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Shared experience: a TfL study concluded that allowing motorcycles in bus lanes was safer for all road-users

Keep motorbikes out of bus lanes, cyclists urge Mayor

Katharine Barney, City Hall Reporter
11.06.08

Cyclists have launched a campaign to persuade Boris Johnson not to allow motorcycles in bus lanes.

Members of the London Cycling Campaign have written to the Mayor asking him to reverse his decision, which they believe could endanger the lives of cyclists and pedestrians.

Mr Johnson has instructed Transport for London to develop plans to allow motorbikes to use bus lanes after a similar scheme in Bristol proved successful.

It follows a three-year study in which motorcyclists used the bus lanes in Brixton Road and Finchley Road and the number of collisions fell by 42 per cent. The study concluded the lanes were safer for pedestrians, cyclists, car drivers and motorcyclists.

But cyclists have questioned the results after former mayor Ken Livingstone dismissed the study, claiming it was misleading.

He was accused of ordering the report's authors to rewrite it so it was "politically acceptable" before ruling that motorcycles should not get wider access to bus lanes.

LCC chief executive Koy Thomson said the results were based on flawed methodology and not statistically significant.

He said: "This would be a decision taken not only against the advice of transport officials and without the input of cycling and pedestrian groups, but also in the face of a warning that it could 'disbenefit' cyclists and pedestrians."

Tom Bogdanowicz, LCC's campaigns manager, added: "Providing new, high-speed channels for motorcycles along major roads will inevitably increase motorcycle use.

"More motorcycle traffic will spread to all streets in London and will bring with it an increase in casualties for vulnerable road users.

"We're asking our supporters to urge the Mayor to consider the safety impact on all London streets for every road user before any decision on allowing high-speed vehicles into bus lanes is made."

A spokesman for Mr Johnson said he stood by his decision and the scheme would be rolled out in due course.

He said: "The Mayor's manifesto is committed to allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes and he has asked TfL to draw up proposals for this to happen on their roads. As a committed cyclist, the Mayor has an obvious interest in ensuring the capital's roads are as safe as possible for cyclists but he is aware that motorcycles already use bus lanes successfully, and safely, in several areas of London and other cities.

"Further consultation will be required before motorcycles can officially use TfL's bus lanes. The Mayor and TfL will listen carefully to all views on this matter."

Craig Carey-Clinch, of the Motor Cycle Industry Association, pointed out that motorcycles were already allowed in bus lanes in parts of Westminster, Kingston and Sutton, where they had impressive safety records.

He said: "Members of the LCC are sorely misguided and their fears are unfounded. In the boroughs where this has happened, we have seen a reduction in pedestrian and motorcyclist casualties. This campaign is driven by a dislike of motorbikes rather than concerns for road safety."

VIEW FROM THE SADDLE


Sion Tammes, 44, a television sound man from Whitechapel, cyclist

"Bus lanes are one of the only sections of road where cyclists can cycle in relative safety. Motorbikes go there anyway, even though they are not supposed to. When you think you have a safe lane it's unsettling and dangerous to find a motorbike bearing down on you at great speed. We'd get used to motorcycles sharing bus lanes because we'd have to, but London roads are dangerous as it is. There are relatively few cycle lanes and they stop and start. Bus lanes at least are consistent."

Hannah Palmer, 24, a photography student from Ladbroke Grove, cyclist

"Motorcyclists are quite dangerous because they weave in and out of the traffic but much faster than bicycles. The best solution would be to have more cycle lanes. Cycling in bus lanes is not ideal because you are constantly being overtaken by buses and then having to overtake them again when they stop - you get a lung-full of bus fumes every time."


Olivia Stubbings, 21, an English student from Kensington, cyclist and motorcyclist

"It's perfectly fine to have motorbikes in bus lanes. It should be encouraged. I ride a small motorcycle and if I'm in a regular car lane I often find myself forced into the bus lane by vans and cars. Cyclists are aware of motorbikes because we can hear them - they are not a silent threat."

Susanne Sivborg, 48, a businesswoman from Barnes, cyclist

"Allowing motorbikes in bus lanes would be safer because cyclists would know where they are. At the moment they sneak between cars. What's more dangerous is allowing cars to park in cycle lanes because you have to swing out suddenly into traffic.

