London Mayor Extends Motorcycle Access to Bus Lanes

Mayor Boris Johnson has today announced he will continue to allow? motorcycles to use bus lanes, operated by Transport for London (TfL), for the? time being. Johnson observed, ' The chaos that was predicted by some doomsayers has clearly not? materialized and, as I suspected would be the case, we have found ?substantial support for the measure.??”

An 18-month ?experiment was carried out to see if a permanent arrangement would improve road safety and the various studies reveled:

• More than half (51 per cent) of motorcyclists switched from riding?on the outside of the road to the bus lanes?    
• Fears of an increase in cyclist collisions with motorcyclists were?unfounded?    
• Journeys made by motorcycles using bus lanes were, on average more than 10 per cent quicker than those not using bus lanes and? 36 per cent quicker than cars

Rides are Voters (RAV) welcomed the news but warned that riders, TfL and other road users must all? play their part in making bus lanes safe for riders everyone

The Mayor has done the right thing after taking this opportunity to look at the real causes of collisions. Once again it has been shown that ?allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes has created no greater risk for ?riders and other vulnerable road users.

“However, the findings seem to? show that both motorcycle users and pedal-cyclists may be bearing the ?brunt of falling driving standards.” said MAG General Secretary, Nich Brown 

RAV supports TfL advice that drivers need to be sure they are not? putting anyone at risk, especially when turning across bus-lanes at? junctions. However, the group warned that simply relying on an appeal ?for better driving and enforcement of motorcycle speeding offences will not address the fundamental problem of poor junction design where? collisions have increased.

?Riders are Voters are calling on TfL to investigate low-cost improvements and new ?junction designs. Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motor Cycle Industry commented ??“ This news of continued access to bus lanes is a positive step in the right direction.  Bus Lane access has worked well across the country and if TfL are willing ?to look at improving junction design on some of the busiest roads in the ?UK, then riders and other road users outside of the Capital will also? benefit..”??

Chris Hodder of the British Motorcyclists Federation (bmf) said. "Continued access to bus lanes for riders in London is fantastic news.  The ?comprehensive refutation of many of the claims of those opposed shows that ?arguments against allowing motorcycles into bus lanes are rapidly ?evaporating under close scrutiny.  Obviously there is still a problem with ?driver awareness, but we are pleased to see that the Mayor has decided to? address this with better advertising as a first step."

RAV has also called on the DfT to support the extension of motorcycle? access to bus lanes everywhere. Nich Brown said:  “The efforts made by TfL to get things right should be supported by all ?local councils who operate bus lanes. In particular, those London? boroughs who currently deny access for motorcycles should consider the ?adverse effect they are having on road safety by creating confusion and ?lack of consistency. Road safety will be maximised once all road users ?know to expect to see bikes legitimately using all bus lanes”

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Editor’s Notes

‘Riders Are Voters 2010’ is supported by the main organisations representing UK riders, sport and industry ( MCI, bmf, MAG and ACU). These motorcycle organisations are calling on the next Parliament to ensure that future transport, business and social policy realises the full potential of biking by:

• Providing a fair deal for motorcycle riders, industry and sport
• Making motorcycles an integral part of the future transport mix
• Refocussing road safety action on tackling the real causes of accidents

The campaign is encouraging riders to recognise their voice is important in politics and to join in through events, resources and campaign help.

For more information contact Craig Carey-Clinch on 07079 757 484 or email craig@rowanpublicaffairs.com