September 12, 2021 - This week, mayors and councillors across BC will vote on a resolution in support of a Safe Passing Law in BC. The motion will be ‘on the floor’ this Wednesday, September 15th at the annual meeting of Union of BC Municipalities, sponsored by the City of North Vancouver. It’s an important step to further convince the provincial government to amend the Motor Vehicle Act to establish a minimum passing distance law in BC.
However, getting mayors and councillors on board is not a sure thing. They need to hear that road safety matters – especially from voices in their community .
Here are two things you can do to help ensure a positive vote next week!
- Contact your local mayor or city councillor. Explain the importance of road safety in your community, and the real risks to vulnerable road users – primarily people on foot and bikes.
- Remind them of the upcoming UBCM resolution on Safe Passing Distance and ask them, as your representative, to support the resolution on Wednesday, September 15
Five Canadian provinces have safe passing laws that are on the books (Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec). So do 35 other jurisdictions in North America. These governments recognize that a minimum distance for motor vehicles to pass a person walking or cycling – typically between 1 and 1.5 metres (3-5 feet) – would protect people and save lives.
In British Columbia, we should expect the same from our provincial government – and garnering support from local elected officials is one way to get us there.
Let’s make our voice heard to help improve road safety for everyone in British Columbia.
Learn more here about the BCCC campaign and research on Safe Passing laws. If you haven’t already, please support BCCC as a member, donor or organization. With your voice, we can make better cycling happen!
Thank you once again, and please stay safe.
