No one ever wants to be involved in a bicycle accident. Not only is it frustrating dealing with injuries from an accident, but financially covering damages can be just as irritating. In the spring of 2022, B.C. bicycle laws changed in regard to how damages are billed. Staying up-to-date with B.C. bicycle laws changes will help if you or a loved one are ever involved in a cycling collision.
New Bicycle Laws in B.C.
Discussion regarding new B.C. bicycles laws started in March 2022, when a cyclist was severely injured. Not long after the injury, he was blamed for the incident and received an astounding bill for over $3,000. This cyclist was not the only person angry over this situation. British Columbia lawmakers also decided to look further into this matter and make some necessary changes.
A new, care-based model went into effect in British Columbia in May 2022. This model aims to care for both the vehicle drivers and cyclists involved, encouraging an educated decision about responsibility for damages based on the accident. More thought would go into helping the cyclist involved in the collision rather than just mailing a bill to them.
Situations Where Recovery Costs Will Not Be Collected
With the new B.C. bicycle laws in effect, many British Columbians may still not know what these changes are. Below are three of the major adjustments made that cyclists will benefit from if ever involved in an accident. It’s important to remember that these are scenarios where recovery costs are not collected.
- Severe Injury of the Cyclist
- Death from Injury
- Lack of Evidence
Bicycle Laws in B.C. are Good Steps Forward
Though these changes may not seem like huge steps forward, they are steps nonetheless. The cycling community in British Columbia has expressed their gratitude for the adjustments. After the laws were discussed, lawmakers reached out to the B.C. Cycling Coalition and Hub Cycling to receive genuine feedback. By involving the B.C. cycling community in the changes, the laws can move forward in a more positive, accepting direction.