[rustynutz]

BY MARK HINCHLIFFE
3 OCT, 2016


London bus lanes

City traffic flows more smoothly and safety is not jeopardised when motorcycle and scooter riders are allowed to ride in bus lanes.

That’s not just our opinion, it’s the opinion of leaders in many major cities around the world. In London, riders have been allowed to use bus lanes since 2010 without any adverse affects, according to the official London Mayor website.London bus lanes

Tel Aviv is now opening its bus lanes to motorcycles after a six-month trial showed that motorcycles, buses and taxis can coexist in the same lane. Israel plans to roll it out throughout the country.

In Australia, the only place you can legally ride in bus lanes is NSW and the ACT. In most states, only bicycles, taxis, limousines and emergency vehicles can use these lanes.

Victoria ran a six-month trial in Hoddle St in 2011 allowing riders to use the bus lane. The report is now more than five years overdue and riders are still not allowed in bus lanes! However, there is some hope the new government will rule on the issue soon.

Western Australia also ran a trial for motorbikes and taxis in two Perth bus lanes from March 2015 to March 2016. However, there has been a stony silence on the outcome, only the introduction of more bus-only lanes.

If there are concerns about safety, why are cyclists allowed to use these lanes in most states? Surely they are far more vulnerable because of the speed differential with motorised transport and their smaller profile on the road.


Bus lanes a safe alternative

The Tel Aviv report on their trial found there was no harm in allowing motorcycle and moped riders to share the lanes with buses.

“Under all circumstances examined, including at corners and next to bus stops, the new arrangements did not substantially change or aggravate the ‘conflict’ between two-wheeled vehicles and other vehicles. All potential conflicts were resolved without incident.”

While lane filtering is now allowed in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, under trial in the ACT and being considered by the other states, the option of using a bus lane would be a most welcome option.

It would give riders an alternative to the sometimes dangerously small gaps between lanes of traffic.

Allowing motorcycles and scooters to use bus lanes is not just another free kick for riders. Like lane filtering, it would free up the rest of the road for other traffic, so it should be supported by all motorists.

[bumpkin]

Motorcycles are also allowed to use (some) bus lanes in Aberdeen, so I guess without looking into it that means it is now UK wide.

Personally I think bus lanes are awkward for all motorists, not least because they don't hold the buses in them, they dot in and out to overtake each other and cause more mayhem than ever (that is if you ever see a bus in them!), I would have them kerbed so that the buses have to stay in them and not disrupt the rest of us.

[eye30]

Here on merseyside bus lanes used by buses, taxis, cyclists and motorcycles.

I have seen empty taxis in them but have wondered whether this is correct?

Buses here do not overtake others in the lane as bus stops are "laybyed" so can pass a stopped bus without changing lanes.

Also buses travel in convoy in the lane

[The Gonz]

Here in Indonesia, being allowed is irrelevant!

[asathorny]

I can see one in the bottom left Gonz who is not wearing a skid lid, we need to find this lawbreaker and punish him/her with a vengeance 

[Surferdude]

I can see one in the bottom left Gonz who is not wearing a skid lid, we need to find this lawbreaker and punish him/her with a vengeance 

They're probably pedestrians trying to cross the road. 

[Dazzler]

at Gonz and Trevor. ...

[Lakes]

That is a beauty Gonz!! the place is alive!!

in NSW that has been the law for a long time, but mostly only see MC or bicycles using them in peak hours. as at different times of day traffic can be very slow & the only lane moving is the bus lane. but they work to improve traffic flow all the time.
But i've never seen it like Gonz's pic!!!

[Dazzler]

Think my late Brother was in a bus lane when he got skittled by a turning vehicle that didn't see him.

[eye30]

Here on merseyside bus lanes used by buses, taxis, cyclists and motorcycles.

I have seen empty taxis in them but have wondered whether this is correct?

Buses here do not overtake others in the lane as bus stops are "laybyed" so can pass a stopped bus without changing lanes.

Also buses travel in convoy in the lane

I have to amend my post and say motor bikes CAN NOT use bus lanes on merseyside.

Out today and went along a road with a bus lane.

The sign just has Bus, Taxi and pedal cycle symbol with times the lane is in operation - Mon to sat 7am to 7pm.

sorry for misleading