37-year-old Chilliwack man wrecks his bike, gets multiple tickets, for illegally passing on Hwy. 1: BCHP

LOWER MAINLAND – The BC Highway Patrol says a Chilliwack motorcyclist has wrecked his motorcycle and racked up hundreds in fines and impound fees for illegally passing on the right shoulder on Highway 1 last month, all of which was caught on video.

According to a statement from BC Highway Patrol spokesperson Corporal Michael McLaughlin, a BCHP officer was in heavy traffic on westbound Highway 1 near East 1st Avenue in Vancouver on Thursday, June 18 at 9:22 a.m. Around that time, the police officer was passed by a black Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the right shoulder.

Cpl. McLaughin says when the officer activated his lights and siren, a blue pickup truck signalled and pulled off to the right as required by the law. Rather than doing the right thing, the impatient motorcyclist continued passing on the right, which resulted in him running over a road sign and slamming into the rear of the blue pickup.

“Passing on the right enrages other motorists, but that’s not the main reason that it’s illegal,” said Cpl. McLaughlin. “The side of the road has rocks, sand, garbage, shredded truck tires and other hazards, and if someone pulls off the road suddenly, you could end up badly hurt or worse.”

The 37-year-old Chilliwack man who was riding the motorcycle was briefly arrested for flight from police and then released with the following:

• A violation ticket for passing on the right off the roadway, contrary to section 158(2)(b) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act (BC MVA), with a fine of $109.00,
• A violation ticket for driving without consideration, contrary to section 144(1)(b) of the BC MVA, with a fine of $196.00,
• A seven-day impound for his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Corporal McLaughlins says the motorcycle was too damaged to ride, but the Chilliwack man walked away with minor injuries.

BC Highway Patrol provided a video showing the man passing on the right side of Highway 1 before he struck the rear of the pickup truck.

“We’re glad no one was hurt, but too many motorcyclists are passing on the right on Highway #1,” said Corporal McLaughlin. “Consider this a warning to everyone; BC Highway Patrol can and will ticket drivers who pass on the right.”

BC Highway Patrol wants to remind all motorists, including motorcyclists, that passing on the right is dangerous and illegal, and when police activate their lights, motorists need to pull over immediately.