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Controversial: Boris wants to give motorbikes the same rights as cyclists to use bus lanes

Boris: I'll let motorbikes use bus lanes like cyclists

Ross Lydall, City Hall Editor
26.02.08

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.

Reader views (46)

 Add your view

Here's a sample of the latest views published.

Are motorbikes allowed in ALL bus lanes or restricted to those with a motorbike logo on the bus lane sign.

- June Nicolopoulos, London, England

I recently knocked a man off his feet on my way to work whilst riding my motorbike. He was looking in the opposite direction from which I was coming as he stepped out from behind a lorry, to cross the road. Had I been allowed in the bus lane, not only would he been looking for busses, he would also have seen me coming.
There is a very valid case for allowing bikers in the bus lane, and if anyone thinks this will affend cyclists, they're wrong,as I cycle too.

- Chris Banks, Lee, London

on my ride in to work at the embankment i see cyclists
that have a total disregard for the highway code they
run red light.s ride on the pavement and crossings no lights on the bikes they do look or signal ware they are going.they should have a test/licence / insurance
an a numbown plate. they should put there own house in order and stop complaining about motorcyles & scooters
bus lanes for all two wheel transport is safer

from a bike/scooter rider/cardriver

- Kenneth W Herrnicht, croydon

Regardless of what Boris might say, the reality is that of December 12 08, motorcycles are no longer allowed to use the bus lanes.
In a typically sneaky fashion, the signs have all been replaced along the route, Kennington to Croydon. There is no sign to tell motorcyclists that the goalposts have been moved. A fund-raising exercise. It would be interesting to know the costs of replacing all of the, perhaps, 250 signs.
This short-sighted move will increase congestion along the route and will consequently increase pollution.
The most serious consequence is that there will inevitably be more injuries to motorcyclists who will be forced into oncoming traffic.
Has Boris any comment on this?

- Johnnie, London, England

Well done Boris. What a good idea. As a motorcyclist Im all for it!

- Christopher Thompson, Blackheath London

well done boris finally a mayor with a brain he thinks about his options first then he will tell us dont lie neither good on him vote boris and vote bus lanes for motorbikes

- Sonni, london

I use the A23 as a motorcyclist everyday, one thing I have noticed between that and other roads where bus lane use is prohibited, is that pedestrians are somehwat safer, as they step off the kerb (normally within sight of a Zebra crossing) they look right and will spot any buses or motorcycles in that lane. as they walk through the traffic they do not look right again for motorcyclcists coming down the outside of the traffic, in areas where motorcycyclists do not have use of the buslanes this is quite dangerous.
I myself have had several near misses with pedrestrians not looking both ways as they step out, including a pushchair that was thrust in front of me yesterday. (Again within sight of a pelican crossing)From a motorcyclists point of view, I feel it is safer for all road users to allow motorcyclists in the bus lanes.
Regards
Jake.

- Jake Willis (Failed Mayoral Candidate), London

I use the A41 Finchley road every day because all my other routes are slower and more hazardous. To make the roads safer you need to increase the predictability of where everyone is going to be and reduce lane hopping (which is mainly done by us bikers), by opening up the bus lanes to bikers both of these safety factors are favourably affected. Well done Boris a fabulous piece of common sense!

- Anthony Edwards, London, UK

Very happy to hear the news. I have been riding a scooter for over 7 years and have always wondered why motor bikes have not been able to use bus lanes. Surly they were set up to give busses an easier flow through london traffic. I have never seen a motorbike hold up a bus by traveling slowly or stopping to pick up a fare.

Good on you Boris

- J Dickson, london

I use the A23 regularly and agree with the comment about the buses blocking the bike lane! Thanks to whoever made it possible for motorcyclists like me to use bus lanes as it cuts down on dangerous overtaking in the rush hour, cuts down on journey time, allows me to sail past cars and trucks all jammed together in the outside lane and produces a large smug grin. I am also really surprised by the number of car and truck drivers who appear not to be able to read, tell the time, or work out which day it is, as they too could enjoy the bus lanes with a little forethought.

Regards

Cathy Gillespie

- Cathy Gillespie, Kenley, Surrey

Boris has possibly just saved many injuries and maybe deaths simply by allowing bikers into the bus lanes.
The majority of bikers travelling at the times that the bus lanes operate are out trying to get to or from work and are not just out for a "tear up" with a few mates, they are there riding responsibly and VERY aware of other road users.
Cyclists have more to worry about with cabs and bus's carving them up and driving way too close to them trying to push past them on tight bits of road.

Well done Boris....sense has finally landed at City hall.

- Phil Elliott, Wallington

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

Spot on Boris!!
The cars don't even use the Bus lanes when there not even operating(A5 Edgware Rd)
I'll vote for you if you ban the buses from em too!

- Monty, Milton Keynes

This is yet another example of Boris listening to Londoners and acting in the interests of the majority. For too long we have had to suffer a Mayor whose attention is reserved for the vociferous minority whilst the rest acquiesce. Anyone else starting to get a little bit excited about getting a Mayor who actually wants what's best for Londoners?

