Motorcycles in bus lanes - response from Mayor's office...

vertigoscene

Hello All

I sent an email to the mayor's office a few weeks ago saying that I thought they should reconsider their stated policy towards the use of motorcycles in bus lanes. See their response below...

Thank you for your e-mail received on 23 May 2008, with reference to the pending introduction of motorcycles in bus lanes.

The newly elected Mayor wishes to further encourage modal shift away from the private car and believes that motorcycles have an important role to play in this. As you are aware, he has therefore instructed us to take steps to facilitate the use of bus lanes by motorcycles. I regret that you are not relishing this policy change proposed under the current Mayor. Please be aware that the major reason behind this proposal is to reduce congestion within the capital and we predict this will have a positive effect.

At present, I am unable to provide any timescales as to when this will occur. Obviously, however, we will be constantly monitoring and reviewing the introduction of motorcycles in bus lanes once it is introduced to ensure that this continues to represent a positive step for London's congestion problem.


Please be assured that every attempt will be made to encourage a good relationship between cyclists and motorcyclists while making their journeys on London roads. Your comments are appreciated and have been recorded for further reviews of this issue which may take place in the future.

Thank you once again for your interest in this matter and please feel free to contact us again with further feedback you may have in the future.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt
Senior Customer Service Advisor
Surface Transport Communications
Transport for London

Looks like they are pretty determined to do it, if we are to have any chance of preventing it, we need to step up our lobbying, i.e. contact local MPs, councillors, mayors office etc...

attica

What was the content of your original e-mail?

Sea_Green_Incorruptible

Looks like they are pretty determined to do it, if we are to have any chance of preventing it, we need to step up our lobbying, i.e. contact local MPs, councillors, mayors office etc...

...or perhaps not given the discussion and opinions here:
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... e3a19be143

...most of it from those who actually share bus lanes with motorcycles on a daily basis:

vertigoscene

The content of my original email is below:

I'd like to express my deep concern about your stated policy to allow motorcycles in bus lanes.

As a regular cycle commuter, I have to say that I am really worried about the effect this will have on cycle journeys in London. Currently as they stand, bus lanes are "safe havens" for cyclists and although we know that buses and taxis can use them, we know they can't undertake us, and given their rate of acceleration, it is relatively easy for a cyclist to look out for them as they come through. This is emphatically not the case with motorcycles, which accelarate at a rate which maked it very difficult for a cyclist to make any manoevre in preparation, and they can potentially come from either side, which makes it doubly difficult.

I know that I personally am very nervous about this change, and it can only discourage people who are considering cycling in using our roads. I only hope you change your mind on this before a cyclist ends up in hospital or worse as a direct result of your proposed change.

attica

Sorry Vertigoscene, I'm with SeaGreen on this one.
I've tried it and don't have a problem with it.