Motorcycles in the bus lanes...
an improvement for all road users
Last year Brighton Council trialled a new initiative for Brighton, allowing motorcycles to use some of the bus lanes on certain stretches of road. The trial period ended in October last year and it has been approved – in other words the initiative has been deemed a success. Although it is only on two stretches of road so far it is a good step forward for motorcyclists and indeed for other road users as well. It will increase safety for motorcyclists and reduce congestion on the roads, aiding traffic flow as motorcycles are taken out of the traffic jams giving more space to everyone on the road.
Here's what Brighton Council says about it:
Motorcyclists can use two sections of bus lane on the A23 and A259. The trials for this scheme are now over and the ongoing use of these two sections of bus lane was approved by the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee on 7 October 2014. The authorisation is for two wheeled motorcycles without side cars, only. Narrow wheel based three wheeled bikes are also permitted.
A further 18 month trial on the Lewes Road north of the Vogue Gyratory is proposed to begin in Dec 2015 subject to traffic and casualty data during 2015.
Let's hope that is successful too – the more the better in our opinion and good for Brighton Council for taking the initiative.
So far these are the only bus routes in Sussex that can be used by motorcyclists at the moment – so make sure that you stay out of all the others so you don't get a fine!
What do you think of this idea? Are you in favour?
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