Thanks to the launch of a new motorcycle permit for people with disabilities, created by SPARC BC and supported by the provincial government, more people will be able to make use of designated parking spots, which will allow them to have access to parks, recreational facilities and services in their communities.

While motorcycles are not always top of mind when people think about designated parking for people with disabilities, SPARC BC has received a number of requests from permit holders who ride motorcycles. These requests often come in May or June as the weather improves and people start to look for ways to enjoy the outdoors and opportunities to fully engage with their communities.

The new motorcycle permits support Accessibility 2024, a 10-year action plan to make B.C. the most progressive province in Canada by 2024 for people with disabilities. A key goal under Accessibility 2024 is for British Columbia communities to have the most accessible transportation options in Canada.

Working with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and B.C.’s Accessibility Secretariat, SPARC BC developed a decal that can be placed on the windshield or other visible spot of a motorcycle. This allows motorcycles to park in any parking spot designated for people with disabilities. The decal contains all the essential information of a regular parking permit, making it possible to confirm that the individual is a valid permit holder and to ensure that local bylaws can be enforced, while enabling greater access to communities.

Motorcycle permits are available through SPARC BC’s Parking Permit Program for People with Disabilities.  As well, SPARC BC will work with other permit-issuing agencies throughout B.C. to ensure that their permit holders who ride motorcycles can also have access to these permits. All they need to do is contact SPARC BC and show proof that they are a valid permit holder in B.C.

Motorcycle permit holders must carry their parking placard with them or have their SPARC BC wallet card as proof that they are the valid permit holder.

New applicants or existing permit holders who require a decal for their motorcycles should contact the Parking Permit Program at SPARC BC at 604 718-7744, or send an email to: permits@sparc.bc.ca

Motorcycle permits are available for the same cost as a regular parking permit and must be renewed annually. Assistance is available through SPARC BC if cost is a barrier.

SPARC BC helped establish the Parking Permit Program for People with Disabilities in B.C. and has been the provincial lead on the program for more than 30 years.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation –

“Increasing accessible transportation options for people with disabilities is a key goal in our Accessibility 2024 action plan. SPARC BC brought forward an innovative way to remove barriers and create more inclusive communities. Now anyone with one of the new motorcycle permits will be able to park in spaces designated for people with disabilities.”

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure –

“My ministry is always supportive of changes that improve accessibility for British Columbians and this new decal is a great example of this. I’m pleased that people with disabilities who ride motorcycles will now have the same access opportunities as those who drive cars.”

Linda Larson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen –

"I would like to thank Michael Warren for bringing the parking issue to my attention. The result was working through collaboration between the ministries of Social Development and Innovation, and Transportation, and SPARC for a solution that created the very first BC Accessibility parking permit for motorcycle riders with disabilities.” 

Steve Harvard, board president, SPARC BC –

“This initiative helps to ensure that our communities be as accessible and inclusive as possible, while still maintaining the integrity of the program. It also shows what can be accomplished when people and communities come together.”

Michael Warren, Oliver resident –

“I would like to thank MLA Linda Larson for her hard work in bringing this issue to the ministries responsible. This truly is history in the making. The new sticker will enable riders with mobility issues to get around a lot easier, and fits nicely into the Accessibility 2024 action plan.”

Quick Facts:

• Accessibility 2024 lays the roadmap for making B.C. the most progressive province in Canada for people with disabilities by 2024. Accessible Transportation is one of the 12 building blocks of Accessibility 2024.
• SPARC BC – the Social Planning Research Council of BC – has a 50-year history of working with people and communities in advancing positive change.

Learn More:

SPARC BC: http://www.sparc.bc.ca/

For more information on Accessibility 2024, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/accessibility.

View a list of cross-government services for people with disabilities in B.C.: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities