Photo Courtesy Province of British Columbia Flickr

By Veronica Beltran

careful when driving

Drivers, lookout for horseback riders

Jun 15, 2020 | 11:55 AM

VICTORIA—Warmer weather means more people outside, and the Province is reminding the public to share the roads with others, including horses and their riders.

The province made improvements to signage last year to alert drivers to use extra caution, allow extra room and be courteous when passing horses and riders in rural areas.

In a release by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure people travelling on foot, bikes and horseback are advised to use appropriate physical distancing when passing others. Drivers are also asked to allow for extra room for horses and riders, cyclists and pedestrians to share the roadway.

Horses and their riders are recognized as road users in the Motor Vehicle Act. Drivers are reminded that loud noises, like horns or passing vehicles can startle horses, and trigger unpredictable behaviour and potentially cause harm.

The signs, are available to any region wishing to improve awareness in areas where horseback riding is popular.

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Tips for driving near horses:

• slow down before getting too close
• pass at a slower speed and give the horse and rider a wide berth (typically a one car width)
• brake and accelerate gently to avoid making extra noise or spraying gravel
• turn off stereos and do not honk, yell or rev the engine
• if traveling by bicycle, scooter or motorcycle, ride quietly and approach single file; and
• if a horse appears agitated, wait for the rider to get it under control before passing, and once past the horse and rider, accelerate gradually

Riders should use caution when travelling on narrow roads or at times of low visibility.

Photo Courtesy, Province of British Columbia Flickr.