The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is today launching a new campaign for default bus lane access. New research shows that motorcycles can currently use 48% of all ‘with-flow’ bus lanes in the UK. MAG say it is time for local authorities to stop debating and start delivering.
MAG has released a new report that for the first time collates UK-wide information on motorcycle access in bus lanes. The report shows that of the 159 local transport authorities with bus lanes, just 56 allow motorcycle access.
Report author Colin Brown said: “This research has revealed the successes of three decades of campaigning by MAG on this issue. Given the complexity and stumbling blocks placed between a coherent national policy and a totally unnecessary exclusion of motorcycles from bus lanes, we have done well to gain access to 48% of the nation’s bus lanes. We have also shown the ludicrous situation where access permissions change along certain routes or in opposite directions on the same road. We have had three decades of expensive local trials but the overwhelming result of all these is that motorcycle access to bus lanes is not a problem. It is time for a consistent default access for motorcycles, just as already exists informally for pedal cycles.”
A petition has been raised by Birmingham-based barrister Dr Mirza Ahmad asking the Government to require local authorities in England to permit motorcycles in bus lanes. MAG is asking motorcyclists – and indeed all road users – to sign the petition.
UPDATE (otherwise known as cop-out) 1st July 2022: Government responded: The Department already prescribes traffic signs that enable local authorities to allow motorcycles to use bus lanes during their hours of operation. Whether to do so is a decision for them... Anyone that would like to request motorcycle use in bus lanes in England should approach their local traffic authority. Read the response in full
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