Passengers on Motorcycles

MotorcycleRiding 2-up can add greatly to the enjoyment of riding a motorcycle. Many couples make this their favourite holiday excursion. You will typically see them on larger touring models that are built for carrying passengers and their cargo comfortably and safely. You will also usually see the passenger dressed just as well as the rider, which is as it should be. But casually carrying a passenger isn’t always a great idea.

Bike Rack Extensions

danger signI was recently in a parking garage and while leaving hit this low mounted bike rack. It was impossible to see because it was so low and looked like a home made carriage. The damage to my truck bumper is now estimated at $750. Is it illegal for a car to have an unused bike rack like this one? Should I contact this person and are they liable?

Right of Way at Hudson & 70th

Q&A ImageQuestion: I want to know about right of way at Hudson Street and 70th Avenue in Vancouver. I am traveling northbound on Hudson, have the green light and want to turn west onto 70th. Someone traveling southbound on Hudson stops at the stop sign and then turns west onto 70th. Who has the right of way?

Parking Over the Sidewalk

no parking signI received an email from a disgruntled reader complaining about a motorist who blocked a large portion of a sidewalk when reverse parking their truck which was equipped with a trailer hitch. It's certainly not very neighbourly, and this person wondered if there was anything on the books making the practice illegal.

Pedestrian Close Call

Pedestrian SignalA woman pushing a child in a stroller and the driver of a van approach an intersection controlled by a traffic light with a pedestrian signal. Both signals are red. The driver is in the lane next to the two who arrives at the cross street and stops seconds before the driver arrives at the stop line.

Turning Left is Complicated

image of sign for turning leftHow much time do you have to look, decide and then begin turning left in heavy traffic? Do you feel pushed by the drivers behind you into making that decision quickly? If you cannot manage turning left at a busy intersection quickly and confidently, it's time to wait for certainty or try a different strategy.

Vehicle Inspection Manual

image of vehicle inspection manual coverB.C.'s vehicle inspection manual has been revised and the new edition will become the standard effective on September 2, 2025. The manual is used by inspectors at Designated Inspection Facilities to guide the approval of vehicles presented for inspection. It can also be used by police to guide decisions on enforcement at the roadside.

Falling Asleep at the Wheel

image of driver falling asleep at the wheelQuestion: I need some advice on a ticket for falling asleep at the wheel. I dozed off while driving home from work at 1:00 in the afternoon after doing a few late night / early morning shifts. I drove off the road and struck a guardrail doing damage to the truck. RCMP attended and wrote me up for "driving without consideration." I was told it would be $196 fine.

Backup Lights Confusion

Q&A ImageQuestion: How is it that car manufacturers are allowed to use reverse lights for functions other than reversing? I find it very confusing in a parking lot when I am slowing down for a vehicle that has the backup lights on, only to find people walking towards it or away from it.