Ildiko McAuley, 39, a club manager from Fulham, cyclist

"This is a really stupid idea. I have been run down so many times by motorcyclists. They behave like barbarians and because they are so small and fast you don't see them coming."


Per Sivborg, 50, an exhibition consultant from Barnes, cyclist and motorcyclist

"It's a great idea for the safety of everyone. At the moment motorbikes weave in and out of the traffic. It would be much safer if they could travel smoothly. They are skilled drivers and pay attention to cyclists. It's taxis that should be banned from bus lanes because they creep up behind you. I've used the pilot shared lanes in London and they work and in my native Stockholm, these shared lanes have cut accidents. Mind you, motorists and motorcyclists are much politer here."

Reader views (67)

 Add your view

Womans' Hour this morning feature on cycling in London. The danger highlighted- deaths caused by HGVs [9] ,buses and inattentive car drivers. No mention of PTWs. Leave them in buslanes.

- Peter Ball, Stafford

I think it's a great idea, I commute 100 miles a day on my motorbike and as a regular in London I quite often find myself forced into the bus lanes by cars, lorries, vans and most of all by cyclists who have no idea how to use roads or respect other road users or pedestrians.

I say all cyclists should have to be insured and pay road tax, it's an every day event where I see cyclists steam roller pedestrians (even me on my bike a few weeks ago causing lots of damage I had to foot the bill for!) when they ride through red lights and over zebra crossings.

They are also the worst for zig zagging through traffic which is even more dangerous as they can't ride fast enough to do it safely, having said that scooter riders are almost as bad as cyclists but at least they are insured and pay their road tax!

- Rick Duncan, Stevenage, UK

Motorcyclists - do it anyway!
Why do you have to ask permission from cyclists - cyclists ride on the pavements without permission, so they have no right to whine if anyone uses bus lanes without permission.
Cyclists have established their right to use pavements simply by using them. That's how you get things in Britain today - by taking, not by asking.
So use those bus lanes, and pretty soon you'll have established the right, just like the cyclists.
And anyway, who pays more for those lanes - you, or the cyclists? What right do those freeloaders have to tell you anything about the roads they don't pay for?
Grab those bus lanes now!

- Bill Bates, london

I am a motorcyclist living in London - I use my motorbike to commute from Hampstead to Richmond, and for journeys into the city. I have an advanced motorcyclist licence and consider myself an unusually safe driver. I am shocked at some of the driving I see around the capital. If I were to offer a general observation on the two most dangerous groups of drivers on the roads at the moment, it would not be the traditional 'white vans and taxis'. In my daily journeys I believe that I have to negotiate most dangerous hazards from pizza delivery scooters, cyclists and thoughtless bus-drivers. Whereas I think that opening the bus lanes would be a good idea for motorists, it would also bring the most dangerous groups of road users together. I would like to see the natural 'immunity from the highway code' that is exercised by most cyclists, many bus-drivers and nearly all pizza-scooters addressed before we open the bus lanes. Heaven knows - there are enough cameras around to watch us!

- Justin Roux, London, UK

Why not authorise bus lanes to motorbikes and bicycles but limit the speed @ 30 mph?

The bus lane would be a great deal to avoid traffic when riding a motorbike or a bike but for security the maximum speed should limited. Indeed when there's solid traffic pedestrians cross the road when the traffic light shows red or between cars.

On the other hand if there's no traffic bikes and motorbikes would stay away from bus lanes in order to ride faster on the normal road.

- Frankie Hat, London

In over 40 years cycling, I have NEVER had a problem with motorbikes, yet I frequently have problems with cars, particularly 4x4s. A motorcyclist is much more aware of his/her immediate surroundings - impossible in some of these grotesque 'Chelsea Tractors' - and so can overtake a cyclist much more safely. A bus lane has to be wide enough for a bus - ample space for a motorcyclist to overtake safely.

I'm a member of the CTC (through whose e-newsletter I found your article). I have often taken them to task over their anti-motorbike stance and I recently emailed the LCC to tell them their fears are unfounded.

Go on Boris - let motorbikes use bus lanes. And while you're about it - get taxis and minicabs OUT. I found the latter a real menace during a recent cycling visit to London. Some were probably cars masquerading as minicabs - not easy for the police to detect.

- Steve Glennie-Smith , Ledbury, England

Further to my earlier comment, I think cyclists should have to take out insurance. Many of them are reckless and totally untrained. Their ability to cause accidents however, is right up there with the best of them. I notice how many cyclists say they are intimidated by motorbikes but I have seen many more aggressive/violent cyclists. Cyclists often have a big chip on their shoulders as they are doing the 'Green' thing and it's their right to ride anywhere and anyhow and everyone else get out the way! As road users though, they make absolutely no contribution financially yet are constantly causing/being involved in accidents.

- Nick Green, Putney, London

I ride a bicycle and motorbike and we should look out for one another as we are the most vulnerable. I can see the cyclists' point of view but on the flip-side, having to ride down the outside of traffic is dangerous for motorbikes; oncoming traffic, vehicles turning out through the traffic queue, limited room for view and avoidance manoeuvres.
Perhaps a solution would be to divide the bus lane into one third for the cyclists and two thirds for the motorbikes?

- Nick Green, Putney, London

I drive a car, ride a motorcycle and cycle extensively around London. I am looking forward to bus lanes being opened up to Motorbikes for congestion and safety reasons. The studies have proven that it is a good idea and cyclists are not in any more danger than before. Bus lanes in Bristol have been open to motorbikes for many years. Riding a motorcycle teaches you to be ride defensively and consider safety. However, I am sometimes critical of the way that some cyclists and especially moped riders flout basic safety principles. These people give the majority a bad name and make people against bikers.

- Donald Hall, London

Sion,
If motorbikes go there anyway, what have you got to lose? I suspect that like many that use the roads you don't care to read the signs which tell you that bus lanes can be used at certain times. You can always see a line of cars waiting when the bus lane can be used, proof that many probably like you, don't use their eyes! What does that say about cyclists who use pavements, one way streets and ignore red lights causing pedestrians to leap out of the way? Most cyclists get killed because they don't watch out for themselves, this includes motorcycle riders. If they can't watch out for themselves, they aren't going to look for you, are they? Everybody needs to look and have patience.

- Leo, London

Boris is right on this one. Most motorcycle riders ride well and safely. Let's hope it helps newbie scooterists calm down and ride safer, and that couriers don't exploit it to shave a few minutes off. As for cyclists, we should take note of the growing animosity, expressed here, towards the lawless riding, bad attitude, and self-righteousness of some of us.

- Martin H, London UK

I ride a moped in London and a bicycle in Cambridge (I used to cycle in London too). Although I hear what JJ says above about cyclists in bus lanes, and I agree with him. I do think that motorbikes should be allowed in bus lanes.
Unlike cyclists, they can travel at the same speed as a bus and so won't impede the bus as it travels.
If cyclists have to be allowed to continue to use bus lanes [as they probably will] I think they can co-exist with motorbikes with safety for both. It is rare while moving to get so many cyclists side by side that they block a full bus lane. Cyclists will naturally keep to the kerb side and motorbikes can use the other side of the lane.

- Rebecca Caroe, London and Cambridge, UK

Jason Piers is wrong to lump all cyclists together as people who disobey road laws. Sure, a lot of cyclists jump red lights and as a cyclist I wish the police would take tougher action on such offenders. It looks bad for the majority of us who follow the rules of the road.

He also ignores the fact that just as many motorcyclists, car drivers, taxi drivers and lorry drivers bend the rules in their own ways: using mobile phones when driving, failing to indicate, stopping in the advanced stop lines (ASLs) designed for bikes, and worst of all speeding.

To focus on speeding: In London the 20 and 30 mph speed limits are so rarely enforced that they are universally ignored. This is without a doubt the single biggest danger to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Much more should be done to slow *all* traffic down to a safe speed.

As for the notion that cyclists don't pay to use the roads, this is simplistic nonsense; the tax system is not that straightforward. As a high-rate tax payer and council tax payer I pay a significant amount of my income to the state and local borough. This is where the majority of the budget for maintaining the roads comes from. As with any kind of tax there's not a simple correlation between what is paid and where it goes.

- Frank, London, UK

When cyclists start obeying road laws and more to the point paying, then they can raise any issue they like regarding traffic flow management.
As it stands cyclists can cause and do cause accidents without any insurance or liability

- Jason Piers, London Uk

Having been involved with the training in over 20,000 learner riders in the London area I can vouch that the very last thing any biker wants to do is hit or clip any other road user - as the result would potentially be very dangerous to themselves.

