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(TfL Press release) Motorcycles to be allowed permanent access to bus lanes on TfL Road Network

Analysis from two 18 month trials has shown that allowing motorcyclists to use bus lanes is popular, with an estimated 50,000 journeys a day now being made by motorcyclists in the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) bus lanes.  This has helped contribute to achieving key Mayoral priorities to smooth traffic, cut CO₂ across London and to improve journey time reliability for motorcyclists on the network.

 

The second London-wide trial, scheduled to end on January 23, 2012, builds on an initial trial that took place between January 2009 and June 2010. The first trial produced a large level of detail about the behaviour of motorcyclists in bus lanes. This information was used to shape the second trial, which included increased enforcement against motorcyclists speeding and a road safety marketing campaign designed to address issues identified in the first trial.

 

An independent review of the second trial analysed a wide range of data to help understand the impact of the measures introduced following the first trial and collision rates (calculated by comparing the volume of journeys against the number of collisions). The review also analysed the longer-term impact by assessing changes in collision rates between the second trial and the period before motorcyclists were allowed into bus lanes. 

 

The key findings of the review include the fact that:

• Collision rates in bus lanes in the second trial decreased by 5.8% for motorcyclists and by 8.5% for cyclists when compared with the first trial.

• There was no significant change in the collision rates for pedestrians in bus lanes between the two trials. 

• When comparing the second trial with the period before motorcyclists were permitted access to bus lanes, there was a significant (11.6%) decline in overall cycling collision rates in bus lanes and no significant change in collision rates in bus lanes affecting motorcyclists or pedestrians.

 

As part of the second trial, TfL increased enforcement of bus lanes on the TLRN through daily patrols by the Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Tasking Team. Between August 2010 and December 2011, the team spent almost 1400 hours carrying out additional enforcement specifically at locations with a high collision history involving motorcycles. In line with this increased enforcement, the average speed for motorcyclists in bus lanes reduced by 6.5% during the trial, with the proportion of motorcyclists exceeding the speed limit decreasing by one fifth (51% in September 2010 down to 41% in September 2011). Enforcement and road safety educational activity aimed at encouraging responsible and safe motorcycling in bus lanes will continue in future.

 

Ben Plowden, TfL’s Director of Better Routes and Places, said: “The results of our latest trial show that the Mayor’s policy of providing access to bus lanes along some of the busiest roads in London has delivered strong benefits for motorcyclists and in terms of improving the efficiency of the road network.  The two trials have shown reduced journey times and environmental benefits with no significant safety issues thrown up for motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users. 

 

“The additional enforcement measures we introduced have also helped reduce average speeds for riders in bus lanes, delivering benefits for all road users in London.  This is an important measure which has proved popular with motorcyclists across the Capital.”

 

Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) said: “Industry strongly welcomes TfL’s decision. Allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes sends a clear message to road users that motorcycling helps to reduce commuter journey times, traffic congestion and CO₂.

 

“Like cyclists, motorcycle users face vulnerabilities which bus lane use helps to mitigate and we support TfL’s recognition of motorcycling as part of the Mayor’s strategy to smooth traffic flow and reduce CO₂.”

 

For further details about the TfL trial into motorcycles in bus lanes, please visit www.tfl.gov.uk/motorcyclesinbuslanes