MOTORCYCLES IN BUS LANES - NMDA SUBMITS CONSULTATION RESPONSE  

“Yesterday, the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) submitted its response to the Department for Transport’s consultation around allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes by default” said Symon Cook, Head of the NMDA, the leading representative body for franchised motorcycle dealers across the UK.

Currently, local authorities have the discretion to allow vehicles, including motorcycles, to use bus lanes on their networks. Presently, the UK has a fragmented approach to bus lane access, with some cities allowing motorcycles in bus lanes while others do not. This inconsistency is particularly notable in London, where motorcycle access to bus lanes varies between boroughs. The consultation sought feedback on allowing motorcycles to access bus lanes by default, as is the case for pedal cycles.

The consultation gave respondents two options:

Option 1: Continue with the current position – local authorities will continue to make decisions on whether to allow motorcycles to use bus lanes on their networks.

Option 2: Allow motorcycles to access bus lanes by default.

NMDA has submitted its response advocating for option 2, to allow motorcycles to access bus lanes by default.

Cook added: “In the consultation response, NMDA has advocated for the inclusion of motorcycles in bus lanes and strongly supports the option of allowing motorcycles to access bus lanes by default, as is the case with pedal cycles.

“The NMDA highlighted the key benefits of such a move: reduced congestion, enhanced safety for motorcyclists and other road users, and environmental benefits.

“Given the current patchwork network of bus lane access, establishing a national standard would make it much easier for motorcyclists and all road users to understand the rules. Additionally, the move would increase the accessibility and attractiveness of motorbikes as a viable alternative to a car, especially in urban areas.

"NMDA is pleased that the wider motorcyclist sector is in agreement on the subject, and we hope this singular stance will yield positive results when the Government’s response is released.”