The chaos that was predicted by some doomsayers has clearly not materialized says Johnson
Mayor Boris Johnson has today announced he will continue to allow motorcycles to use bus lanes, operated by Transport for London (TfL), for the time being.
Johnson observed, "The chaos that was predicted by some doomsayers has clearly not materialized and, as I suspected would be the case, we have found substantial support for the measure.”
An 18-month experiment was carried out to see if a permanent arrangement would improve road safety and the various studies reveled:
- More than half (51 per cent) of motorcyclists switched from riding on the outside of the road to the bus lanes
- Fears of an increase in cyclist collisions with motorcyclists were unfounded
- 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
Riders are Voters (RAV) welcomed the news but warned that riders, TfL and other road users must all play their part in making bus lanes safe for riders everyone
The chaos that was predicted by some doomsayers has clearly not materialized and, as I suspected would be the case, we have found substantial support for the measure.
Boris Johnson
The Mayor has done the right thing after taking this opportunity to look at the real causes of collisions. Once again it has been shown that allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes has created no greater risk for riders and other vulnerable road users.
“However, the findings seem to show that both motorcycle users and pedal-cyclists may be bearing the brunt of falling driving standards.” said MAG General Secretary, Nich Brown
RAV supports TfL advice that drivers need to be sure they are not putting anyone at risk, especially when turning across bus-lanes at junctions. However, the group warned that simply relying on an appeal for better driving and enforcement of motorcycle speeding offences will not address the fundamental problem of poor junction design where collisions have increased.
RAV has also called on the DfT to support the extension of motorcycle access to bus lanes everywhere.
