Another bloody fine

The current feedback on the trial in Swindon for bikes using the bus lanes is that the Council are supporting the continuation of us using them

However as Jelster says, for London, the positive practicalities may be outweighed by the potential loss of earnings for Red Ken

You are a cynical bunch aren't you??

It isn't actually about earnings on this one, the driving factor is casualty rates. Every region in the country is under a lot of pressure from central government to meet targets for reducing those killed/seriously injured on the roads, and bikes are a category that London is really struggling to crack, especially since there has been an increase in people riding and the targets are set on actual numbers not numbers per Km travelled.

There has been a lot of money made available for the next few years to reduce casualties, but they can't afford to allow bikes in bus lanes if it means an increase in casualties amongst other groups like cyclists and pedestrians (yes, they are also important!), so decisions have to be justified by evidence from the trials.

I'll admit that there are areas where policy is heavily influenced by politics, but generally there is a fair bit of common sense in there too. I don't see much inolvement from Ken on this one, and if anything, he'd be keen to ensure govt targets are met so would be more likely to support bikes in bus lanes if it is shown to do some good re casualty figures

BTW government people aren't all stupid and awkward - it just seems that way!

Interestingly, I noticed recently that just beyond Hyde Park Corner motorcycles are ALLOWED in the bus lane. All the way up Piccadilly to Piccadilly Circus and then down Haymarket to Trafalgar Square. I just happened to notice the picture of a motorbike on the bus lane signs one morning!

So I use 'em all the time when I go through there on my way to work.

So howcome they think it's too dangerous before you get to Hyde Park Corner, but NOT dangerous 300 yards up the road?

I have to admit though, the most dangerous part about being allowed to use the bus lane is that no-one else expects you to be in that lane so it can get a bit scarey sometimes. If ALL bus lanes were open to us then other road users would be forewarned of our possible presence. These road safety boys really should get out there in the real world and stop making all their decisions from spreadsheets!

Originally Posted by RizlaSV

You are a cynical bunch aren't you??

It isn't actually about earnings on this one, the driving factor is casualty rates. Every region in the country is under a lot of pressure from central government to meet targets for reducing those killed/seriously injured on the roads, and bikes are a category that London is really struggling to crack, especially since there has been an increase in people riding and the targets are set on actual numbers not numbers per Km travelled.

There has been a lot of money made available for the next few years to reduce casualties, but they can't afford to allow bikes in bus lanes if it means an increase in casualties amongst other groups like cyclists and pedestrians (yes, they are also important!), so decisions have to be justified by evidence from the trials.

I'll admit that there are areas where policy is heavily influenced by politics, but generally there is a fair bit of common sense in there too. I don't see much inolvement from Ken on this one, and if anything, he'd be keen to ensure govt targets are met so would be more likely to support bikes in bus lanes if it is shown to do some good re casualty figures

BTW government people aren't all stupid and awkward - it just seems that way!

Yes they are...


They should open all bus lanes to bikes and make it a WELL KNOWN and advertised fact to get the idea into cagers heads. Would be MUCH safer in my opinion. :P

Originally Posted by howardr

Interestingly, I noticed recently that just beyond Hyde Park Corner motorcycles are ALLOWED in the bus lane. All the way up Piccadilly to Piccadilly Circus and then down Haymarket to Trafalgar Square. I just happened to notice the picture of a motorbike on the bus lane signs one morning!

So I use 'em all the time when I go through there on my way to work.

So howcome they think it's too dangerous before you get to Hyde Park Corner, but NOT dangerous 300 yards up the road?

I have to admit though, the most dangerous part about being allowed to use the bus lane is that no-one else expects you to be in that lane so it can get a bit scarey sometimes. If ALL bus lanes were open to us then other road users would be forewarned of our possible presence. These road safety boys really should get out there in the real world and stop making all their decisions from spreadsheets!

excellent news I've hated Haymarket since the bus lanes were put in, you always get morons trying to take you out while they change lanes, etc

you're right about people not expecting you in a bus lane though, and that includes pedestrians as well. funny really, since they should in theory also be looking out for cyclists and large red buses...