VULNERABLE cyclists will have to watch their backs as motorbikes are now allowed to use most of London’s bus lanes.
From yesterday, motorcyclists were given free reign to ride in Transport for London bus lanes for an 18-month trial period.
TfL said the scheme aimed to cut accidents and traffic pile ups.
Pedal cyclists, who already use the lanes, have been against the scheme claiming it would not improve safety or reduce congestion.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said: “I have long been staggered that while motorcyclists can use bus lanes in many other cities and some of our boroughs they were not allowed to use the TfL routes that criss-cross the capital.
“One of the ways we can ease congestion is by encouraging more people to get on their bike, and I believe they should be able to share our bus lanes safely.”
In June last year the London Cycling Campaign presented the Mayor with a 3,000-strong petition against the plan.
In a letter to the Mayor, LCC’s chief executive Koy Thomson said: “While we would support measures to make motorcycling safer, there is no clear environmental, safety or congestion reason for allowing motorcycles into bus lanes.”
See more at the Evening Standard.
What do YOU think?
Tags: Transport for London
January 6th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
To be honest, I didn’t notice any difference on the A3 this morning. The motorcyclists were using the bus lanes as often as they always did!