Motorcycling in bus lanes though new and thus contentious has in other towns given improvement in safety to cyclists who have an additional peer group to create "zones" or "flows" where all two wheelers are respected. Giving an anticipation from buses and taxis to allow for their safe passage.

As an avid lifelong motorcyclist who also drives cars and rides push-bikes, I look forward to improving the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, bikers and all road users by use of this common sense implementation.

In training new riders for their Compulsory Basic Training course or for their full test, I can, with the greatest confidence, state that the wide mix of public who come to us to ride mopeds or motorbikes have the safety of others at the front of their minds at all times. The lack of a seat belt and a steel box make bikers a natural friend of all vulnerable road users.

- Bern Adams, , London

I'm also a bus driver. I thought bus lane are suppose to be just that! Buses will never run on time due to cyclists. I don't think any cyclists know that the highway code rule 198 applies to them also. There you are on a Monday evening rush hour 6pm central London. The roads are jammed and you have cyclist on a Sunday evening country lane ride home. You've just managed to get past them. You serve the stop and indicate to pull out and they are cycling like they're powering the national grid with none of them wanting to give way to you now that they're in front it's the Sunday evening again. BUS LANE..NO TAXIS, NO MOTORBIKES and NO CYCLES.

- J.J, UK

As one who has ridden a motorbike and cycled in London I believe motorcycles should be allowed in bus lanes. The cycling lobby are hypocrites. Cyclists are colour blind when it comes to traffic lights, cycle on pavements and have the mentality of a pedestrian. They should all take a CBT and all bikes should be registered (as in Switzerland). And when it comes to bus lanes, it is the buses which are the greatest danger to them. They'll want to ban them next.

- Jeremiah, London

I ride into London from Sussex everyday and use the 'experimental' A23 bus lanes. Whilst I appreciate that there are a minority of motorcyclists who are arrogant and ride in a dangerous way I feel that the number of cyclists who do the same are in the vast majority. It amazes me the number of times cyclists just pull out into the road around buses etc without as much as a glance backwards whilst wearing headphones rendering them not only blind (by not looking) but also deaf - is it any wonder cyclists get knocked off their bikes? Even better are the ones on their mobiles, riding with one hand whilst weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights and pedestrian crossings! Last night going through Brixton I saw a cyclist scream at a lady with a pushchair and a toddler who had the temerity to cross over a pedestrian crossing on the green man whilst he was trying to get home.
Motorcycles in bus lanes reduce casualties for all road users. I fail to see any argument against it.

- Gary, Sussex

I am a cyclist and LCC member but in my opinion LCC are wrong on this. The bus lanes (we need more of them but that's another issue) are wide and the motorbikes can easily avoid cyclists. More/better motorbike facilities means less cars which has to be a good thing. Boris is a cyclist too - and he's right on this.

- Philip , Redbridge

Keep the buses off the bus lanes - off the roads altogether if possible.

- John Frum, Bracknell

As a cyclists and a Motorcyclist, it amazes me that they are complaining about this, they are in a BUS lane, buses are far more dangerous than any motorcyclist and the only time I've ever had problems with a cyclist is when one went through a red light in front of me.

- Benjamin Scott, London, UK

Some of the comments make me really angry. Unfortunately, they are all pretty valid.

Yes, cyclists do break the law. Running red lights etc. Generally this is done safely, because it is not in their best interest to hit or be hit by anything (pedestrians included). Cyclists are generally the most vulnerable people on the road.

Yes, motorcyclists do use the bus lanes. But conversely, cyclists use what bikers refer to as their channel (outside right). I have no problem with experienced bikers . They are generally very good riders. Unfortunately, the prevalence of aggressive, inexperienced scooter riders has made the roads a lot less safe. Unfortunately, it is these riders who use the bus lanes the most.

Yes, cyclists can be slower than buses in the bus lane. Quite often the average speed of a bus over distance is far less, because of the number of stops they make.

Lastly, much of the aggression we face every day on our roads is due to the number of road users not who is right or wrong. What is required is patience, vigilance and consideration. Less haste more speed.

