Boris keeps bus lanes open to bikers
Added on Thursday, June 17th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Boris keeps bus lanes open to bikers
Bikers will be able to continue to use London’s bus lanes for a further 18 months after Mayor Boris Johnson announced that he was extending the scheme following a successful trial period.
Johnson confirmed that bikers would continue to be allowed access to bus lanes on London’s “Red Routes”, claiming that the trial had gained “substantial support”.
“The chaos that was predicted by some doomsayers has clearly not materialised and, as I suspected would be the case, we have found substantial support for the measure,” said Johnson.
A report into the 18-month experiment found that more than half (51 per cent) of motorcyclists switched from riding on the outside of the road to the bus lanes and that fears raised by pro-cycling groups over an increase in cyclist collisions with motorcyclists were unfounded. Research also found that 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.
Motorcycle groups welcomed the news but warned that riders, TfL and other road users must all play their part in making bus lanes safe for everyone.
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.”
Riders are Voters (RAV) called on the DfT to use London as a blueprint for extending the scheme nationally.
RAV spokesperson 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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