MCN: Boris Johnson tells transport bosses to open bus lanes for motorcyclists!

[BaZa ®]

Boris Johnson has promised to open bus lanes to motorcycles

By Steve Farrell
Politics & the law
22 May 2008 17:43

Boris Johnson has told London’s transport bosses to open bus lanes to motorcycles.
The new London Mayor also condemned his predecessor Ken Livingstone for changing safety findings to block the move.
Answering questions from the London Assembly yesterday, Johnson said: “I have talked to Transport for London about this.
"It would be an exaggeration to say that they are enthusiastic but they are of course very happy to go ahead with this idea.”
Asked whether Livingstone should be condemned for having a safety report rewritten to suit his views, Johnson said: “Of course.
"Throughout these proceedings I’m willing to listen and willing to take on board the views of others and not to be driven solely by dogma.”

Johnson said accidents had fallen where bus lanes had been opened to bikes. He added: “I think the decision that I’ve announced to go ahead and allow motorcycles in bus lanes will be not only welcomed but will also lead to absolutely no increase in danger on the roads.”
The mayor’s office said legal measures and new road signs were necessary before the move could go ahead.
Livingstone sparked outrage in March by announcing bus lanes would not be opened to motorcycles despite a leaked report stating collisions fell 42% on trial routes.
His office published a “final” version with before-and-after casualty rates removed.
Watch the questions session here: London Assembly - webcasts

[Ming the Merciless]

A welcome move. My local council (Borough of Kingston) has allowed bikes in bus lanes for several years.

It's worth remembering that bus lanes are mainly on the most congested roads and that passing stationary or slow-moving traffic on a bike is hazardous. This applies whether riding the white line in the middle of the road or using the bus lane. It's called undertaking for a reason.

There is no such thing as a safe road - expect everyone else to be a jerk and you just might survive.

[telboy]

he,s changed his mind,he dont need our votes any more. Tosser

Sign our petition for access to bus lanes - Motorcycle News

[Mike Benis]

Thanks, Tel. Signed up.

That's a hell of job you've done on the Beetle!

Cheers

Mike