- Jason, London, London

I believe it will be a good idea for motorcycles to use bus lanes. Motorcyclist cause danger to pedestrians when they are filtering with pedestrians crossing in between vehicles. With motorcycles in bus lane pedestrians will be able to see them approaching.

- Yomi, London, England

"Show me a cyclist that obeys the rules of the road, doesn't jump red lights, doesn't wear an iPod, doesn't ride on the pavement and shows respect for other road users and I might listen to his or her opinion."

Thank you for the request. The data on which Boris based his decision is flawed. Motorcyclists pose a danger to cyclists twice that of cars- that's the hard fact. Mixing slow, light vehicles with faster, heavier machines is never a good idea. I cycle, I pay tax, VED too (there's no such thing as "road tax") and obey all the rules. I still see on every commute idiotic behaviour by drivers. The aim of the cycling revolution in London is to make the roads safer- more cyclists mean safer roads, as cycling rates increase drivers become more aware and may well cycle themselves. This makes for a much more pleasant, safe environment and Johnson's ill-thought out move would be regressive and discouraging to those who wish to start cycling. A bit more tolerance on the roads would be good, I see sweeping pejorative remarks about cyclists here that would provoke howls of outrage if they were made about drivers! There is danger on the roads, it DOES NOT come from cyclists and the stats bear this out. I can see a London transformed by encouraging cycling, combating obesity, pollution and congestion and being a major boost to the health of Londoners. Don't let Johnson's mistake ruin this.

- Dr Susan Porter, London

As a pedestrian, I suspect many cyclists will use this as an excuse to cycle even more on the pavements, continuing to do to pedestrians what they don't want done to themselves...

As a driver, I would be happy to see motorcyclists in bus lanes - although of course I would miss playing 'chicken' with them when I am driving out of London and they are whizzing down the outside of stationary traffic towards me in MY lane.

- Anne, North London

I have resigned my membership of the LCC over this matter. I think they are doing so much damage to the reputation of cyclists in London, painting us all as territorial vehicle-haters, when the reality is that many of us use all forms of transport, including buses, and own motorcycles and / or cars. The LCC leadership is enormously out of touch on this occasion.

- St, London

Cyclists are the biggest traffic violators on the road. They seem to think that the traffic laws only matter to motor vehicles. Make cyclists show a number plate and tax them like the rest of the road users then maybe they can start to dictate road policy. As it is they get a free ride that costs the rest of us road users a fortune to use!!

- Duncan Walker, Ex Peckham now Samui Thailand

As a cyclist and biker it's a shame these two groups of road users cannot find common ground. Instead we have this tribal warfare of each group slagging the other off. We don't have the luxury of space for separate lanes for everyone, so people should work together, i.e. let two groups of vulnerable road users agree to share the lane!

- Steve, Hereford

Why all the bile about cyclists on here, why are people who choose to ride a push bike so hated by some people?

We've got people saying they are the most dangerous thing on the roads, what, pardon, cyclists ... cyclists are the most dangerous thing on the roads? Road traffic crash statistics will show otherwise.

Even the article itself contains quotes from "cyclists" that don't think having motorcycles in bus lanes is such a bad idea.

Such childish groupings of people shown here, such broad brush assertions, it is certainly prejudiced and practically borders on the sort of nasty racism we too often see; quite ugly.

Grow up people, it seems you've not changed since you bullied that kid at school just because he wore glasses.

- Prj45, London

A motorcyclist has the power of the engine to manoeuvre around any moving bus or taxi. A cyclist does not and will always slow up other users of the bus lane. Not to mention that cyclists do not "give way" or obey other road regulations. My vote is to allow motorcycles & scooters to use the bus lanes, but to keep cyclists out.

- Simon Dewolf, London, UK

Fantastic idea, about time! It's a shame hardcore cyclist communities do not realise London isn't Amsterdam and that roads are not gyms. They should demand more cycle lanes instead of raving against commuters that value their time and comfort.
Well done Boris,some more motorcycle parking bays if you please...

- Costa, Mitcham

These stats are from the Cyclists Touring Club website. It's taken from the Hospital Episode Statistic site detailing the hospital admissions for cyclists for 2005-2006. Perhaps all those holier-than-thou cyclists might like to read the facts their very own pressure group published.

