Campaign for motorcycles to have default bus lane access

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

www.mag-uk.org

Government consultation denies UK-wide bus lane access for bikers despite overwhelming support

The UK’s Labour Government have rejected a motion to allow bikers to use all bus lanes by default, releasing a statement claiming they have: “no policy to encourage greater use of motorcycles.”

The online consultation document ran from March 17 to July 16, 2024, and sought peoples’ views on allowing bikers to use bus lanes by default across the UK. At present, it is at the discretion of each local authority as to whether or not bikers can use the lanes.

“The safety benefits of allowing motorcycles into bus lanes are not clear at this time,” the consultation conclusion read. “Where data is available, the evidence varies. The response rate to this consultation, from local authorities and stakeholder organisations, was low and did not provide a robust evidence base on which to amend the current policy.”

www.motorcyclenews.com

Government refuse to look into potential safety benefits of default bus lane access for bikers

After previously rejecting calls to allow motorcyclists into bus lanes by default, the Government will not pursue research to determine whether the idea could hold potential safety benefits.

Minister of State at the Department for Transport (DfT), Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill said: “The Department has no plans at present to carry out research into the safety impacts of allowing greater access to bus lanes.”

The announcement follows comments made by Fabian Hamilton, Labour MP for Leeds North East, who recently told MCN: “Labour is not interested in motorcycles” – casting doubt on the likelihood of future parliamentary backing for the two-wheeled sector, raising concerns about continued support for riders and industry advocates alike.

In reply to the Government’s online consultation on default bus lane access for bikers, which ran from March 17 to July 16, 2024, respondents were overwhelmingly supportive of a change – with over 98% in favour of the proposal.

Despite this, the move was rejected, with ministers concluding: “At present, the government has no policy to encourage greater use of motorcycles.

“The safety benefits of allowing motorcycles into bus lanes are not clear at this time,” they continued.

www.motorcyclenews.com

Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) pledges to overturn UK Government’s petition "snub"

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is determined to overturn the Government’s snub of the bus lane petition.  Colin Brown describes the petition response as predictably blinkered.  Consequently, campaigning will continue to exceed 100,000 signatures in order to trigger a Parliamentary debate.

On 30th June, the Government published a response to the ‘Bikes in Bus Lanes’ petition.  MAG views the response as a snub which fails to address the substance of the petition.  Campaigners are seeking a change to current policy but the response merely repeats the existing Government position that the issue is “entirely a matter for each traffic authority to decide.”

The Government has failed to address the central issue of the petition.  That position is that there should be a default national policy to permit motorcycles in bus lanes.  The goal is to remove the patchwork of regulation put in place by local councils.

www.mag-uk.org

Petition to allow motorcycles to use ALL bus lanes.

Bikes take up less space than most other road users and therefore aren't seen as readily and are at greater risk of personal injury.

We are legally allowed to filter past the queuing traffic and get to the front, this way would help make it even safer without affecting the buses and taxis.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/139983

Southsea Remembrance Service 2022 - one of the largest "ride-in" remembrance services on the south coast

 

10.40- 11.40 Sunday 13th November 2022 

Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, P05 3NT. 

Southsea Remembrance Service is an annual event that allows the motorcycle community and wider public to gather together to join the nation in observing 2 minutes silence on Remembrance Sunday and raise funds for the Poppy Appeal. Everyone is welcome, whether on a motorcycle or not: organisations are encouraged to participate and lay a wreath as part of the service. 

As per the 2019 Portsmouth ride of remembrance we will be leaving from Lakeside North Harbour. We will be departing at 10:00 sharp to make sure everyone arrives at the service on time. We are aiming to arrive at Southsea approximately 10:30.

This is a 50cc friendly ride and all forms of rides are welcome.

Please abide by the road markings at Lakeside. Also please do not use the bus lanes on the route as you will receive a penalty notice.

This years route is the same as the 2019 ride:- Lakeside North Harbour - Western road A27 - A3 - A3 Northern Parade - A3 Stamshaw road - A3 Mile End road - Church street - A2030 Holbrook road - B2151 Victoria road north - B2151 Victoria road south - B2151 Clarendon road - A288 South Parade then on to the service. 

www.facebook.com