NANAIMO — Two motorcycle riders were taken to hospital after their bikes struck the back of an SUV on the Island Highway near Long Lake on the evening of Aug. 16, Nanaimo RCMP say.
Crash, injuries and immediate aftermath
The collision occurred at about 7:45 p.m. as the group of southbound motorcycles were approaching the Long Lake area. RCMP say the riders were travelling at a high rate of speed and driving erratically prior to the crash. The SUV was attempting a lane change when both motorcycles struck the vehicle’s rear.
Both riders were thrown from their bikes and suffered what police described as significant road rash. They were wearing protective clothing at the time and were transported to hospital for treatment. RCMP later confirmed both motorcycle riders were released from hospital.
- Time: about 7:45 p.m., Aug. 16
- Location: Island Highway near Long Lake, southbound
- Casualties: two motorcycle riders treated for road rash, SUV driver uninjured
- Disposition: SUV towed due to significant rear damage
Charges and police assessment
Nanaimo RCMP issued tickets to both riders under the Motor Vehicle Act for driving without due care and attention. The SUV driver was not injured, though the vehicle sustained substantial rear damage and required towing from the scene.
“The riders had been travelling at a high rate of speed and driving erratically before the collision,”
is the description provided by RCMP in their account of the incident. The detachment has been using a range of tactics, including aerial resources, in recent months to target dangerous drivers on local roads, a policing focus that reinforces concerns about road safety on busy corridors such as the Island Highway.
Local context: roads, speed and enforcement
The Island Highway is a primary arterial route through Nanaimo linking residential areas, lakes and commercial zones. Collisions on that corridor have ripple effects: traffic delays, emergency response demands and concerns about vulnerable road users. While the RCMP did not provide details about the number of motorcycles involved beyond the two riders who struck the SUV, officers noted both were ticketed after the collision.
Recent enforcement efforts in the region have included helicopter-supported operations aimed at deterring high-speed and dangerous driving. A news release from the detachment earlier this year noted more than 30 Motor Vehicle Act charges handed out during one such campaign, underscoring heightened attention to driver behaviour on Vancouver Island routes.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident time | About 7:45 p.m., Aug. 16 |
| Location | Island Highway near Long Lake (southbound) |
| People involved | Two motorcyclists; one SUV driver |
| Injuries | Two riders treated for significant road rash; later released |
| Enforcement | Tickets issued under the Motor Vehicle Act for driving without due care |
What this means for Nanaimo
For residents, the crash is a reminder of the risks on busy stretches of the Island Highway, where higher speeds and lane changes intersect with local commuter traffic and recreational users heading to lakes and trails. Police continue to emphasise that protective gear can reduce the severity of injuries — in this case both riders were wearing protective clothing — but enforcement and driver behaviour remain central to preventing collisions.
RCMP did not release further details such as the riders’ identities or the impact on traffic flow during the evening response. The detachment urges anyone with dashcam footage or information about the incident to contact Nanaimo RCMP to assist their investigation.
This account is based on information provided by Nanaimo RCMP and reporting from CHEK News.