- St, London

"Another headline from Boris!
No policy, just gimmicks.
Pointless, in any case. Motorbikes already use bus lanes.
Would Boris do anything about motorists using bus lanes where there are no cameras?
Now there's a headline for him!"

Keep it up Boris, you've got my vote!

- Richard Holloway, United Kingdom

Makes sense to me I have been riding push bikes on the road for over 20 years and never had a problem with Motorbikes, just the silly people in cars who don't look cause they are protected but all that smelly dirty metal.
Why do you think so many people in crowded cities use motorbikes? It can't be the fact that they are cheap, economical, better for the environment and take up less room than cars can it?

- Tim Banwell, Ex Londoner living in Manchester

As a biker and a cyclist it makes total sense. Cyclists need to learn to stop at redlights as well just occasionally to start with would be nice.

this would improve things for cyclists too if they only had the brains to realise.

- Rob Brown, London

I'm sure you all love bikes dangerously filtering through lanes of traffic. But as a safer alternative for both cars and motorcyclists it makes sense to give bikes the use of the bus lanes to ease the need for filtering in the first place. I am a safe observant rider and unfortunately cannot say the same for many of my fellow bikers. So why not ease the pressure on the main routes by allowing motorcyclists the use of bus lanes. Obviously cyclists need to be considered but I see it as a progression towards road safety in Cities rather than the free for all at current state of affairs. At least a trial run is in order?

- Ryan Horsewood, Barnet

If all you in cars were smart enough you would all be doing the clever thing by cycling everywhere. All you do in a car is waste your money and time. I can't wait for the day when all none essential car journeys are banned or taxed so much it would make no sense.

Cyclists need all the encouragement they can get. I hope Boris never gets this through.

- Jb, london

Why stop with Motorcycles, let cars use them as well. In other words scrap Bus Lanes they add to congestion.

- Den, London

This *would* be bad news for cyclists - only, thank god, Boris hasn't a hope in hell of becoming mayor.

- Charlie, Soho

I for example ride a 1000cc bike but have passed my advanced motorcycle test with IAM. You will find that a lot of scooter riders (those less powerful machines) have had no training at all as a 50cc machine can be ridden on your car licence, and a 125cc can be ridden after 1 day of compulsory basic training (CBT), these machines are more than capable of exceeding the speed limits as much as the bigger machines yet these are the riders that possibly cause most problems with their lack of understanding of other road users. Maybe if we changed the licensing rules so that all powered two wheelers sat the same test everyone would be safer.

That said the same should apply to pedal cyclists if they want to use the roads with the rest of us then they should have to pass a proficiency test and be registered.

- Lisa, London

Shame there isn't a charge for hot air then maybe Ken would receive some of his own medicine! It's a shame cyclists don't pay tax for the roads that we have to share with them and suffer the same venom of penalties and further taxes for traffic breaking laws - we'd make a fortune! Even more laughable is the presence of rickhaws that no one can get past... and seem to have their own highway rules as well.
I'd vote for Boris but I think you'll be stuck with Teflon Ken... poor you.

- Andrew, London

Yes, it's obvious. Letting bikes in bus lanes works, and it would work better still if it was common across the whole of London so that drivers, cyclists and pedestrians expected bikes to be there. I use the A23 Streatham section every day, where bikes are allowed in the bus lane, and everyone coexists happily until someone in a car pulls out and blocks everything up...

Bikes don't cause congestion, they are clean and they have never been safer to use than they are now. They don't need to conflict with other two wheelers - the road is big enough for us all, but cyclists would do better at garnering support if they worked out some of the basic rules. You know, like stopping at red lights and using lights in the dark...

- Simon Bradley, Croydon, UK

Boris gets my vote - common sense needs to prevail!

- Brian, West London

Boris you are the next mayor of London.

- Stephen D., London England

I am both a cyclist and a motorcyclist. I support Boris in this, the facts of around twenty years use of bus lanes in Bristol and Swindon show that it is time to get a grip on this and allow motorcycles and scooters too. Typical Labour to suppress a report when they don't like it in order to pander to the rag bag of people to be found in the "organised" cycling lobby.

- James Lansdowne, High Wycombe

Blatant vote grabbing from Boris there! He obviously realises that there are more motorbikers and cyclists out there. Personally I have no particular objection to motorbikes using bus lanes but it'll probably lead to an increase in cyclist/motorbike accidents as motorbikers pull into bus lanes and accelerate hard just as a cyclist pulls across for example. As to the usual "cyclists don't obey lights" comments, I see motorists blasting through red lights every morning and evening during my cycle-commute!

- Cyclist, London

The point that cyclists ignore is that there has been two experiments to determine the effect on safety of allowing motor cycles into bus lanes. The results of this are reported as showing that overall safety for all road users was better. However, this is not the required result so someone has to try to redo the figures until the cyclist's result is reached. If the Standard report is accurate then the only conclusion I can draw is that cyclists now regard themselves as so important that they require other groups of road users to pay the ultimate price for their rights.

