Gov't Consultation- re bikers and national bus lane access
Discussion
The Government has just launched a consultation on giving motorcycles automatic access to bus lanes nationally.
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/motorc...
This is part of their wider pro-motorist initiatives, launched over the weekend:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/crackdown-on-an...
Obviously, the bus lane consultation is significant from an access perspective and recognising motorcycles / powered two wheelers as a transport solution - cutting congestion and efficiently using road space - it is also an important safety measure, to give riders more space and allow them to focus on the road, rather than having to scan bus lane regulation changes.
For example, in London, bus lanes administered by Transport for London do allow motorcyclists to use them, but many council run streets, do not, with changes often in a short distance, creating confusion and the risk of fines etc.
At the moment, in most places, it is for councils to decide how bus lanes are used. It is time consuming and difficult for motorcycle groups (Motorcycle Action Group etc) to try to get councils to prioritise and see the light on this.
Interestingly, when research has been done on motorcycles in bus lanes, an overall improvement in road safety has been seen, as these two London based trials show:
https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2...
https://democracy.brent.gov.uk/documents/s91059/11...
This is the first time in a while I have seen an official consultation on transport that I am keen to support!
Bikers don't generally get much legislative support and would be great if as many people as possible could make their voices heard and reply positively to the consultation!.
There aren't many questions and it only takes a few mins.
Edited by five50 on Monday 18th March 22:23
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.
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.
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.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff