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Let bikers in bus lanes
• THE Motorcycle Action Group is disappointed by the blinkered and prejudicial attitude adopted by Islington Council with respect to motorcycles being allowed to share bus lanes with buses and bicycles.
A study produced by Transport for London in 2007, but suppressed by the then Mayor, concluded that allowing motorcycles would have a net safety benefit for all vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
The final report that was released relied on highly suspect analysis and was produced to satisfy the political desires of the cycle lobby, rather than address road safety concerns.
The council motion was proposed by Councillor Andrew Cornwell, who used to represent Islington Cycle Action Group and cannot be said to approach the issue of motorcycle safety with an open mind.
The position adopted by the council goes against a growing consensus, at regional, national and international levels, derived from proven research, that motorcyclists are safer when they are allowed to use bus lanes, and that pedestrians and cyclists are too.
This is borne out by the fact that motorcyclists will be allowed to use all Transport for London bus lanes from January 5. Motorcycles can currently use some bus lanes in Westminster, Richmond and Kingston, and will soon be allowed in two lanes in Hammersmith and Fulham.
The fact is that the council has now tied itself to a position that could ultimately result in not being able to implement a scheme with a positive road safety benefit because of political prejudice.
If the studies showed that motorcyclists were cycle-seeking homicidal maniacs, then I would be the first to argue that motorcycles should not be allowed to share bus lanes with other vulnerable road users. However, the fact remains that no scheme to allow motorcycles to use bus lanes has ever been rescinded on road safety grounds.
GERARD LIVETT
Greater London regional representative, Motorcycle Action Group
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