Back in 2006 we wrote a framework study about the attitude of local authorities to motorcycle casualties. You can read a copy at http://www.twowheelsbetter.org/resources/FWS10034-CouncilPolicy.pdf. We bemoaned the fact that councils used motorcycle casualty figures as an excuse to exclude promoting motorcycling as part of the solution to congestion.
To be fair some local authorities, like Bath, Bristol and Birmingham, allowed motorcycles and scooters to share bus lanes, recognising the self-evident safety benefits for all concerned, while others steadfastly refused to even consider such an idea.
Who would have thought that an old Etonian bicycle-riding Tory would take a lead in the country's capital? "One of the ways we can ease congestion is by encouraging more people to get on their bike, whether pedal or powered, and I believe they should be able to share our bus lanes successfully and safely," stated Boris Johnson.
So, will the rest of the country follow this lead? Probably not. Bikes in bus lanes has been part of the Government's National Motorcycle Strategy for several years, but local authorities have a habit of conveniently ignoring stated policy when it doesn't suit their own agenda.
Read all about it on the BMF website - http://www.bmf.co.uk/pages/news.php?fullstory=872
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