LESS WHEELS, LESS CONGESTION SAY BMF
06 July 2004 - BMF

Using two wheels not four would literally halve the need for new motorways or high occupancy vehicle lanes say the BMF.

In a response to the Government’s announcement today to tackle congestion by introducing trials of High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (HOVs) and to consider a new M6 Toll road, the 140,000 strong British Motorcyclists Federation, the UK’s largest rider organisation, says that motorcycle use should be actively encouraged by being given access to HOVs and free use of motorway toll roads.

Bus lane use by motorcycles has shown the way, but despite several UK towns and cities adopting bus lane use, (the latest being Richmond, Surrey), this is still not a national policy and shows muddled thinking by transport planners say the BMF.

Concerns over accidents have been shown to be unfounded and in fact bus lanes* provide a safer environment for the powered two wheeler user, therefore, allowing them into the existing HOVs, as in the Leeds’ and South Gloucester systems and the use of the existing M4 bus lane, makes perfect sense say the BMF.

Commenting, BMF spokesman Jeff Stone said: “Motorcycles might not be for everyone and they can’t always replace the car, but on Britain’s congested roads, the motorcycle and scooter can play a significant role in reducing single-driver car use. Continental Europe accepts motorcycles as legitimate everyday transport, so why not the UK?”

Note 1:The first HOV lanes will include the southbound stretch of the M1 from junction 13 near Bedford to junction 7 near Hemel Hempstead, and the M3 north from junction 3 near Bagshot to the M25 turn-off at junction 2, both areas already popular with motorcycle commuter users.

*Note2 : Bristol has operated a permanent bus lane access since 1996 and Reading since 1999. Further sites are to be found in: Northern Ireland, Birmingham, Colchester, Bath, Hull, Swindon, Richmond and the M4 bus lane. Being trialled in London are the Finchley Road (A41) at St John''s Wood to Hampstead and the A12 in Barking and soon, more lanes in Central London.

The Highways Agency is also considering allowing PTWs use of the bus lane on the A6 in to Loughborough. PTWs are already granted access to High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes in Leeds and South Gloucestershire.

www.bmf.co.uk

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