For all things bikes

Cycle groups didn't want local authorities to copy London's scheme of allowing motorcycles in bus lanes whilst this measure was still on trial.

Now they have lost the battle. It's not clear yet if the measure will be rolled out across the country, but at least in London it will be permanent. After a three-year trial a permanent access granted to motorcyclists was announced by Transport for London on December 21.

But the numbers are clear enough - at least TfL's numbers. According to the capital's transport authority the enforcement has led to a 6.5% reduction in motorcycle speed in bus lanes, with the number of riders breaking the limit down by a fifth.

Also, cycle collisions also fell significantly by 11.6% in the latter 18 months of the trial compared to before it began.

These statistics help TfL's Director of Better Routes and Places Ben Plowden to say that the trial has "shown reduced journey times and environmental benefits with no significant safety issues thrown up for motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users."

Still, cyclists groups don't agree with TfL's optimistic vision. The London Cycling Campaign (LCC) claims the scheme has delivered no safety benefits.

LCC's Charlie Lloyd said: "The overwhelming conclusion from the latest bus lane trial is, yet again, that there are no safety benefits."

The group's Chief Executive Ashok Sinha added: "Cyclists and motorcyclists are both especially vulnerable to bad road policies. Transport for London's action does nothing to reduce danger for either group."

Unsurprisingly the motorcycle industry welcomes the measure. Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motor Cycle Industry Association, said: "Industry strongly welcomes TfL's decision. Allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes sends a clear message to road users that motorcycling helps to reduce commuter journey times, traffic congestion and CO2.

"Like cyclists, motorcycle users face vulnerabilities which bus lane use helps to mitigate and we support TfL's recognition of motorcycling as part of the Mayor's strategy to smooth traffic flow and reduce CO2."

Be the first to comment on this.