9:56am Monday 5th January 2009
London's "red route" bus lanes will be open to motorcycles from today (5 January) allowing motorcyclists to share most red route bus lanes with buses, cyclists and licensed black taxis for eighteen months.
The change, which was pledged by London Mayor Boris Johnson during his election campaign, will only apply to TfL bus lanes that operate with the flow of traffic.
According to Transport for London (TfL), the trial is aimed at making the best use of the available road space in order to smooth traffic flow safely.
Localised maps will be available on the TfL website that detail exactly which bus lanes across London are open to motorcyclists.
A code of practice for the safe use of bus lanes by motorcyclists has been put together by the motorcycle industry to mark the beginning of the trial.
Boris Johnson said: “Motorcyclists are already using bus lanes safely in many cities and parts of London so I have long thought we should give this a go on the red routes.”
However, cycling groups have been campaigning against the move, arguing that it will put them at risk.
The London Cycling Campaign has launched its Bus Lane Watch campaign, which is encouraging cyclists to report any incidents involving motorbikes and their experiences during the trial.
TfL will take formal representations about the trial during its first six months of operation.
Any unauthorised entry to a bus lane could result in a penalty charge notice of £120 from TfL or local authorities.
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