Motorbikes in bus lane plan to go ahead
Date: 23/05/2008 15:05:00
A motorcyclists' group looks to have succeeded in persuading London's new mayor to deliver on a promise to allow bikes into bus lanes.
Boris Johnson has told transport planners to formally investigate permitting powered two wheelers to use the lanes in an effort to ease congestion.
The move follows calls from the British Motorcyclists' Federation for the idea to go ahead after it was mooted during Mr Johnson's recent election campaign.
Quoted by Bloomberg, Mr Johnson said: "It will not only be welcomed by motorcyclists, it will lead to a reduction in road fatalities."
If it does fully go ahead, accidents involving motorcycles in the capital could be reduced, cutting the number of injuries and
motorbike insurance claims.
Mr Johnson told the legislative assembly that tests in other locations such as Bristol have shown the plan is effective and does not make roads more hazardous.
The idea is not without its opponents, with the London Cycling Campaign among groups saying it could have safety implications.