Pedal cyclist injured in collision with pedestrian or animal 71

Pedal cyclist injured in collision with other pedal cycle 195

Pedal cyclist injured in collision with 2-3 wheeled motor vehicle 59

Pedal cyclist injured in collision with car pick-up truck or van 1,800

Pedal cyclist injured in collision with heavy transport vehicle or bus 118

Pedal cyclist injured in collision with railway train or railway vehicle 3

Pedal cyclist injured in collision with other nonmotor vehicle 8

Pedal cyclist injured in collision with fixed/stationary object 511

Pedal cyclist injured in non collision transport accident 9,538

Pedal cyclist injured in other and unspecified transport accident 1,230

Let's get this straight. Cyclists are 3 times as likely to injure each other than to be injured by bikes. And nearly 10,000 cyclists managed to hospitalise themselves with no help from any other road user.

People are being killed while this selfish politicking goes on.

- Niall, London

As a cyclist and a motorcyclist I see both points of view. Cyclists and buses don't mix well. Motorcyclists will be FAR FAR safer in bus lanes and won't hold up buses. Cyclists should be campaigning for their own routes, leaving motorbikes and buses alone to get on with it.

- Deso, London, England

I ride a motorbike and have used bus lanes when it's legal. Bus lanes are not entirely safe havens, you have to keep clear of the doors of stationary cars and watch out for any that may be tempted to cross over/into the bus lane. Passing cyclists take care as you don't want to hit them for your own safety. Buses block you in in heavy traffic.

Sometimes it's better to go on the outside when filtering through traffic, but it would help not to get a fine for using bus lanes when it's safer.

- Peter, Battersea

If I was a cyclist I would be more concerned about the aggressive bus drivers... bikes can actually create space for cyclists, as they break up the flow of cars and vans. All in all however I would suggest that cyclists are much more likely to be injured as a result of many having a complete disregard for the Highway Code! Red means stop...

- Jonathan Frost, London

Show me a cyclist that obeys the rules of the road, doesn't jump red lights, doesn't wear an iPod, doesn't ride on the pavement and shows respect for other road users and I might listen to his or her opinion.

- Oli, London

As a bus driver, I find cyclists to be an irritating obstruction in bus lanes. While you are trying to keep moving you catch a cyclist, it takes ages to get past them. You then stop to pick up passengers and rather than wait a few seconds they squeeze past and delay the bus again. I find motorcyclists cause no problems at all and enable the bus to keep to it's timetable.
I say keep the cyclists out of the bus lanes.

- Phil (Bus Driver), Luton

The only way motorcyclists are acceptable in bus lanes is with an enforced (camera) 20 m.p.h. speed limit. This will put an end to 40-50 mph excursions experienced at present and ensure that every motorcycle is both taxed and insured, this should be self financing and reduce the very large carbon footprint with motorcycles.

- Adrian Weiss, London

The outcry from cyclists seems to be more about territorialism than real danger. Motorcycles have been allowed in the A23 bus lane for years now with no problems and it's high time this "experiment" was rolled out across London.

- Mickgj, London

Don't worry about the motorbikes, it's the taxis that should be banned.

- Jon, London

Motor cyclists have done a minimum of 8 days training, and are much more aware of road dangers and other users than cyclists. Having both Motorbikes and Bicycles in the lane together will give added protection to the cyclists as headlights are on permanently and cars can hear them, so are more aware not to cut across the lane.

- Shane, London

There are an awful lot more motorcyclist deaths and serious injuries on the road than cyclists so why are they given priority on everything? I have been trained, licensed, pay tax and have 3rd party insurance yet daily I have to risk my life because empty bus lanes are out of bounds to me.

Yes, some motorcycle riders are a menace - to me as well as other road users but bearing in mind that 99.9% of cyclists break the highway code every day I don't think they have any right to complain - especially when I'm constantly avoiding cars/vans/buses that swerve to avoid cyclists that refuse to look over their shoulder and indicate before moving out.

I really cant believe how selfish and hypocritical these people are...

- Jason, London

I find it very hard to take any cyclists view about road safety when they quite clearly have no regard for anyone on the road, I commute to west end on a motorcycle and on a daily basis can account for numerous idiot cyclists jumping lights, riding on pavements etc ...the list goes on.

