RCMP have released a video showing a Chilliwack motorcyclist crashing his bike, and police are reminding drivers it’s illegal and dangerous to pass on the shoulder following an incident in Vancouver.
The collision happened in heavy traffic westbound on Highway 1 near East 1st Avenue in Vancouver on June 18 at 9:22 a.m.
A BC Highway Patrol officer was passed by a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the right shoulder. When the police officer activated his lights and siren, a blue pickup truck signalled and pulled off to the right as required by law.
“Instead of doing the same thing, the motorcyclist continued passing on the right, which resulted in running over a road sign and into the rear of the blue pickup,” Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, media relations officer with BC Highway Patrol stated in a press release on July 2.
The motorcycle was too damaged to ride, but the Chilliwack man walked away with minor injuries.
“Passing on the right enrages other motorists, but that’s not the main reason that it’s illegal,” McLaughlin said. “The side of the road has rocks, sand, garbage, shredded truck tires and other hazards, and if someone pulls off the road suddenly, you could end up badly hurt or worse.”
The 37-year-old Chilliwack man who was riding the motorcycle was briefly arrested for flight from police and then released with the following:
- A violation ticket for passing on the right off the roadway, with a fine of $109
- A violation ticket for driving without consideration, with a fine of $196
- A seven-day impound for his Harley-Davidson motorcycle
“We’re glad no one was hurt, but too many motorcyclists are passing on the right on Highway 1,” he added. “Consider this a warning to everyone; BC Highway Patrol can and will ticket drivers who pass on the right.”