The London Assembly Transport Committee says a “confusing application of different rules on different roads” from one borough to another is creating a danger for riders.

 

Motorcyclists are banned from bus lanes in 22 boroughs and permitted to use them in five. A further four boroughs allow motorcycles to use some, but not all, bus lanes. Since 2011 motorcyclists have been allowed to ride in bus lanes on Transport for London’s principal road network.

 

The report calls on the Major and TfL to persuade “with sufficient vigour” the remaining boroughs to ensure motorcyclists can ride in all bus lanes.

 

Committee chair Keith Prince told TP Weekly News: “Personally, I would like to see all bus lanes in London opened up to motorcyclists; but at the very least we need some consistency.

 

“Lack of road width and a narrowing of roads to make room for cycle superhighways mean there is less space for motorcyclists to safely make progress. I want to see an environment where there is less potential for conflict between motorcyclists and other road users.”

 

The Assembly adds that motorcyclists face an unacceptable and disproportionate level of risk on London’s roads. Thirty three riders were killed in collisions in 2016, a further 648 were seriously injured and another 4574 suffered slight injuries. Motorcyclists account for just 1% of all journeys in the capital, but 27% of those killed or seriously injured on its roads, it says.

 

Other concerns raised by the Committee include the impact a reduced level of spending on road maintenance in London may have on motorcycle safety. The report also calls for an update to a 2014 motorcycle action plan and development of a ‘London standard’ for motorcycle safety training.