Do I need a permit?
This is perhaps the most common question we receive from prospective organizers. Permitting authorities include Cycling BC – the sanctioning body and insurer of cycling events – and the landowner(s) where your event will occur.
All organizers wishing to have their events endorsed and insured by Cycling BC must obtain a Sanctioning Permit, except for registered club activities (cyclingbc.net/ridereg), where all participants are members of the host club and are not charged an additional fee to participate.
Cycling BC Event Sanctioning permits are required if either
- Your event charges an entry fee and/or
- It is open to the public, including Cycling BC members outside of your club, then a sanctioning permit must be obtained from Cycling BC.
For more information about sanctioning your event, please visit our sanctioning information page.
Land-Use Permits
In addition to obtaining a sanctioning permit from Cycling BC, your event may require a permit from the landowner(s) responsible for the land where your event will take place. This may include any combination of the following:
- A local municipality
- Regional district
- BC Ministry of transportation and infrastructure
- BC Ministry of forests, land and natural resources
- A private landowner
Each permitting authority will have different criteria to determine whether or not your event requires a permit. Still, in general, if your event involves any of the below, you will likely need a permit:
- Amplified sound
- Installation of generators, tents, fencing, portable toilets or equipment
- The activity is publicly advertised
- You require exclusive use of an area other than a reservable facility
- Your event occurs outside of park hours
- The activity is for educational purposes
- The activity follows an organized route
- Participants or spectators are charged a fee or minimum donation
- Your activities may have an impact on other park/road users or surrounding residents
- Any other commercial uses, including vending of food, beverages or merchandise
- Any effect on traffic flow