Here's how far B.C. drivers must keep from cyclists, pedestrians under new law

A new law protecting cyclists and pedestrians in British Columbia takes effect Monday, establishing minimum distances that drivers must keep from so-called vulnerable road users.

A new law protecting cyclists and pedestrians in British Columbia takes effect Monday, establishing minimum distances that drivers must keep from so-called vulnerable road users.

The new safe-passing law was first introduced by the province in April, when B.C. Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said the goal of the legislation was not only to keep pedestrians and cyclists safer, but to encourage more active transportation on B.C. roads.

The new safe-passing law mandates that vehicles are required to keep at least one metre away from pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, electric scooter and wheelchair users when driving on roadways with speed limits of 50 km/h or less.

For roads with higher speeds, vehicles must keep a minimum distance of 1.5 metres when passing.

The province says the "vulnerable road users" category also applies to people riding animals, such as horses, and people in vehicles that are pulled by such animals.

Drivers passing road users who are in a separated or protected bike lane or on a sidewalk must keep a minimum of half a metre, under the new law.

"The distances are measured from the furthest protruding part of a passing motor vehicle, such as a mirror, to the furthest protruding part of a vulnerable road user or their equipment, such as a handlebar," the Transportation Ministry said in a news release Monday.