News release

Motorcycle deaths are surging, and BC Highway Patrol is increasing enforcement to keep the numbers down

October 12, 2025 - British Columbia, British Columbia
From: BC Highway Patrol

Content

Motorcycle fatalities in BC are at a five-year low, but a recent spike in dangerous driving has BC Highway Patrol focussed on enforcement to stop a deadly late-season surge.

Year-to-date in 2025, 27 people have died in motorcycle collisions in BC. That is significantly less than last year’s high of 48, but the late summer was particularly deadly.

“July and August accounted for almost half (16) of motorcycle deaths this year,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “Speed is the single-biggest contributing factor, with impairment and distraction close behind. That’s why we’re renewing enforcement in the next month as the riding season draws to a close.”

On the weekend of October 4 and 5, BC Highway Patrol impounded 32 excessive speeders, including 13 motorcycles, on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway #99) alone.

“Motorcycles are a fun way to travel but they carry inherent risks that too many riders ignore,” says Corporal McLaughlin. “Your selfish decision to speed isn’t just about you. You’re risking pedestrians, wildlife, property, and creating massive hassles by shutting down highways. A fatal motorcycle collision is horrific. It can cause life-long emotional trauma for your loved ones, highway crews, and first responders.”

BC motorcycle fatalities by the numbers:

• 2025: 27 year-to-date (YTD);
• 2024: 48 YTD, 54 calendar year;
• 2023: 35 YTD, 40 calendar year;
• 2022: 39 YTD, 48 calendar year;
• 2021: 33 YTD, 39 calendar year;
• 2020: 35 YTD, 40 calendar year.

BC Highway Patrol encourages motorcyclists to slow down and enjoy the ride:

• Buy a better-quality, smaller-displacement motorcycle that is more fun at slower speeds;
• Concentrate on better cornering, stopping technique, and low-speed skills rather than speed;
• Take advanced driver training;
• Go to a track where it is much safer to go fast (and much more fun than a road);
• In groups, ride at the pace of the slowest rider. Do not try to impress your friends. Avoid the complacency of feeling safer because you’re in a group;
• Ride completely sober;
• Ride completely focussed on the road with no distractions.

“Many of us in BC Highway Patrol are motorcyclists, but we tend to ride more responsibly,” says Corporal McLaughlin. “You can have just as much fun, and your chances of dying are much less.”

Contacts