Campbell River RCMP are reminding the public that gas-powered and high-powered e-dirt bikes are not street legal.
Police say dangerous riding behaviour has become a public safety concern in the community, with more off-road vehicles being operated illegally on local streets, sidewalks and on Beaver Lodge and Willow Creek Conservancy trails.
RCMP say gas and electric dirt bikes are treated similarly under the Motor Vehicle Act and must be transported by truck or trailer to reach a legal riding area.
“What we are seeing right now are a lot of riders ignoring the law and additionally are behaving in exceptionally dangerous fashions on the roadways and pedestrian trails, to the point where there have been multiple near misses with vehicles and pedestrians and significant damage to community property such as sports fields,” said Const. Maury Tyre.
Police warn riders operating dirt bikes or e-dirt bikes illegally may face significant penalties under the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act, including:
• no insurance — $598
• no driver’s licence — $276 and three penalty points
• no helmet — $138 and two penalty points
• driving without due care — $368 and six penalty points
• driving without consideration — $196 and six penalty points
• seven-day vehicle impoundment
• stunting-related offences, which can include criminal charges
A statement from RCMP says they will continue education and targeted enforcement efforts to reduce risk for users of local walking trails, bike lanes and roads.
