Start New Real Estate File
Thanks for voting us as your favourite law firm for 2023!
- TriCity News
Good advice.

Good advice.

Vehicles, Bike Lanes, and Coquitlam Law: 4 Facts Drivers and Cyclists Should Know

DBM Law Blog

As Greater Vancouver, including the Tri-Cities, becomes more green, the number of bikes on the road—and the bike lanes that go with them—are increasing. In Coquitlam alone, cycle routes have been built into Alderson Avenue, Rochester Avenue, Westview-Whiting, Guildford Way, and Chilko Drive.
With the changing intersections in Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, and Coquitlam, laws and traffic rules are also changing. Being aware of the duties of both drivers and cyclists makes the road safer for everyone, and also will help you know your rights when it comes to accidents and personal injuries.
1. Green means look out!
We all know what white and yellow lines mean. More and more, we’re seeing green-painted pavement as well. In North America, this is the standard colour used to indicate areas where there may be potential conflicts between bicycles and cars. In other words: green means be extra aware, for both drivers and cyclists.
2. Cars turning right: Four-way scan
Whereas right turns used to be safer and easier than a left-hand turn, on streets with dedicated cycle lanes, a right turn now requires heightened attention. Drivers turning right must check for cars on the cross-street, for pedestrians in the crosswalk, and for cyclists riding parallel to their car, in both directions.
This requires looking left, looking right, looking forward, and looking backward. In some cases, cars are not permitted to turn right on the red, contrary to most intersections in British Columbia.
3. Cyclists going straight: Be prepared for delays
Just as traffic signals have changed for cars at some intersections, so have they changed for cyclists. At certain intersections in Greater Vancouver, cyclists must keep their eyes on a separate set of traffic lights. As there is often a delay for cyclists, paying attention to the correct signal is imperative to avoiding traffic accidents—most often with cars turning right.
4. Under Coquitlam law, cars and bikes are both “vehicles”
Cyclists and drivers share equal duties as vehicles on public roads, and in the event of an accident, fault can lie with the operator of any type of vehicle. If you’re injured in a bike lane-related accident, driver or cyclist, don’t assume you’re at fault. First, speak with a personal injury lawyer to understand your situation.
 
For more information on personal injury law, contact us here.

Categories

How Can We Help You Today?

(604) 939 8321