Cyclists shoved aside at last as Boris backs bikers' bus lane right of way

PICTURE inter-bike.co.uk

After months of complaining selfish cyclists in London have been sent packing by Mayor Boris Johnson. So three cheers for him.

Militant cyclists were up in arms as soon as restrictions were lifted on motorcylists using bus lanes and came up with a series of spurious nonsense to oppose the move.

But there remains a little cloud over Boris's blond head after he was accused of upsetting bikers during a parking protest.




He is alleged, according to a BBC on-line report, to have approached members of the group No to the Bike Parking Tax who were protesting in Trafalgar Square earlier this month.

According to the BBC story 'Mr Johnson was caught on film asking a protester: "Do you want to stay in the bus lanes or what? Then stop this protest."
The group said his behaviour was "disgraceful, bordering on blackmail".'
But the fact bikers can stay in bus lanes should be viewed as a victory and Boris's backing might just shut the cyclists up at last.

The MCIA has issued this press release to day and I print it here in full in the hope that British bikers will continue to support moves to open bus lanes across Britain to us.

Mayor Boris Johnson has today announced he will continue to allow motorcycles to use bus lanes, operated by Transport for London (TfL), for the time being. Johnson observed: 'The chaos that was predicted by some doomsayers has clearly not materialized and, as I suspected would be the case, we have found substantial support for the measure.'

An 18-month experiment was carried out to see if a permanent arrangement would improve road safety and the various studies revealed:

• More than half (51 per cent) of motorcyclists switched from riding on the outside of the road to the bus lanes

• Fears of an increase in cyclist collisions with motorcyclists were unfounded

• Journeys made by motorcycles using bus lanes were, on average more than 10 per cent quicker than those not using bus lanes and 36 per cent quicker than cars

Rides are Voters (RAV) welcomed the news but warned that riders, TfL and other road users must all play their part in making bus lanes safe for riders everyone

The Mayor has done the right thing after taking this opportunity to look at the real causes of collisions. Once again it has been shown that allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes has created no greater risk for riders and other vulnerable road users.

'However, the findings seem to show that both motorcycle users and pedal-cyclists may be bearing the brunt of falling driving standards,' said MAG General Secretary, Nich Brown

RAV supports TfL advice that drivers need to be sure they are not putting anyone at risk, especially when turning across bus-lanes at junctions. However, the group warned that simply relying on an appeal for better driving and enforcement of motorcycle speeding offences will not address the fundamental problem of poor junction design where collisions have increased.

Riders are Voters are calling on TfL to investigate low-cost improvements and new junction designs. Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motor Cycle Industry commented “ This news of continued access to bus lanes is a positive step in the right direction. Bus Lane access has worked well across the country and if TfL are willing to look at improving junction design on some of the busiest roads in the UK, then riders and other road users outside of the Capital will also benefit..”

Chris Hodder of the British Motorcyclists Federation (bmf) said. "Continued access to bus lanes for riders in London is fantastic news. The comprehensive refutation of many of the claims of those opposed shows that arguments against allowing motorcycles into bus lanes are rapidly evaporating under close scrutiny. Obviously there is still a problem with driver awareness, but we are pleased to see that the Mayor has decided to? address this with better advertising as a first step."

RAV has also called on the DfT to support the extension of motorcycle access to bus lanes everywhere. Nich Brown said: “The efforts made by TfL to get things right should be supported by all local councils who operate bus lanes. In particular, those London boroughs who currently deny access for motorcycles should consider the adverse effect they are having on road safety by creating confusion and lack of consistency. Road safety will be maximised once all road users know to expect to see bikes legitimately using all bus lanes”

Background:

'Riders Are Voters 2010 is supported by the main organisations representing UK riders, sport and industry ( MCI, bmf, MAG and ACU). These motorcycle organisations are calling on the next Parliament to ensure that future transport, business and social policy realises the full potential of biking by:

• Providing a fair deal for motorcycle riders, industry and sport
• Making motorcycles an integral part of the future transport mix
• Refocussing road safety action on tackling the real causes of accidents

The campaign is encouraging riders to recognise their voice is important in politics and to join in through events, resources and campaign help.