British Columbia Coalition of Motorcyclists
More than forty years of standing up for riders across British Columbia.
1985 — A voice for BC riders
How it began
The British Columbia Coalition of Motorcyclists (BCCOM) was founded in 1985 by concerned riders who felt they were facing discrimination based solely on their mode of transportation.
From the start, BCCOM was a professional lobbying organization working on behalf of all motorcyclists' rights in the province, and it relied solely on membership dues to keep that voice strong. It supported every part of the riding community: street, touring, racing and off-road.
What we did
Over the years, BCCOM raised the profile of the motorcycling community with both provincial and municipal governments, and made sure riders had input into the policies and legislation that affected them. As it grew, it became far more than a lobbying group, and played an important role in promoting motorcycle safety, education and awareness across BC.
For our members
Members were at the heart of everything BCCOM did. Membership came with a card and year pin, discounts at motorcycle shops, discounts on optional insurance coverage with some private insurers, regular email updates with a province-wide calendar of events, free legal counsel on questionable motorcycle-related issues, and experienced representation on all motorcycle-related matters.
Milestones
- Lobbied to have motorcycles included in High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes
- Established guidelines for preferential loading on ferries
- Continued victories regarding questionable motorcycle-related tickets
- Had May designated as Motorcycle Awareness Month, and mark it each year by reminding drivers to pay special attention when sharing the road with motorcyclists
- Established a road hazard reporting and follow-up system for BC roads
- Established designated motorcycle parking in various municipalities
- Fought and won against "no-go" zones for motorcyclists in Vancouver
- Helped establish and maintain off-road riding areas
- Helped set guidelines for U-Built motorcycles
- Worked with manufacturers to form the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC)
- Successfully lobbied against no-fault insurance
- Achieved insurance rollbacks for two consecutive years, based on an actuarial review funded by the Coalition
- Achieved the creation and implementation of collector plates for motorcycles
- Helped establish guidelines and regulations for handlebar height and modified motorcycles
- Secured an exemption from emission testing for motorcycles
- Got the government to change the Motor Vehicle Act and the rules surrounding winter tires in BC for motorcyclists
- Supported countless initiatives and charity organizations that help motorcycle safety
- Continued to serve on the board of organizations supported by Moto Canada
- Hosted the annual MLA Ride every year
- Attended and hosted multiple swap meets and community events, showcasing the good and great side of this community
- Worked with the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau to bring presents and donations from the motorcycling community to families in need during the holidays
What comes next
After more than 40 years of speaking up for BC's riders, BCCOM is closing this arm of our work. It has been an honour to represent this community, and none of it would have been possible without the members, volunteers, area reps, partners and supporters who showed up year after year.
The work that matters most to us doesn't end here. Our motorcycle safety and awareness work continues through BCMSF, our motorcycle safety branch, which will keep helping riders and drivers share the road safely across British Columbia.
Thank you for riding with us. Keep the rubber side down.
Explore BCMSF Safety Education