A Burnaby man was pulled over on July 17 after police recorded his car going 194 kilometres per hour on the Sea to Sky Highway near Lions Bay. The posted speed limit in that area is just 80 km/h. The high-speed incident happened around 11 p.m. and was intercepted by officers from the Sea to Sky Highway Patrol using a motorcycle unit.
The car involved was a blue BMW M3 coupe. Officers said no other infractions were noted during the stop. However, police believe the driver was engaging in thrill-seeking behaviour, common on this scenic yet dangerous stretch of highway.
Motorcycle units from the Sea to Sky Highway Patrol are becoming a key tool in stopping extreme speeders. Police have added more high-powered BMW R1200 motorcycles to their fleet to help reach drivers going far above the speed limit.
Unlike standard police cruisers, these bikes allow officers to respond faster and more safely to speeding vehicles. This is especially useful on the winding roads between West Vancouver and Whistler, where long straightaways tempt drivers to push their limits.
Officers use long-range laser equipment to spot fast vehicles from a distance. Once they confirm a speeder, a two-person team works together to intercept the car. The laser’s wide range lets officers identify risky drivers before they even reach the speed trap. Then, a motorcycle unit quickly moves in to stop them.
“Speeders don’t realize we can get to them really quickly,” said a patrol spokesperson. “We’re focusing more on enforcement because we’re tired of seeing these crashes.”
On that night, the Burnaby driver was issued a fine for excessive speeding under section 148(1) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act. The fine was $483. In addition, the BMW was impounded for seven days. The driver must also pay the towing and storage fees, plus face any penalties from ICBC, including higher insurance rates.
No other charges were laid. Police confirmed that the driver was alone and not under the influence. Still, the speed was over 100 km/h above the posted limit.
Police say the Sea to Sky Corridor is a known hotspot for joy rides, especially for people with high-performance vehicles and motorcycles. Over the years, it has attracted drivers who see the winding road as a personal racetrack. However, police stress that these stunts often end in deadly crashes.
In recent weeks, the province has seen a rise in traffic deaths. Speeding has been a common factor in many of these fatal accidents, according to highway patrol.
“Our officers would much rather give someone a ticket and impound their car than have to tell a family their loved one isn’t coming home,” the spokesperson said.
Authorities continue to remind the public that road safety is a shared responsibility. They urge drivers to respect speed limits and understand that enforcement is being taken seriously.
The use of high-speed police motorcycles is now proving to be an effective method in curbing this dangerous trend. Officers will continue to patrol the corridor with speed traps and quick-response units throughout the summer and beyond.
