Gov't Consultation- re bikers and national bus lane access

[CHLEMCBH]

moanthebairns said:

Strangely Edinburgh allow the use of bikes in bus lanes, however Glasgow reviewed it and this was their response. Basically just use a fking bus or a taxi.

https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/Councillorsandcommittee...

report said:

These orders can take between 9 and 12 months to complete and are resource intensive
and at this time the existing strategy applies.

Might that resource intensiveness be down to having to have a consultation, etc? Were it to be passed into law by a bill in parliament that might preclude this facet of the objection. Although Scotland so would it count?

[MDUBZ]

five50 said:

There may be an image problem - but I think it is more perception than reality. For every one person with a straight through pipe revving up at the zebra crossing or fight on Brighton beach in the 1960's, there are loads of commuter bikes quietly going about their business that no-one notices.

And if one wants to think about this in virtuous terms, each one is another person using a vehicle that solves congestion, uses less energy than a car, creates less exhaust and PM emissions etc etc.

And frankly, it is not like cyclists dont have an image problem. When open, non-directed feedback is sought in urban situations (certainly situations I have been involved with in London), the main thing which comes back from the public is cyclists riding recklessly, running red lights at every opportunity etc. People generally aren't seeing powered two wheelers as the problem.

Bikes in bus lanes examples like the Cambridge and Glasgow provided above - re bikes not being allowed in bus lanes for non-objective reasons - are why it would be great if could be a strong positive response to the consultation and for the Govt to open bus lanes to bikes nationally.

Fingers crossed.

It's the minority of bell ends in any group that ruin it for the majority. Perception unfortunately becomes reality for decision making purposes.

The other problem we have is that (in cambs anyway), the cycle campaign groups are very militant and very vocal, they object to everything non cycle and make life difficult for competent cyclists e.g. segregating lanes with bollards, adding dropped kerb edging to cycle lanes or adding high friction surfaces just make it more dangerous and increase risk or severity of accident. I'm pretty sure there members are the same sock and sandle wearing vegans that turn out for stop oil and rebellion extinction protests. They don't help the cycling image either. Not to mention thee people running the travel plans in cambs don't even bloody live here!!!!!!!

Example https://www.camcycle.org.uk/magazine/newsletter25/...

Legislating shared use of the bus lanes would be a brilliant in my opinion.. I'll complete now.

[Biker 1]

Just signed up.

[five50]

Thank you everybody - fantastic support - please keep it coming if you are in a position to respond to the consultation :-)

[DirtyHarley]

Signed - if it even just eliminates the London variances between TFL owned and local authority bus lane permissions it would be worth it!

[jondude]

I do not ride motorbikes anymore but signed it, arguing it needs to be simple and clear so no council involvement, just make it 24/7 open to bikers by default.

I personally don't think bikers have an image problem, mostly down to there being so few of you these days. I see about 5 or so on my 25 mile commute, often none at all.

[bolidemichael]

[five50]

https://www.visordown.com/news/industry/motorcycle...

Seems like this has got a good response - thank you to anyone that got involved (consultation still open btw).

Obviously very much hoping that these are helpful responses.

[Pit Pony]

bolidemichael said:

Pit Pony said:

They should allow them.to use cycle lanes as long as they don't go over 15 mph or overtake any bicycles (sic)

Yeah, so long as they get off and push their powered two wheelers, just like all the other bus lanes ‘they’ can use.

I've been on a work trip to Eindhoven this week. Still here. The mopeds definately use the cycle lanes, and pavements as of they were bicyles. They aren't speeding along, just going at a cyclists speed.
But.... Even in the pedestrianised centre, you are massively at risk of being mown down by mopeds and e-bikes and cycles.

I've not seen any "proper" motorbikes yet.

[Biker9090]

Pit Pony said:

I've been on a work trip to Eindhoven this week. Still here. The mopeds definately use the cycle lanes, and pavements as of they were bicyles. They aren't speeding along, just going at a cyclists speed.
But.... Even in the pedestrianised centre, you are massively at risk of being mown down by mopeds and e-bikes and cycles.

I've not seen any "proper" motorbikes yet.

This is quite common across Europe. I'm not sure of the accident statistics but I'd fking hate to share a tiny lane like that with power bikes and mobility cars (as in Holland).

I can only think of one time I've seen a No Mopeds sign in the UK (near Plymouth) but they're everywhere on faster roads in the EU.

[andburg]

Fully support this.

Motorcycle in bus lane is far safer than one filtering down between rows of traffic for everybody.

[BigDaddyBiker]

Done

[Iamnotkloot]

I've put my support in too

[GM182]

Done.
On my commute through southwest London generally it is the scooter delivery riders who are the most problematic. I rarely have an issue with a cyclist or commuter on a bike or even scooter. Deliveroo tts however, swerve all over the road, look at their phone or just don't have a clue where they're going.