Motorcyclists get green light to ride in Coventry bus lanes - The Coventry Observer

Motorcyclists get green light to ride in Coventry bus lanes

Coventry Editorial 19th Nov, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

MOTORCYCLISTS have been given the green light to use Coventry’s bus lanes on a permanent basis after a successful trial period on selected routes within the city.

Five bus lanes in Binley Road, Sky Blue Way, Stoney Stanton Road, Swanswell Street and Butts Road inbound were initially selected because they are busy routes with long lengths of bus lane.

The trial was welcomed by Coventry Riders Action Group (RAG) and was set up following meetings between the group and the Council.

Coun Rachel Lancaster, Cabinet Member for Public Services, said:




“Following an extremely successful trial period and ongoing consultation between the council and RAG, I am delighted that we have been able to make the move to allow motorcycles to use the city’s bus lanes permanent.

“Bus lanes have a key role to play in encouraging more people to use public transport. But other areas have shown that by allowing motorbikes into bus lanes it can actually reduce congestion for all traffic, improve journey times and reduce carbon emissions.


“We have received some very positive feedback from the bikers themselves during the trial period and this really is a win, win situation all round for all motorists who use the city’s roads”.

Baz Price, Coventry Riders Action Group added: “Coventry RAG would like to say thank you to Coventry City Council – and in particular Councillor Lancaster – for working with us and making the decision to allow motorcyclists to use the bus lanes permanent following a very successful trial.

“We know this works really well in other parts of the UK and we have seen the advantages when we are in other cities where it is allowed. Using the bus lanes will mean that we will filter through traffic rather than adding to the congestion. Hopefully lots of people will see how sensible it is and how well it works for everyone involved.”

Motorcycle access to bus lanes in the UK was first approved in Bristol in June 1995. Since then, trials of between six and 18 months have been conducted in various cities across the country and by several local authorities.

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