Governments sometimes make decisions supported by popular consensus – but not always. For example, opinion polls currently suggest a majority of the public would like to see Brexit reversed, and the return of capital punishment occasionally fares well in polls, too.
Motorcycles using bus lanes is also popular, according to the government’s own consultation. Indeed, the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) says that there was over 95% support in that consultation for bikes using bus lanes by default when it is safe to do so. But this much less contentious policy change has been shelved, for reasons that remain unclear. In November, the Department for Transport announced that it wouldn’t be changing its policy, meaning local authorities will make their own decisions, leading to a confusing patchwork of approval (or not) across the country.
The rationale is strange – the department says the government has “no policy to encourage greater use of motorcycles”, suggesting that it wants to deliberately make motorcycling harder (or at least, no easier), even when it comes to changes which could improve safety. Allowing powered two-wheelers into bus lanes mostly improves rider safety, according to a broad range of research, and has no impact on the safety of other road users.
Craig Carey-Clinch, NMC executive director, said: “It is extremely concerning that the government has ruled out a measure that could contribute notably to motorcycle safety. With ministers stating a commitment to a new Road Safety Strategy, this announcement gives rise to concern that the strategy will not consider the more creative and supportive actions that are needed to improve motorcycle safety. Continuing the current approach to motorcycle safety, with a lack of support for strategic motorcycling policies, will do nothing to help the decline in casualty reduction rates that has been the picture since 2013. The NMC calls on ministers to think again and to fully engage the motorcycle sector as it develops its Road Safety Strategy.”
MAG wants rethink
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has lambasted the government over its decision not to allow bikes in bus lanes by default, but to allow local councils to decide their own policies.
MAG spokesman Colin Brown said: “The outcome flies in the face of strong indications given by the previous government that it would favour default access. It creates a random patchwork of access across England. There is much in the detail of the outcome that needs to be reviewed, and MAG will be doing so before making a formal case for a rethink of the outcome.”