Richmond RCMP targets high risk driving as motorcycle safety month returns

May 7, 2026 - Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP

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Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit is launching a month-long enforcement and education campaign throughout May targeting high-risk driving behaviours and promoting motorcycle safety, as part of the province-wide BC Association of Chiefs of Police enforcement calendar in partnership with ICBC.

As warmer weather brings more motorcycles onto Richmond roads, officers will be focused on the behaviours most often linked to serious crashes including failing to yield, ignoring traffic control devices, following too closely, and improper passing. With six out of ten motorcycle crashes in B.C. occurring at intersections, drivers will see increased patrols at key Richmond intersections throughout the month.

While motorcycles make up roughly three percent of insured vehicles in B.C., they are involved in approximately ten percent of road fatalities, according to the Province of British Columbia. The fatality rate for drivers under 25 is on average 15 times higher than drivers over 25 years of age.

“Every spring we see motorcycles return to Richmond roads, and with that unfortunately we also see preventable collisions that change lives in an instant,” said Corporal Niels Hermes, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit. “Most of these collisions come down to choices—a driver who doesn’t take that second look before making a left turn, or a rider going too fast for conditions. Our goal this may is to see fewer collisions, fewer injuries, and every rider and driver getting home safely.”

Throughout May, the Road Safety Unit will be conducting targeted enforcement and partnering with ICBC and Speed Watch volunteers across Richmond. Officers will also be checking for compliance with B.C.’s motorcycle helmet and seating laws, which require all riders and passengers to wear an approved helmet.

Tips for drivers sharing the road with motorcycles:

• Scan intersections carefully and take an extra moment to look for motorcycles when turning left
• Allow at least three seconds of following distance behind a motorcycle
• Maintain at least one metre of space when passing in zones up to 50 km/h, and at least 1.5 metres when passing in higher-speed zones
• Stay alert and avoid distractions

Tips for riders:

• Wear all the gear, all the time
• Stay out of driver’s blind spots and use signals to communicate intentions
• Manage speed to leave room to brake or steer clear of hazards
• Brush up on emergency braking and obstacle avoidance, especially after time off the bike

For more information on B.C.’s motorcycle laws, helmet standards, fines and penalty points, visit the Province of British Columbia’s website. For motorcycle licensing, rider training resources, and gear guides, visit the ICBC website.

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