Three killed as a result of weekend motorcycle and ATV collisions in BC

Three men are dead following a rash of weekend motorcycle collisions and an ATV crash. And the RCMP is urging people to use caution when riding motorcycles or ATVs, and to ensure they are wearing properly approved safety helmets.

A 44-year-old Chilliwack man died yesterday as a result of severe head injuries following a motorcycle collision August 5. He lost control of his motorcycle when he was unable to stop when traffic slowed while travelling with a group of motorcyclists westbound Highway 1 at McCallum Road in Abbotsford. The rider slid down the roadway but did not collide with any other traffic.

It was discovered that the helmet he was wearing had the following written inside of it: "This novelty helmet is not a safety helmet and does not meet standards. It is not designed for use when riding any street or off road motorized vehicle".

This follows the Saturday death of a 57-year-old male motorcyclist from Langley who collided with his wife, who was also riding a motorcycle, on Highway 99, northbound at Porteau Cove at about 12:30pm.

The man was attempting to pass another vehicle to join up with his wife who was riding ahead of him. At the same time, she was slowing and the pair collided. The wife also sustained serious injuries.

“There is little forgiveness or room for error when you are riding a motorcycle,” said Sgt. Peter Thiessen, Lower Mainland District Regional Police Service media relations officer. “It is vital that cyclists are alert to what is going on around them and that they wear approved helmets. These are both simple things that can save lives.”

Also on Saturday, a 20-year-old man was riding an ATV on West Harrison Forest Service Road north of Harrison Hot Springs at 4:30 pm when he failed to negotiate a turn, ran off the service road and down an embankment. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We encourage people who use all terrain vehicles to take available courses from a reputable instructor,” said Sgt. Thiessen. “I don’t know if this particular young man had taken any courses but it can only help make you a safer on these vehicles.”