May marks Motorcycle Awareness Month

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Motorcyclists across B.C. are encouraged to follow safety precautions as the province observes Motorcycle Awareness Month. 

According to a news release from the BC Highway Patrol on April 28th, 2026, police officers across the province will conduct extra enforcement throughout the month as part of the High-Risk Driving and Motorcycle Awareness Campaign. 

BC Highway Patrol Corporal Michael McLaughlin explained some of the ways drivers and motorcyclists can stay safe. 

“There are two keys to keeping motorcyclists safer,” he said in the release. “Number one, motorcyclists need to slow down and drive defensively. Number two, every other motorist needs to pay attention and consciously look for motorcycles so that collisions can be avoided.” 

According to the release, motorcyclists should:

• Slow down and ride within their skills and abilities
• Consider advanced rider training
• Avoid driving or riding while impaired, tired, or distracted

BC Highway Patrol said motorists can expect extra enforcement of: 

• Impaired and distracted driving
• Aggressive driving, such as speeding and excessive speeding
• Seatbelt violations

Tracey Hoffman, ICBC road safety and community coordinator in northern B.C., said as the weather gets nicer, drivers should be more aware of their surroundings.

“Drivers really need to pay attention and watch for motorcyclists,” she said. “They can be a little harder to spot, [a] little harder to judge their speed. We really want to encourage drivers to watch for motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users.”

Hoffman also said, given a short riding season, it’s important motorcyclists refresh their skills.

“Whether it be a professional riding school, which is highly recommended, but to at least practice their low-speed skills like emergency braking and obstacle avoidance.”

Hoffman also said guides such as Learn to Ride Smart and Tuning Up for Riders help riders review and refresh their knowledge and skills. 

BC Highway Patrol said ignoring safe habits and choosing to engage in excessive speeding or other “high-risk” behaviours may result in penalties for motorists, including a 30-day vehicle impound and $483 in excessive speeding tickets, on top of thousands of dollars in towing fees and driving premiums. 

Hoffman said 46 is the average age of a motorcyclist killed in a crash. She also said on average, riders who are injured or killed in B.C. have typically been licensed for more than 10 years. 

Hoffman urges people to review ICBC’s Road Safety section for more information.