Police motorcycle training sessions over the long weekend led to plenty of online speculation in the Lower Mainland, and a collision.
Sightings of multiple police motorcycles guiding traffic were reported in various neighbourhoods, including 248 and Robertson Crescent, and on the Langley side of the Golden Ears bridge, among other sites.
A police statement explained the large groups of motorcyclists were officers taking part in a three-day BC Highway Patrol Motorcycle Requalification Course that brings officers from all over the province, including Abbotsford police and RCMP detachments for vehicle escort training – the kind of maneuvering that is required when, for example, foreign dignitaries require security during a visit.
On Saturday, April 4, there was an accident during a Surrey training session.
Around 10 a.m., while travelling southbound on 152 Street on fully marked RCMP police motorcycles, a BC Highway Patrol officer was rear‑ended by another BC Highway Patrol officer.
RCMP said officers immediately rendered first aid and requested BC Emergency Health Services assistance. One officer was transported to hospital with serious injuries and remains in hospital. The other officer was taken to hospital as well, then was released and returned to the training course.
“Our focus right now is ensuring our injured officer receives the best possible care and support,” said Inspector Adam Tallboy, officer in charge of Vancouver Island BC Highway Patrol.
“Policing, including training, carries inherent risks, and this incident is a reminder of the dangers officers face every day. We are also ensuring that all officers involved have access to the appropriate resources, including medical and peer support, as they recover from this incident.”