Actually more of a cycle lane that a bus lane, artistic icence!
In previous articles we have reported on the government’s consultation on whether to allow motorcycles universal access to bus lanes throughout the UK, and back then we had hope. Currently motorcycles can use some bus lanes, but it is up to individual councils as to whether they sanction it in their particular area. This can lead to confusion as it is not always obvious to motorcyclists where they are, and where they are not allowed to access the bus lanes. This means that they can find themselves falling foul of traffic regulations and using bus lanes when they actually aren’t allowed to. In an attempt to remedy this situation the DfT started a consultation to see what people thought about this issue:
“This consultation seeks views on allowing motorcycles to access bus lanes by default, as is the case for pedal cycles.”
There were 14,327 results from the consultation in total, and of those, 14,000 came from individuals. The results found overwhelming support for the opening of all bus lanes to motorcyclists across the whole of the UK, as they are for bicycles. A total of 13,687 respondents strongly agreed to allowing UK wide bus lane use for motorcycles. However, having bothered with the consultation, did the powers that be listen and decide to change anything? Well no, they didn’t, they have decided, in their infinite wisdom, to leave things as they are and make it still at the discretion of the local authority in the case of each individual bus lane in the country. A statement from the consultation says:
“ The safety benefits of allowing motorcycles into bus lanes are not clear at this time. Where data is available, the evidence varies. The response rate to this consultation, from local authorities and stake holder organisations, was low and did not provide a robust evidence base on which to amend the current policy.”
Or is the real reason money? The statement also said:
“The cost to local authorities in new traffic signs and traffic regulation orders of mandating such a change for existing bus lanes would be considerable.”
“At present, the government has no policy to encourage greater use of motorcycles. The existing position, that local authorities can allow motorcycles into bus lanes at their discretion, aligns with wider government policy on bus service improvements encouraging walking and cycling and devolving powers to local authorities.”
However the Executive Director of the National Motorcyclists Council, Craig Carey-Clinch has taken issue with the Government over this, saying:
“It is extremely concerning that the Government has ruled out a measure that could contribute notably to motorcycle safety.”
Allowing motorcycles to use the bus lanes, could, as well as improving safety for motorcyclists, also reduce congestion significantly and keep traffic flowing far more efficiently. After this decision which was published on November 21st, much of the motorcycle industry said that they were concerned about this decision. Tony Campbell of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) said
“It flies in the face of clear evidence and overwhelming public support. It contradicts years of work promoting PLVs (powered Light vehicles) as a sustainable transport solution.”
“By rejecting default bus lane access, the Government has hindered the transition to lighter vehicles, sending a confusing and discouraging message to prospective users. The policy is not just a blow to riders but to Britain’s broader ambition to modernise its transport network and achieve net-zero goals.” “The decision risks stalling momentum for PLVs, a sector poised to drive innovation, reduce carbon emissions, and support economic growth. Industry leaders fear it will discourage a new generation of users and weakens Britain’s commitment to sustainable transport.”
“Continuing the current approach to motorcycle safety, with a lack of support for strategic motorcycling policies, will do nothing to reverse the decline in casualty reduction rates that has been the picture since 2013. The NMC calls on ministers to think again and to fully engage the motorcycle sector as it develops its Road Safety Strategy.”
So, all in all, it is rather a disappointing picture for motorcyclists. What could have been an encouraging and hopeful new policy, has fizzled out, despite a lot in its favour.
What do you think about this idea and the results of the consultation? Are you in favour of motorcycles in the bus lanes or not? Let us know your thoughts at [email protected] or on Facebook.
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