Transport for London (TfL) announced this month that the trial opening of bus lanes to motorbikes and scooters will continue. The trial scheme began in January 2009, and London mayor Boris Johnson announced that a new trial will begin next month.
“The chaos that was predicted by some doomsayers has clearly not materialised,” said Johnson, “and, as I suspected would be the case, we have found substantial support for the measure.” More than half of motorcycle riders surveyed say they use TfL’s road network more often since the trial began.
In fact, the research gives clear evidence of why riding a motorcycle or scooter is a great option in London. Motorcycles using bus lanes (where available) took just under 2.5 minutes per kilometre, or 2.75 minutes without using bus lanes. Cars (which can’t use bus lanes) took nearly 4 minutes per kilometre. On a 10 kilometre (6 mile) commute that would save you half an hour every day.
What’s more, motorcycles using bus lanes consumed between 100% and 500% less fuel than petrol cars, and emitted 50% - 550% less Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and 100% - 500% less Carbon Dioxide (CO2) than petrol cars. So whether you’re trying to save time, money, or the atmosphere, it’s a good time to get on two wheels! And you can still try it for nothing with an hour’s free trial ride at a training centre near you.
Fears of an increase in collisions between cyclists and motorcyclists in bus lanes proved to be unfounded, though there was an increase in collisions between motorbikes and scooters using the bus lane and other vehicles turning from a side road, underlining the need for other drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists at junctions. So alongside the new trial, a road safety awareness campaign will encourage drivers to look more carefully for approaching motorcycles.
To make sure motorcycles are allowed to use bus lanes permanently, riders should continue to share the road courteously – check out the Code of Conduct for using bus lanes.
Not all bus lanes in London are open to motorcycles – you still need to check the signs for the motorcycle symbol. You can also find maps of TfL’s bus lanes where motorcycles are allowed here. TfL has announced that motorcyclists will be allowed to use bus lanes between the end of the current trial and the beginning of the next one.