One of the many features of our beautiful province worth bragging about is the incredible array of beautiful, scenic drives. Whether cruising along the coast or touring through winding mountain passes or towering old-growth forests, British Columbia has no shortage of incredible routes. And with the warm weather officially here, that means it’s the perfect time to hop on a motorcycle and explore these circuits on two wheels.
However, as car and truck drivers, it’s sometimes easy for us to forget just how many motorcyclists are out there once spring arrives. After all, we’ve spent months navigating winter roads filled with other vehicles like ours. But the reality is that motorcycle riders are far more vulnerable than we are behind the wheel of a vehicle weighing several thousand pounds, and the safety of everyone on the road falls on our shoulders as much as theirs.
It’s up to all of us who drive larger vehicles to be more mindful. We have the advantage of airbags, steel frames, and crumple zones keeping us safe, while motorcyclists have none of that. A collision that might only leave our car scratched and dented could result in life-altering injuries, or even death, for a rider.
Our friends at ICBC recently issued a reminder that nearly two-thirds of crashes between motorcycles and other vehicles happen at intersections. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that motorcycles are simply harder to see, and sometimes we just aren’t looking for them the way we should be. You may be used to scanning for other cars and trucks, but motorcycles can appear almost out of nowhere if you’re not actively looking for them. Their smaller profile means they can be hidden behind other, larger vehicles or road signs. If you’re making a left-hand turn, that second glance could make all the difference.
Space on the road is another key issue. Motorcycles have just as much right to the road as we do, but some drivers fall into the bad habit of crowding them, or worse, trying to share a lane — which is especially dangerous on a fast-moving highway with lots of bends and blind turns (looking at you Sea-to-Sky Highway). A motorcycle might appear to be off to the side of a lane, but that’s not an invitation to rip past them. Riders often shift within their lane to increase visibility, avoid road debris, or get a better angle on the road ahead.
It’s also important to remember that motorcycles don’t always behave the same way our vehicles do. They can accelerate very quickly, and sometimes they need extra room to brake or swerve to avoid hazards we might not even notice. Shoulder checks, especially your blind spots, and proper use of signals are especially important when motorcycles are nearby. One lazy, unexpected lane change could put a rider at serious risk.
Sharing the road means more than following the rules; it means staying alert and aware, and looking out for everyone around us. As drivers, we can set the tone for a safer, more secure driving experience. When we treat motorcyclists with care and consideration, we’re helping protect our neighbours, friends, and families.
At the NCDA, we know British Columbians take pride in their vehicles, their freedom to travel, and their love of the open road. That freedom should belong to all of us, whether we’re driving four wheels or two. This motorcycle season let’s keep our eyes open, our distance respectful, and our roads safe for everyone.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