- Dave, London

The cycle lobby have done a good job at creating anti motorcycle propaganda and the illusion that motorcyclsts are disproportionately dangerous to cyclists. This is simply not true when you measure the threat to both cyclists and motorcyclists from other road users.

The report that Livingstone's advisers are trying to suppress shows that allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes creates a safer environment for all involved, in particular cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

However, it is an inconvenient truth for the influential cycle lobbyists who are incredibly prejudiced against motorcycles, even though 'powered two wheelers' could be playing a huge role in reducing traffic congestion in London.

The suppressed report also shows that rank and file cyclists are not as anti motorcycle as the cycling lobby tries to make out. The truth of the matter is that both cyclists and motorcyclists are perfectly capable of sharing the road and do so every day of the week.

It is time that the cycle lobbyists prejudiced viewpoint against motorcycling and their constant anti bike clamour is ignored and that instead, we all get on with sharing the road together.

Ken should publish the report, he's starting to look weak on this and there are too many voters with motorcycle licenses in London to be ignored.

Boris deserves credit for taking this position and it's time that the cycling lobby accepted that they are wrong on this issue.

- Craig Carey-Clinch, London

Thank you Boris; for once somebody in London is actually prepared to say that motorcyclists are safer, by being less likely to be killed or injured, travelling in bus lanes. This is already happening in other cities throughout our country.

There are sufficient laws already in existence against speeding and being a danger to other road users that apply to everybody. Can we please stop wasting lives unnecessarily? I would like to suggest a way forward by allowing smaller motorcycles into the safer lanes immediately, for example under 500cc, so that cyclists and pedestrians do not feel so threatened by more powerful machinery. We can then start saving lives straight away. The DVLA knows the capacity of every vehicle already, so policing is not an issue. Other vulnerable road users can be added later, but please, let's start saving lives now.

- Geoff, London, England

Let 'em use bus lanes if they have a speed limit of 20mph and they have to pay the congestion charge.

The first will make it safe for cyclists and pedestrians. The latter will be a fair price for a special privilege.

- Stephen, London, England

How very short sighted and another example of the Lycra mafia whining, when the move would, as proved in the trial, lead to a reduction in road deaths. As a motorcyclist who rides in to London daily, I think that the idea is a good one, and Red Ken is just playing politics with the lives of Londoners, both cyclists, pedestrians and bikers. Austen, you might want to concentrate on obeying red lights and the other myriad violations that all cyclists commit in front of my eyes on a daily basis.
The data is unequivocal, but don't let the truth get in the way of cyclists "rights"

- Paul Youd, Aldershot, UK

Boris gets my vote. It's far safer for motorcyclists to be separate from all the lorries and cars.
Maybe he'll also consider implementing a scheme to ensure that all pedal cyclists show a form of visible registration which might help in ensuring that they also ride within the law (rather than jumping red lights, cycling on pavements and scraping down the side of other vehicles whose owners have no recompense).

- Lisa, London

Well done Boris. Finally a policy that will reduce congestion and save lives. The figures in a previous story show that accidents for all road users decreased and cycling increased, so the paranoia of cyclists clearly doesn't bear out the reality. As for slowing buses down, if motorcycles using bus lanes are so slow that they slow buses down, what are the cyclists complaining about? Who's right?

- Simon Glossop, London

Blimey, a politician who's looked at the facts and made the obvious choice - to save lives - rather than just try to win votes. You don't see that often!

Come on Ken, show you can do the same. Cycles and motorcycles can get along just fine; don't listen to those extreme pedal pushers.

- Honda90, Cambridge UK

Boris gets my vote.
Typical Labour not publishing a report when they don't like the findings.

- Stuart, London

Vote Boris!

Bus lanes are large enough to be safely used by both cyclists and motorcyclists. It should be safer for pedestrians too, as motorcyclists would be more visible in the bus lanes than filtering between lanes of traffic.

- Dave R, London UK

Maybe Boris hasn't noticed but they already do.

- Simon Hardrugs, Wandsworth

Another headline from Boris!
No policy, just gimmicks.
Pointless, in any case. Motorbikes already use bus lanes.
Would Boris do anything about motorists using bus lanes where there are no cameras?
Now there's a headline for him!

- Harold, London,UK

Boris, you just lost my vote. The data cited by the motorcycle lobby is very dodgy . As a cyclist, I don't fancy the idea of sharing an otherwise safe and pleasant bus lane with vehicles that rank amongst the fastest, most accident-prone and worst polluting on our roads.

- Austen, London

As a cyclist for over 7 years I'm going to be removing myself from the support Boris campaign group.

This silly idea makes life safer speeding motorbikes and means that anyone trying to cycle in London will have motorbikes flying past at high speed. It's bad enough that they already dart in and out of cycle lanes and nearly knock you off.

The man's turning into the clown that Ken claimed he would be.

- Marc, Hammersmith

My only worry is all the couriers who nearly kill cyclists everyday. They weave in and out of traffic terrifying commuter cyclists like myself.

- Sally Smith, Greater London

No Boris. The only vehicles we want in bus lanes are buses. That's the whole point. No taxis either, and especially no cycles which slow buses down to a snail's pace.

- Philip, London, England


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