A Motorcycle Skills Challenge will be held in British Columbia, Canada, to improve motorcycle safety and help riders develop advanced riding skills. Participants will practise manoeuvring, braking and obstacle avoidance on courses designed to simulate real-world riding conditions.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has announced that the Motorcycle Skills Challenge will return to Kelowna on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The event will be organised by the British Columbia Highway Patrol (BCHP), in partnership with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit.
Following the success of last year’s event, this year’s challenge will take place at a new location: the ICBC Claims Centre at 1720 Springfield Road.
Courses Will Simulate Real-World Riding Conditions
A series of challenging cone courses will be set up for participating motorcyclists. Designed to simulate situations riders may encounter on public roads, the exercises will allow participants to test and improve their skills in three key areas:
- Motorcycle control and manoeuvring
- Controlled and effective braking
- Safe obstacle avoidance
The exercises will be conducted under the guidance of experienced police motorcycle officers.
Around 40 Motorcyclists Attended Last Year
Approximately 40 riders participated in the inaugural Motorcycle Skills Challenge last year. Attendees ranged from experienced motorcyclists to new riders who had recently passed their ICBC road tests.
Organisers said this year’s event will again welcome motorcyclists with different levels of riding experience. Participants will be able to practise in a safe and controlled environment while building confidence, developing advanced techniques and reinforcing safer riding habits.
Techniques That Can Be Applied to Everyday Riding
Staff Sergeant Kyle Ushock, an experienced police motorcycle operator who participated in last year’s event, said the challenge aims to promote motorcycle safety while encouraging riders to practise techniques they can apply during everyday journeys.
Ushock noted that it was encouraging to see participants of all skill levels at the previous event, from seasoned motorcyclists to people who had only recently completed their road tests.
Focus on Confidence and Safer Riding Habits
The Motorcycle Skills Challenge is intended to provide an alternative to practising advanced techniques on public roads. Riders will be able to explore the limits of their skills in a controlled setting and receive guidance from experienced officers.
Practising critical techniques such as emergency braking and obstacle avoidance may help riders respond more effectively when confronted with sudden hazards in real traffic.
Through the event, organisers aim to increase rider confidence, improve motorcycle control and contribute to the prevention of motorcycle crashes.
