Legal to use bus lanes?

The interesting thing in London is that actually some of the bus lanes you can use, even if the sign doesn't stipulate motorbikes. For example, in Islington they recently implemented a trial that allowed you to use some of their bus lanes, whether signed or not.

I frequently travel through Islington for work, unfortunately, if you actually read the guidance it's more complicated than it even seems from first look:-

Motorcycles In Islington bus lanes

Transport for London are currently conducting a trial to let motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and tricycles - but not those with sidecars - travel in most red route bus lanes in London.

This means that the above vehicles will be allowed to travel along all Red Route bus lanes in Islington without receiving a penalty charge.

However, non-Red Route bus lanes are not included in the trial and therefore the rules in Islington bus lanes that are not on Red Routes will remain unchanged. Non-Red Route bus lanes can be found in streets such as Essex Road, Caledonian Road, Old Street, Junction Road, St Paul's Road and Balls Pond Road.

To avoid getting a ticket please check the signs first to see if it’s okay to use any bus lane before entering it.

Taken from: http://www.islington.gov.uk/services...e_parking.aspx

Thanks peeps.

I think it may be easier and safer to just avoid them then!

I agree, I think all councils should keep the same regulations to save the confusion. Especially when one bus lane changes from one road to the next. Add on top of that the time and date restrictions as svnewbie says. Could be confusing and distracting.

Motorbikes should definitely be able to use them though. Bikes don't take up much room, and could get out of the lane quickly if needed, without really affecting other road users.

[timwilky]

no such thing as a bus lane round here. Seems a strange thing to do in the first place. reduce the road capacity and slow everyone up, just so empty buses (Who actually uses a bus, or should that be can afford to use a bus) can have a lane to themselves.

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by timwilky

no such thing as a bus lane round here. Seems a strange thing to do in the first place. reduce the road capacity and slow everyone up, just so empty buses (Who actually uses a bus, or should that be can afford to use a bus) can have a lane to themselves.

Out my way commoner!!

They work here in the city centre as there's about 200 an hour passing my office

written with a brio

As above, depends on the lane and location.

Here in reading, all the bus lanes are biker freindly.

Originally Posted by ZER0

Thanks peeps.

I think it may be easier and safer to just avoid them then!

Worth knowing where the ones on your regular routes are that you can use. Some of them are real time savers.

You mentioned safety, but the point bares repeating, people are expecting a bloody great big bus or nothing in the bus lane. Take your time and try to keep your escape routes open.