Jury out on motorcycles in bus lanes

A trial to allow motorcycles to share London’s bus lanes with taxis and cyclists is to be re-run after it resulted in an increase in the number of collisions between powered two-wheelers and cars making left turns.

Over the last eighteen months, motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters in London have been entitled to share red route bus lanes in an attempt to ease congestion.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Motorcycling can be a practical and relatively green means of transport, but bicycles are the ultimate green urban transport and care must be taken that its promotion does not jeopardise cyclists or pedestrians.”

The next trial will coincide with an advertising campaign to make motorists aware of vulnerable cyclists and motorcyclists in bus lanes.

Should motorcycles be allowed in bus lanes?

Not if it has a negative impact on the safety or number of cyclists, but relative to almost every other type of motorised transport, motorcycles can be an efficient, low-carbon way of reducing urban congestion – particularly for those unable or unwilling to cycle. If the purpose of bus lanes is to allow bus services to operate more efficiently, then there is no reason to bar motorcycles. As with other forms of motorised transport, motorcycles can be noisy and driven dangerously fast. However, it seems unlikely that banning them from bus lanes is the most effective solution to these problems.

Do I need cycle insurance?

The short answer is yes. Bikes are vulnerable to theft and in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else. Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old replacement, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, they will even come out and recover you and your bike.