Honda today led a snow
sprinkled ride out with a number of motorcycle industry partners and the
London Mayor’s Director for Transport Policy, Kulveer Ranger, to
celebrate the opening of London’s red route bus lanes for motorcyclists,
following Transport for London’s (TfL) announcement to allow motorcycles
to use red route bus lanes for an 18-month trial period starting from
today.
Local London motorcycle
dealers and staff of Honda (UK) were joined by members from a number of
key UK motorcycle industry partners including the MCIA (Motorcycle
Industry Association), IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), BMF
(British Motorcyle Federation) the Metropolitan Police BikeSafe squad,
as well as ‘bike’ and London based media. The ride took the large group
along red route bus lanes across London from Horse Guards Avenue -
opposite the London Eye - to the legendary motorcycle Ace Café in
Wembley.
The ride further
highlighted the benefits of two wheel commuting in the Capital and was
also used to promote the MCIA’s new Bus Lane ‘Code of Conduct’ for
motorcyclists, developed in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police -
ensuring responsible and considerate riding guidelines are circulated
and adhered to amongst motorcyclists intending to use red route bus
lanes.
Kulveer Ranger, The London
Mayor’s Director for Transport Policy commented: “The new code of
practice shows that motorcyclists are taking this trial seriously and as
a biker myself I will certainly pay heed to the advice it contains. This
is about improving the way we use our road space and getting our traffic
moving. It is something the Mayor committed to as part of his manifesto
and a trial we are pleased to deliver. I am confident motorbikes will
use the bus lanes in a responsible manner."
Whilst individual London
boroughs will have the choice as to whether they open their bus lanes to
motorcyclists, it is thought that the strong show of support and
effectiveness of the initiative will soon make it more widespread across
the Capital.
The use of motorcycles for
commuting can save time and money, is beneficial to the environment and
now with the new red route bus lane initiative, is also a safer peak
time transportation option. Motorcycles are also cheaper to run, can
assist social inclusion (particularly outside large cities), do less
damage to the roads and are versatile and convenient for users.
