IAM warns bikers on bus lane risk

Added on Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has warned motorcyclists and cyclists that they could be at an increased risk when Transport for London opens up London’s bus lanes to bikers permanently later this month.

London’s bus lanes will be opened to bikers on a permanent basis from Monday 23^rd January 2012, following a series of successful pilot schemes. Similar schemes are already used in Bristol and Birmingham.

But whilst the IAM is generally supportive of the move, particularly the environmental benefits, it has warned that bikers could be at a greater risk.

The claim comes following studies by Ealing Council and TfL which showed a significant increase in motorcycle collision rates and severity. TfL’s review also found that there was an increase in pedal cycle accidents of 173 per cent, even when the increase in the number of people cycling was taken into account.

The TfL trial of 418 sections of road in London that contain a bus lane, showed direct collisions between motorcycles and pedal cycles. Although there were no direct collisions between motorcycles and pedal cycles in Ealing, the council was concerned that pedal cycles are reacting to the presence of motorcycles in bus lanes by travelling nearer to the kerb than before, making them less visible to vehicles turning across their path.

The IAM has issued a number of tips to bikers, including:

Always assume that other road users may not have seen you
When travelling in a straight line, position yourself where you can be easily seen – don’t sit out next to the traffic beside you, or hug the kerb. You get lost to sight
Be seen. Big blocks of bright colour are better than broken up or patterned clothing, which effectively camouflages you, and always have your headlight on
Give other lane users time to realise you are there. Give cyclists space and time to avoid startling them
Don’t use the extra space in the bus lane to unnecessarily increase your speed
Be careful of traffic crossing the bus lane at junctions, both from side roads, and out of the queue on your right. They aren’t looking for you – they’re looking for a big bus
Look well ahead to avoid needing to make sudden changes in direction for potholes etc – bus lanes tend to have uneven surfaces

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “This change will improve congestion and journey times for motorcyclists, and responsible bikers should find it safer being in a bus lane. Safer motorcycling in busy cities will encourage more moped and motorcycle use which can only be a good thing for traffic flow. But the evidence does show two of the most vulnerable road user groups – motorcyclists and cyclists – will be at more risk.

“This decision doesn’t just affect Londoners. With thousands more people visiting London for the Olympics this summer, everybody needs to be aware of the risks. Bus drivers and cyclists need to be vigilant and get used to sharing the space with motorcyclists, but there is a lot motorcyclists and cyclists can do to protect themselves.”

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