Cyclists fight bikes in bus lane plan

Cyclists have vowed to fight plans to let motorcyclists use bus lanes in London.

A two-year pilot scheme starts this month, which would see bikes use the lanes without penalty. If successful it will be a real breakthrough in opening up bus lanes throughout the country.

But representatives of the cycling community have already begun lobbying hard to get the scheme shelved, even before it gets of the ground.

Peter Lewis of the London Cycling Campaign said: ” Bus lanes are a good place for people who cycle and having increased competition from a lot of motorcycles, which have the worst crash and casualty rates of any road user, is not a good idea. ”

This is despite the results from a similar trial on the M4 motorway which has operated since July. The Highway Agency reported no major problems, and were quick to stress that the trial, which takes places on motorway approaches to London, would not automatically lead to changes in urban area.

Bus lanes on the A41 Finchley Road will be open to motorcycles this month, with the A13 East India Dock Road and A23 Brixton Road to follow by the end of the year.