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Boris: I'll let motorbikes use bus lanes like cyclists
Ross Lydall, City Hall Editor26.02.08
Boris Johnson will today risk inflaming thousands of London cyclists by announcing he will give motorbikes an equal right to use bus lanes if he becomes Mayor.
The move, from arguably the city's most famous cyclist, challenges Ken Livingstone to make a similar commitment after shying away from a decision on the issue for years.
The Tory candidate points to research suppressed by the Mayor which shows that it is safer for cyclists, bikers and even pedestrians if motorbikes can use bus lanes.
At present, bikers face a £120 penalty - just like drivers of four-wheeled vehicles - if they enter the lanes.
Transport for London was authorised by the Mayor in 2002 to set up two test areas in which motorbikes and scooters can use bus lanes - the A23 in Brixton and the A41 Finchley Road.
As the Standard revealed two months ago, the three-year study showed the number of accidents nearly halved. But mayoral aide Kevin Austin allegedly ordered the results to be rewritten to prevent an outcry from cyclists.
Today Mr Johnson will pledge to publish the suppressed TfL research in full. He was expected to say: "Ken Livingstone has refused to release the report, and leaked emails show his office has actively tried to interfere with the findings.
"Not only is this a fraud on Londoners with motorcycles but it is a cynical refusal in an election year to implement a measure that could both cut congestion and save lives."
The issue is tricky for the Mayor as he likes to claim credit for the huge rise in cycling and has unveiled plans to create 12 cycle "super-highways" and introduce free bikes for hire.
Many have switched to motorbikes and scooters since 2003 as both are exempt from the congestion charge.
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Reader views (35)
Here's a sample of the latest views published. You can click view all to read all views that readers have sent in.
Bristol & Bath have allowed motorcycles in bus lanes for many years with no problems; always works well. Apart from a few car drivers seeing there's no bus coming so pulling out without looking. But SMIDSYs happen everywhere.
Sorry, there is one problem. These enormous smoking empty buses blocking the motorcycle lanes.
All a matter of perspective!
- Trevor Phillips (Not That One), Midsomer Norton Somerset
I think this is a brilliant idea, this would also encourage drivers out of their cars simply because at least in a bus lane you can make a mistake and survive. Riding in bus lanes in south London has helped me a lot.
- Paul Palmer, London
Turn away for a moment and the militant cyclists fill the thread with misinformed opinions.
Two reports commissioned by TfL, clearly showed a safety benefit for all road users, motorbikes, pedestrian and cyclists. A vote for Ken would mean the manipulation of the figures by Kevin Austen to match their skewed view of the world, would be allowed to continue. When will cyclists finally come to understand the current policy is costing them their lives.
If car drivers expected to find motorcyclists universally in bus lanes, rather than the patchwork arrangement there is at present, there would be even better results. Motorbikes would also discourage the spontaneous use of bus lanes by cars making it safer for cyclists.
The capacity of a motorbike is irrelevant to it's safety and I advocate more training for motorcyclist and regulation of cyclists.
All two wheeled vehicles, powered or otherwise, are part of the solution to congestion.
Personally, I find myself "riding shotgun" for cyclists (except for the lycra louts who flout the rules).
Boris has my vote.
- John, Richmond borough
