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The Richmond RCMP would like to remind the public that e-scooters and bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks.

Photo courtesy Richmond RCMP

Richmond RCMP reminds public: E-Scooter and bike riders must keep sidewalks safe for pedestrians

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 10:59 PDT, Mon April 21, 2025

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Richmond RCMP is reminding the public that e-scooters and bicycles are not permitted to operate on sidewalks. This reminder follows ongoing concerns from residents, particularly in high-pedestrian areas such as City Centre and Steveston, where foot traffic and micromobility use are increasing.

Richmond has an extensive and growing network of cycling infrastructure. Riders are encouraged to use designated lanes and they are expected to follow all traffic regulations.

“Sidewalks are for pedestrians. Riding e-scooters and bikes on sidewalks is illegal and puts vulnerable members of our community, including children and seniors, at risk of serious injury.” said Cst. Tarape, Richmond RCMP Road Safety Unit. “Our goal is for everyone to feel safe in public spaces in Richmond. We are asking riders to do their part by using dedicated bike lanes and cycling routes where available, and for both drivers and riders to exercise due caution on shared roadways.”

Operation of a bicycle or an e-scooter on a sidewalk is an offence that carries a fine of $109.00.

Sidewalk enforcement operation

On April 12 and 13, Richmond Road Safety Unit (RSU) officers stopped 27 riders who were riding an E-scooter or bicycle on the sidewalk. Over the course of the two-day blitz, written warnings were issued for 13 offences, and 17 charges were laid for riding on the sidewalk, and 5 for failing to wear a helmet. One minor rider rode up to the police checkpoint doing a “wheelie” near pedestrians, and was issued a written warning for Careless Cycling and Ride Cycle on Sidewalk.

As the operation took place beside the roadway, RSU officers laid a further 7 charges for Motor Vehicle Act offences for drivers including using an electronic device while driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, and having two unrestrained children.

When the operation wrapped up, officers spotted a known prohibited driver. The driver was arrested without incident and faces charges for Driving While Prohibited, Fail to Comply with a Recognizance, and Obstruct a Peace Officer.

E-scooter and bike safety campaign

This spring, Richmond RCMP is increasing education and targeted enforcement efforts in high-risk areas, particularly during peak commuting hours. Riders are reminded to always wear a helmet when riding a e-scooter or bike of any kind.

In 2023, Richmond RCMP issued a safety video to promote e-scooter safety education. Riders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with all safety guidelines and regulations prior to riding.

Provincial rules governing e-scooter operation include:

Minimum 16 years of age
Approved cycle helmet
Single use only: you must not carry or tow any passengers or devices.
An e-scooter must be operated in a standing position
Use turn signals
It is illegal to operate an e-scooter while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or while using an electronic device.
Slow down around pedestrians: you must not travel at a faster speed than pedestrians if you are on a walkway or path, except to pass, which requires sounding a bell or horn.

Failing to follow the rules can result in penalties and fines up to $2,000.00. To learn more about e-scooter regulations visit the BC Government website.

In the City of Richmond, e-scooters are permitted to operate as follows:

streets with designated cycling facilities,
local streets defined as a street without lane lines or a directional dividing line with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less,
streets with a directional dividing line and a maximum speed of 30 km/h, and
off-street paved pathways next to the roadway or in parks that are signed or marked for shared use.
E-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks or on unpaved trails. Maximum speeds are:

20 km/h on roadways
15km/h on paved pathways designated and signed for shared cycle use with pedestrians.

Fines for bylaw infractions range from $95.00 to $175.00. To learn more, visit the City of Richmond website.

Municipal bylaws for e-scooters may vary between jurisdictions. It is important to familiarize yourself with the bylaws of the community in which you are riding.

To further our safety and outreach efforts, Richmond RCMP will be partnering with the City of Richmond and ICBC for an upcoming Skills and Safety Clinic on June 14th at the Lansdowne Centre northwest parking lot from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.. The clinic is designed to offer hands-on learning experiences for e-scooter enthusiasts and newcomers alike, focusing on skill development, safe riding practices, and legal requirements.

For more details about upcoming community safety events in Richmond, please download the City of Richmond’s Community Safety App.

To report unsafe riding behaviour, call the Richmond RCMP non-emergency telephone number at 604-278-1212, or via online crime reporting.