- James, Brentwood

Cyclists are not helping themselves with this campaign, by arguing against a study that showed motorcycles in bus lanes was safer for all road users INCLUDING cyclists.

I've been nearly run over many times by idiots on cycles but never once had a problem with motorcycles.

- Andy, London

Let's ban cyclists from cycle lanes...they rarely seem to have any road sense, have no regard for other road users or pedestrians and often appear to have suicidal tendencies.

- Nick, London

I have cycled to work from Wandsworth Bridge to White City for over 40 years. On my journey there are only two cycle lanes and one bus lane. On entering a cycle lane you get to feel a lot safer from traffic from behind. As to a bus lane for motorbikes to use I feel a speed limit should be enforced as it can upset your equilibrium on a bike if they shoot past with speed.

- Robert Hill, London England

The claim that on the trial routes the "number of motorcycle collisions fell by 42%" is wrong. Not even the report rejected by Transport for London made such a claim. That leaked report calculated a changed 'rate' of collisions by using traffic data estimated on only one day in a year, those estimates varied wildly by over 100% year by year. Any conclusions drawn from such dodgy data are dangerous nonsense.

- Charlie Lloyd, London

Can anyone help expand on the 'flawed methodology, results not statistically significant' comments from the LCC? All I can see is a 42% reduction in accidents, which would seem to be a good thing. LCC - give us some detail... or keep quiet.

- Ross, Reigate, UK

I can't remember the last time I saw a motorbike that DIDN'T have L plates and a delivery box on the back... they are the real idiots of London streets. Perhaps ANYTHING that intends to use the road should have passed a test (including car driving tourists, cyclists and moped monsters.)

- Bob Jones, London

Why not, at least motorcyclists are subject to road tax and so contribute to the public resources they use, as opposed to pedal cyclists!

- Jan Bors, London Uk

In general I am in favour but wonder whether their speeds should be limited to 20mph. I think this would make it safer for all, with minimal downside to progress.

- Jig, Redhill, UK

What right do cyclists think they have to dictate who can use the roads? They are completely unregulated, they are not required to take any sort of test, they do not carry any sort of insurance, pay no road tax and on the whole wear no protective clothing. They pull out without looking, ignore traffic signs and do not stop at pedestrian crossings.

No other road user can claim compensation from a cyclist because they won't be insured. Regulate cyclists and then let them have their say.

- Cliff, London

That's a joke Motorcyclists weaving in and out of traffic every day on my bus journey to work I see cyclists driving straight through red lights weaving in and out of Buses etc it is a miracle that more are not killed or maimed. I would say a good 90% of cyclists need to be taught how to ride their bike properly and have lessons on how to stay safe on the roads and of course that's when they are not racing along the pavements but that's another matter !

- Linda Cliff, London

Why not just scrap the bus lanes? They are under-used and just slow down the vast majority of road users. For real pollution, you can't beat buses that belch out particulates and cancer-causing substances.

- Brian, London

Why should Londoners listen to the cyclist lobby.
They contribute nothing to the road network, not a penny in fuel taxes, no road tax, no parking fees and no insurance and to top it all most are oblivious to the laws of the road that car drivers and bikes have to adhere too. Enforcing them too have lights on their bikes front and back would be a welcome start before they can preach their views on London's roads with the rest of us that use them.

- Mr S.Port, London

Buses get stuck behind cycles, not motorbikes. Cyclists would get more respect if they obeyed the laws of the highway, which the vast majority do not. They are ignorant, arrogant, and dangerous.

- Philip, London, England

Motorcyclists are a bit like Millwall FC, everyone hates us but we don't care. The cycle lobby don't want us to share the bus lanes because we may frighten their members, this, despite statistics that show cyclists will be safer if we join them, how blinkered and callous is that!! Some of the views expressed are ridiculous and are simply anti-motorcycle, and not safety related at all. After tourists, cyclists are the most dangerous hazard on the roads. Many of them should, for their own safety, get back in their cars or at least get some training. Of course there are people on every form of transport who really shouldn't be allowed, but none have this holier than thou attitude of cyclists, even though cyclists are the only ones who have had no training or education. Here's a simple tip for you, try looking behind you before you change lane, simply sticking your arm out and hoping for the best is not a good idea. Statistics are always bandied about about cycle deaths, the implication being that it was someone else's fault, well, it would be interesting to know how many of you lemmings brought it on yourselves through stupidity and ignorance.
I hear it might rain tomorrow, that should mean a 50% reduction in cyclists on the roads, and for all you brave enough to cycle in the rain I'll try to be really quiet when I'm passing.

