Welcome to Toads & Roads .


This is my blog. Here I will try to maintain a sense of humor and fairness. It might not always be possible but I will try, I really will.
Sometimes I may be sarcastic. That is what it is. Not asking you to like it or appreciate it but know that I will sometimes say exactly what I think.
Your choice to read, agree or disagree.

When I keep quiet and walk away, don't think you've won. I walked away because you weren't worth my time.


Please feel free to comment... I don't bite and welcome the interaction

Tuesday, 21 August 2012

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...


 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.

Mopeds and scooters

Mopeds or limited-speed motorcycles
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.
Motor assisted cycles Limited speed motorcycles
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.external link
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.


No comments:

Post a Comment