii) extending the person's right hand and arm horizontally from the cycle, and
(c) a stop or decrease in speed by extending the person's left hand and arm out and down from the cycle.

Bicycle safety helmets
184 (1) A person commits an offence if that person operates or rides as a passenger on a cycle on a highway and is not properly wearing a bicycle safety helmet that
(a) is designated as an approved bicycle safety helmet under subsection (4) (a), or
(b) meets the standards and specifications prescribed under subsection (4) (b).

(2) A parent or guardian of a person under the age of 16 years commits an offence if the parent or guardian authorizes or knowingly permits the person to operate or ride as a passenger on a cycle on a highway if that person is not properly wearing a bicycle safety helmet that
(a) is designated as an approved bicycle safety helmet under subsection (4) (a), or
(b) meets the standards and specifications prescribed under subsection (4) (b).

(3) A person who is convicted of an offence under subsection (1) or (2) is liable to a fine of not more than $100.

(4) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations as follows:
(a) designating a helmet as an approved bicycle safety helmet for the purposes of this section;
(b) prescribing standards and specifications for bicycle safety helmets.

(5) Regulations made under subsection (4) (b) may adopt by reference, in whole or in part, standards or specifications published by a national or international standards association, as amended from time to time.

(6) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations as follows:
(a) providing for and requiring the identification and marking of bicycle safety helmets;
(b) exempting any person or class of persons from the requirements of this section and prescribing conditions for those exemptions.

Definitions (partial list)

• cycle means a device having any number of wheels that is propelled by human power and on which a person may ride, but does not include a skate board, roller skates or in-line roller skates.
• vehicle means a device in, on or by which a person or thing is or may be transported or drawn on a highway, except a device designed to be moved by human power or used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks.
• roadway means the portion of the highway that is improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic, but does not include the shoulder, and if a highway includes 2 or more separate roadways, the term roadway refers to any one roadway separately and not to all of them collectively.
• highway includes every road, street, or lane or right-of-way designed or intended for or used by the general public for the passage of vehicles, and every place or passageway to which the public, for the purposes of the parking or servicing of vehicles, has access or is invited. [This encompasses the entire right-of-way, including paved or unpaved shoulders and ditches.]

Bicycle Security

Talk to your local bicycle store about the right lock for you and your bicycle. Look for secure, covered parking at your workplace. Lock your bike frame to a bike rack, signpost or parking meter for short-term parking. Best locations are in busy pedestrian areas visible from many vantage points. At home keep your bicycle invisible and inside where it's dry and secure. Check with your bike store or local police station to see if they keep records of serial numbers, or provide engraving services to ID your bike. Knowing the serial number of your bike can help you get it back if it is stolen. Check with an insurance agent about protecting your bike - it's an investment you'll want to hang on to.

Cycling Advocacy
Reprinted with permission from the Cycling BC 2000 Handbook

Ever wonder what advocacy really is? You may be interested in advocacy and not even know it! If you are concerned about the rights and privileges of cyclists, whether for land access or safer road riding provisions, then you are interested in cycling advocacy.

There are many ways to become involved in advocacy and help ensure that cyclists as a community of people are heard and understood. There are clubs and coalitions, as well as concerned individuals, throughout the province that work within their regions to improve cycling conditions, rights and privileges. Don't wait for others to solve problems for you. Become familiar with the decision-makers and cycling advocacy groups in your area to work toward improved conditions for cyclists.

Cycling advocacy contacts in B.C.:

Better Environmentally Sound Transportation
Tel: (604) 669-2860 Website: http://www.best.bc.ca

British Columbia Cycling Coalition
Website: http://www.bccc.bc.ca
E-Mail: info(at)bccc.bc.ca