Bicycles, scooters, wheelchairs, etc..

There is a lot of confusion regarding the use of certain types of transportation.  I know that I am not aware of all the laws and I see increasing confusion among other motorists as well as the operators of these modes of transportation.  So here I am going to try to clarify them using the ICBC site, BC Motor Vehicle Act Etc,..

These are taken directly from the sites...

 BIKE SENSE

 BICYCLES

Cyclists and the Law

Cyclists have the same rights and duties as a driver of a vehicle. The laws that govern cyclists are contained in the BC Motor Vehicle Act [RSBC 1996]. Certain sections of the Act are exclusively for cyclists and excerpts are provided below. Some jurisdictions in BC also have bylaws specifically for cyclists. It is wise to check with your local police department or municipality for cycling-specific bylaws in your area.

Motor Vehicle Act [RSBC 1996] Chapter 318 Part 3
Reproduced with permission of the Province of British Columbia.

Rights and duties of operator of cycle
183 (1) In addition to the duties imposed by this section, a person operating a cycle on a highway has the same rights and duties as a driver of a vehicle.

(2) A person operating a cycle
(a) must not ride on a sidewalk unless authorized by a bylaw made under section 124 or unless otherwise directed by a sign,
(b) must not, for the purpose of crossing a highway, ride on a crosswalk unless authorized to do so by a bylaw made under section 124 or unless otherwise directed by a sign,
(c) must, subject to paragraph (a), ride as near as practicable to the right side of the highway,
(d) must not ride abreast of another person operating a cycle on the roadway,
(e) must keep at least one hand on the handlebars,
(f) must not ride other than on or astride a regular seat of the cycle,
(g) must not use the cycle to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped, and
(h) must not ride a cycle on a highway where signs prohibit their use.

ICBC - MOPEDS SCOOTERS 

Mopeds and scooters

Mopeds and street-legal scooters are limited-speed motorcycles (LSMs).

Rules for using limited-speed motorcycles

LSM's must be registered, licensed and insured for road use.

To drive one, you need a full-privilege (Class 5, 6, 7 or 8) or learner (Class 6 or 8) driver's licence and must wear a helmet.

You're also subject to the same rights and duties as the driver of a motor vehicle.

Where can I ride?

Road or highway use may be restricted, depending on the speed of your limited-speed motorcycle. For more information, please contact your local police.

Different rules for electric bikes

Limited-speed motorcycles look a lot like some electric bikes (also known as motor-assisted cycles). However, their operating rules aren't the same.

Electric bikes

An electric bike, or motor-assisted cycle, is a two- or three-wheeled cycle with a seat, pedals and an electric motor (up to 500 watts). A motor assisted cycle (MAC) cannot be gas-powered.

Cycles without attached pedals

Gas-powered cycles and electric cycles without attached pedals do not qualify as an electric motor-assisted cycle and will not pass a provincial motor vehicle inspection that would enable them to meet registration, licensing and insurance requirements for on-road use.

Rules of the road

To operate a motor-assisted cycle (MAC), you must be 16 or older and wear a bicycle helmet.

You don't need a drivers licence or need to register, licence and/or insure your MAC, but you are subject to the same rights and duties as the driver of a motor vehicle. You also must follow bicycle safety rules.

Different rules for electric bikes and mopeds/scooters

Some motor-assisted cycles look a lot like mopeds and scooters (also known as limited-speed motorcycles—LSMs). However, the rules for operating MACs and LSMs aren't the same.

Make sure you're riding legally. Check the table below to see which rules apply to you.

Description	Combine the pedal power of bicycles with the power assistance of an electric motor. See Section 151 of the Motor Vehicle Act: Motor Assisted Cycle Regulation	Are low-powered motorcycles (that is, mopeds and scooters). LSMs rely on motor power and are generally not equipped with bicycle-style pedals.
Power	Electric motor of 500 watts or less and bicycle-style pedals for manual propulsion.	Gas engine 50 cc or less or electric motor less than 1,500 watts.
Maximum speed	32 km/h on level ground without pedalling.	70 km/h on level ground.
Vehicle registration, licensing and insurance	None required. (Insurance may be available under a homeowner's policy.)	An LSM must be registered, licensed and insured as a motor vehicle.
Driver	No driver’s licence is needed. You must be at least 16 years old.	You must have a driver’s licence of any class. You can not operate on a learner’s licence other than a Class 6 or 8 motorcycle learner’s licence.
Helmet	Must wear a bike helmet.	Must wear a motorcycle helmet.
Rules of the road	Subject to the same rights and duties as the driver of a motor vehicle, such as obeying all traffic lights and control devices. As well, bicycle safety rules should be followed. See Section 183 of the Motor Vehicle Act: Rights and duties of operator of cycle.	Subject to the same rights and duties of a motor vehicle, such as obeying all traffic lights and control devices. In some areas, highway use is restricted. For details, please contact your local police.
Manufacturer's label	As a condition of initial sale, all commercially manufactured MACs must have a label stating that the vehicle is a “power-assisted bicycle."	As a condition of initial sale, all commercially manufactured LSMs must bear a permanently affixed compliance label. On this, or on another separate label, a statement must appear that the use of the vehicle may be restricted by provincial authorities to certain roads.

MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIRS 

Motorized wheelchairs

Rules for using motorized wheelchairs

• You don’t need a driver’s licence to drive a motorized wheelchair.
• Vehicle registration, licence plates and insurance are also not required.
• Motorized wheelchairs can be used on sidewalks or roads, following the same rules as pedestrians.

A motorized wheelchair may only be operated for the purposes for which it was designed.

Safety tips for driving motorized wheelchairs

• Ride only where it's safe, following the same rules and guidelines as pedestrians.
• Use courtesy and think safety.
• Drive at the same speed as other pedestrian traffic.
• Be extra cautious of possible traffic as you approach driveways and lanes.
• Try to avoid sudden turns.

Avoid using your motorized wheelchair if you're taking any medication, drugs or alcohol that may affect your skills or judgement.

Elk River Trail & Landslide Lake

OK I will be the first to admit that I am not in the greatest of shape, but I have been wanting to do the  hike into Landslide Lake for the past two years. So with the awesome weather and a long weekend the opportunity presented itself.  Now 30 degrees Celsius may be a tad warm for a hike it obviously did not deter the multitudes of other outdoor and mountain enthusiasts we encountered. And, if you seriously believe like I mistakenly did that it would be "cooler at a higher altitude" then you are sorely mistaken. With that said, let's begin.

Elk River Trail is accessed via Highway 28 to Gold River. From the bridge at Buttle Narrows drive about 23 km on Highway 28, and find a sign to Elk River Trail, just before Drum Lakes. Driving time from Campbell River is about 1 hour. There is a large parking area with access to Outhouses just up from the trailhead.  On a good weekend and in the summer prepare to see a full parking lot.

The information told us that it was a 3-hour hike for a hiker with full overnight gear to the Butterwort Creek gravel bar which is where the first campsite is, and that is how long it took us to get there.  At approximately 6 hours to the Elk River gravel flats Which is the second campsite and where we set up our tent. From here one can make day excursions to Landslide Lake and beyond.

The distance from the parking lot to Landslide Lake is about 11km through varied terrain and the total elevation gain is 585 m. Since we stayed overnight we paid the current Backwoods camping fee of $10 right at the parking lot. At each campsite there are Pit Toilets and Bear caches which are on a pulley system for raising your edibles, including any garbage up into the trees.  Campfires are prohibited in the backcountry so come prepared with a portable stove.  We did notice evidence of fires and someone in our campsite had one down by the river at night and in the morning. That was a No No.  We drank freely of the running water from the Elk River and other fast flowing streams but did notice a fair amount of hikers treating their water.  Apparently we have hardier stomachs or are just used to untreated water.

So we started out from the parking lot on Sunday morning at approximately 0800 and immediately were faced with an elevation gain of about 100 m via a series of switchbacks.  The last thing I wanted to see when I first started out but probably better with fresh legs. Stopping at the top for a quick breather we were immediately overtaken by a group that informed us that we would probably be meeting a large group that had just done the Golden Hinde and were on their way out this morning. As a matter of fact we did meet them but they came in dribbles and drabs.

Heading back down the other side we meandered through a mature forest, past a large beaverpond and through the Elk River valley for approximately 4 km. From that point we started to gain elevation  before heading back down to the first campsite at approximately 1100.  We stopped to replenish our water and grab something to eat.  The campsite was fairly full and looked like they had been there for a few days at least.

From the first campsite we started a long uphill grind over bridges and washed out streams and waterfalls.  We found our first and only snow until we saw it again at the end of Landslide Lake.  Although there has been extensive damage to the trail, it is well marked and there are already trails around the downed trees if they have not been cut away.  One bridge is definitely out but two on the trail are in excellent shape.  At the present time it is possible to walk across the stream where the bridge is out.

At the water falls the rock faces may be slippery so we took care crossing while we enjoyed the fine cool spray that the waterfalls were generating.
Arriving at the second campsite at approximately 1400 we set up out tent, had a bite to eat and soaked our feet in the nice cold river.  At 1500, after a short rest, we grabbed our water and some snacks and started out for Landslide Lake. 

The first 500 m or so was a pleasant enough trail.  Then we crossed the Elk River at a newer bridge and looked up at the waterfalls.  Oh boy.  Over the open rock marked with cairns we clambered up to the waterfalls before heading into the bush for a short while.  Loose gravel was an issue in some places.  I was glad for my hiking poles in this kind of situation.

We finally made it to Landslide Lake and the rocks where there were a few others.  Informed that the water was cold I decided to take the plunge anyway.  Well all I can say was it was refreshing and I didn't stay in very long.  Stayed at the lake for a bit enjoying the sun and watching the hikers appear at the lip of Berg Lake before heading down.

The walk back was a little harder at places due to the loose gravel and having to be careful where you placed your feet.  Once at the bottom of the falls we made quick time back to camp arriving at 1900 hours.  As we prepared and consumed our meal we watched several groups of hikers come through.

Heading to bed early we managed to catch some sleep on the hard ground but dreamed of a nice soft bed.  Kudos to those that do this all the time.

We awoke early and decided to pack up and head back.  The hike out took approximately 5 hours altogether with numerous rest stops on the way and chatting to lots of hikers on their way in. This old body managed to plod along at a reasonable rate and thoroughly enjoyed every grueling moment.  Would I do it again?  You betcha!!