Cycle Super Highway - motorbikes

Sewinman

I was asked by a motorbike-ist whether he was allowed to use the blue path this morning. What is the right answer!?

asprilla

Legally if they are separated from the other lanes by a broken line then he can use them and if it's a solid line then he can't.

However, in all situations, the correct answer is no.

dhope

If there are cyclists in it then steer clear please mate, if you're not inconveniencing anyone then fill your boots.
Can't we all just get along?

Headhuunter

As far as I understand it, if a cycle lane is bordered by a dashed white line it is only advisory and in theory motorbikes are allowed in (and cars for that matter). If it's a solid line then they are not. Same goes for cycle superhighways which are essentially simply blue cycle lanes when you boil it down. There's no specific legal definition of a CS. Equally some CSs are in bus lanes which motorbikes (and buses) are generally allowed to use....

Sewinman

Ok, thanks all for clearing that up.

asprilla

Headhuunter wrote:

Equally some CSs are in bus lanes which motorbikes (and buses) are generally allowed to use....

Only if specifically signposted to allow access. The default is that motorcycles can't use bus lanes.

keyser__soze

Asprilla wrote:

Legally if they are separated from the other lanes by a broken line then he can use them and if it's a solid line then he can't.

However, in all situations, the correct answer is no.

While it's not a legal offense they certainly shouldn't be using them unless unavoidable. Motorists/motorcycles should not cross or straddle the lane unless it is safe to do so and not enter unless it is clear of cyclists.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2002/023113aq.gif

Headhuunter

Asprilla wrote:

Headhuunter wrote:

Equally some CSs are in bus lanes which motorbikes (and buses) are generally allowed to use....

Only if specifically signposted to allow access. The default is that motorcycles can't use bus lanes.

Really? I thoughthat by default they were allowed in unless signposted to say they weren't...

gaz545

Headhuunter wrote:

Asprilla wrote:

Headhuunter wrote:

Equally some CSs are in bus lanes which motorbikes (and buses) are generally allowed to use....

Only if specifically signposted to allow access. The default is that motorcycles can't use bus lanes.

Really? I thoughthat by default they were allowed in unless signposted to say they weren't...

Other way round, by default they are not allowed to use them unless signposted to say they can. In most cases they can in central London but as you get further out it is more and mroe likely they can't.

asprilla

Headhuunter wrote:

Asprilla wrote:

Headhuunter wrote:

Equally some CSs are in bus lanes which motorbikes (and buses) are generally allowed to use....

Only if specifically signposted to allow access. The default is that motorcycles can't use bus lanes.

Really? I thoughthat by default they were allowed in unless signposted to say they weren't...

Usually seems that way, doesn't it?

Keyser__Soze wrote:

Asprilla wrote:

Legally if they are separated from the other lanes by a broken line then he can use them and if it's a solid line then he can't.

However, in all situations, the correct answer is no.

While it's not a legal offense they certainly shouldn't be using them unless unavoidable. Motorists/motorcycles should not cross or straddle the lane unless it is safe to do so and not enter unless it is clear of cyclists.

I wonder what the legal definition of 'clear of cyclists' is; the whole lane, the lane that is visible to the driver (both ahead and behind), the area immediately next to the vehicle, 10m ahead and 10m behind?