A change that Vancouver Island cyclists have been pursuing for a couple of years is set to occur on Monday.
The B.C. Government is increasing the penalty issued to anyone who opens the door of a parked car when it is not reasonably safe to do so.
The violation – which is referred to as ‘dooring’ – now warrants a fine of $368.
That marks an increase of about quadruple the previous fine amount, which was set at $81 – among the lowest in Canada.
The government said the higher fine, along with a public eduction and awareness campaign, will improve safety for cyclists, while also better protecting everyone on the road.
“Dooring can cause serious injury, and the new fine reflects that,” Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena said in a statement.
“But it is preventable, which is why we are also investing in public education. We want to make sure everyone who uses the roads does so safely.”
According to the government, B.C. has the highest percentage of active transportation trips for commuting to work out of all the provinces. In 2019, 10 per cent of people who commuted to work in the province used active transportation.
With cycling becoming more popular, Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA for Vancouver-West End said it is important to have the right policies in place.
“Making the offence of dooring equivalent to distracted driving and excessive speeding offences in terms of the fine is another necessary step to help keep our most vulnerable road users safe,” said Herbert in a statement.
B.C.’s Active Transportation Strategy also seeks to double the percentage of trips taken by active transportation by 2030.
Graham Cox
