London’s red route bus lanes open to motorcyclists

Honda led a snow sprinkled ride out with a number of motorcycle industry partners and the London Mayor’s Director for Transport Policy, Kulveer Ranger, to celebrate the opening of London’s red route bus lanes for motorcyclists, following Transport for London’s (TfL) announcement to allow motorcycles to use red route bus lanes for an 18-month trial period.

Local London motorcycle dealers and staff of Honda (UK) were joined by members from a number of key UK motorcycle industry partners including the MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association), IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), BMF (British Motorcyle Federation) the Metropolitan Police BikeSafe squad, as well as ‘bike’ and London based media. The ride took the large group along red route bus lanes across London from Horse Guards Avenue - opposite the London Eye - to the legendary motorcycle Ace Café in Wembley.

The ride further highlighted the benefits of two wheel commuting in the Capital and was also used to promote the MCIA’s new Bus Lane ‘Code of Conduct’ for motorcyclists, developed in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police - ensuring responsible and considerate riding guidelines are circulated and adhered to amongst motorcyclists intending to use red route bus lanes.

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles commented, “The opening of red route bus lanes for motorcyclists in London is a welcomed decision by TfL, both for easing congestion in the Capital but also importantly, for improving road safety for motorcyclists and other road users. We hope that today’s successful ride out inspires the wider motorcycle industry in the UK to further promote the safe use of bus lanes, and encourages more riders to use them, but with consideration, following the new ‘Code of Conduct’ guidelines.”

Although red routes make up just 5% of London’s roads, this move by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, will significantly help cut congestion and keep the Capital moving and safer for all red route bus lane users.

Kulveer Ranger, The London Mayor’s Director for Transport Policy commented: “The new code of practice shows that motorcyclists are taking this trial seriously and as a biker myself I will certainly pay heed to the advice it contains. This is about improving the way we use our road space and getting our traffic moving. It is something the Mayor committed to as part of his manifesto and a trial we are pleased to deliver. I am confident motorbikes will use the bus lanes in a responsible manner."

MCIA’s Craig Carey-Clinch said: “Motorcycles in bus lanes is good news for road safety and will also help to improve accessibility for motorcyclists who travel to London. The results of the TfL study also showed that this initiative could further impact positively on the safety of other road users. However, it is crucial that motorcyclists use this new freedom responsibly and be ambassadors for biking. This is why MCIA is pleased to launch the new Code of Conduct with the support of Honda, the Met Police and other motorcycling organisations.”

Whilst individual London boroughs will have the choice as to whether they open their bus lanes to motorcyclists, it is thought that the strong show of support and effectiveness of the intitiative will soon make it more widespread across the Capital.

The use of motorcycles for commuting can save time and money, is beneficial to the environment and now with the new red route bus lane initiative, is also a safer peak time transportation option. Motorcycles are also cheaper to run, can assist social inclusion (particularly outside large cities), do less damage to the roads and are versatile and convenient for users.

The new ‘Code of Conduct’ for motorcyclists is available through the TfL’s website, tfl.gov.uk, or, from the MCIA’s website mcia.co.uk and also comes in both leaflet and business card format from local dealers.

For further information about Honda’s great range of scooters and motorcycles, visit honda.co.uk