- Steve, London

Asking the Turkeys whether they want to abolish Christmas?

- Me Myself, London

Let's get this right are these the same cyclists who only last week were putting pressure on Councils to allow them to cycle fearlessly the wrong way down one-way streets. Does anybody really believe these red light hopping bunch of hypocrites.
Come on Boris open up the Bus Lanes to motorcyclists as well - at least we are licensed, have passed a driving test, obey the highway code and insured.

- Ron Thorogood, London

Keep cyclists off the pavements.

- Bj, London

Its somewhat disingenuous of cyclists to argue that allowing motorcyclists using bus lanes will cause a danger to pedestrians. The most dangerous thing on our roads today are cyclists. They have no regard for pedestrians, they jump pedestrian crossings, use pavements and are a total menace.

- Josh, london

I think we should try it for say a year or two. The trials strongly suggest it's not a problem. Trust the raw unpolitically 'kenjusted' numbers guys.

As a pedestrian (and sometimes biker) I fully understand the horror of a fast moving wheeled vehicle hurtling seemingly recklessly towards you. But enough about cyclists and pavement usage. Boris is right here. Please show some backbone Boris and encourage the cyclo-mafia to just grin and bear it.

- Ethan, UK, nr Dole Farm

Cyclists have a nerve, bleating about their safety. They have precious little regard for the safety or convenience of others when they jump red lights, ride on pavements and at junctions pass cars that are indicating left on the inside. There are honourable exceptions of course, but most of them are selfish and criminally irresponsible.

- The Gene Genie, Croydon

I ride a VESPA which is still limited to 30 miles per hour for safety. I don't agree that motorcycles are so dangerous and cannot be heard, they are loud and often that fact alone saves the lives of those pedestrians that like to run through the traffic lanes. In my opinion cyclists are most in danger because they are so quiet and as a consequence come from nowhere a lack of cycle lanes mean they have no choice but to dart in and out of the traffic most of the time and a small proportion of cyclists also ignore the rules of the road going through red lights and so on. At the moment motorcyclists have to drive between the traffic or overtake standing traffic in the face of oncoming traffic if they want to get anywhere which clearly puts them in danger. The bus lanes are mostly empty and wide enough to accommodate both cyclists and motorbikes driving at a reasonable speed. If the study states it saves lives then why object? Motorcyclists are at as great a risk of accidents as cyclists and should be offered safer driving lanes where possible. Perhaps a speed limit could be imposed say 20mph to ensure careful driving. I do respect cyclist and would be one if I thought for one moment the roads were safe to drive on. More designated cycle lanes are needed, with motorcyclists allowed to use bus lanes, then we would all be safer. Surely that should be the focus of the cycling campaign? We should work together for greater ease of travel whatever method you choose.

- Jammyaileen, London

Are they not already allowed in cycle and bus lanes? I only ask as I nearly collide with them on a regular basis when I'm cycling in them.

- Gt Zaskar, Wandsworth

I really agree that bus lanes should not be opened for motorcyclists. I am cycling on Kingsland (High) Road every morning to the office and it is sometimes very scary how motorcyclist use this road as a kind of race course. Not just 30mpH but 60mph and more. If the only safe place for cyclists, the bus lane, will be opened for motorcyclists, I am sure that we will be seeing some very scary accidents on this lane in the future.

- Mike, London

I have very recently started riding my motorbike to London from Kent. I think that allowing motorbikes in Bus lanes is a great idea, quite often I find on my motorbike certain sections of motorists do not want motorbikes on the road. As for the cyclists they will be able to hear me coming therefore their will be no surprises. What astonishes me most though is the lack of adherence to traffic lights that some cyclists show. If I a vehicle goes through a red light that's 3 points and a fine. Some cyclists on the other hand appear to think it is their human right to ignore red lights. Perhaps all forms of transport need to look at the manner in which we ride/drive as well as extending the use of bus lanes, this would all add up to a safer journey for all.

- London Commuter, London


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