Motorcycles allowed in bus lanes in Edinburgh trial

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: “Having heard from motorcycle users during our review, we’re minded to start a trial of allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes in Edinburgh.

“Given the relatively small proportion of motorcycles on Edinburgh’s roads and the fact that motorcyclists themselves believe using bus lanes would make their journeys both safer and quicker, we think this change should have little or no impact on other bus lane users. We’ll keep this under close review throughout the trial, of course, before any decision is taken to make this arrangement permanent.”

Ken Glendinning, Edinburgh representative of the British Motorcyclists Federation, said: “We are delighted that the City of Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment Committee will consider this again next week. We have been campaigning for this for some time, along with our friends in the Motorcycle Action Group, and think that, if approved, it will make a significant impact for the safety of motorcycle and scooter riders.

“Motorcycles and scooters can play a significant part in reducing congestion and emissions and also reduce social exclusion by providing a cheap and dynamic alternative to the car for those with a lengthy commute. Trials in other cities have shown that bikes can co-exist successfully and safely with bicycles and other authorised vehicles in bus lanes and, in most cases, overall accident rates have reduced as people become more aware of riders and cyclists.