Watch out, there’s a biker about

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) supports TfL’s advertising campaign aimed at improving drivers' awareness of motorcyclists in bus lanes during the extended 18-month trial.

The hard-hitting radio advert reminds drivers that motorcyclists are harder to spot than buses and asks drivers to look out for them, particularly when turning across bus lanes. DfT 2009 figures show once again that ‘Failed to look properly’ is the most common explanation for all accidents reported to police, accounting for 38 per cent, and this problem is especially bad for smaller vehicles.

Dr Graham Hole, Cognitive Psychologist at the University of Sussex said: “Research shows that drivers are less likely to notice vehicles in positions where they don’t expect to see them. Motorcycles in bus lanes will be a prime candidate for this problem.

“Publically promoting the trial will help this problem a lot by increasing drivers’ awareness, and as drivers get used to this new arrangement checking their nearside - left-hand - mirrors will hopefully become the rule rather than the exception.”

The new advert is part of a package of measures TfL and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) have introduced to tackle an increase in the rate of motorcyclist-car collisions that were identified by the previous Motorcycles in Bus Lanes Trial.

Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner said: “We would like to emphasise Dr Hole’s comments. It will take time for motorists to get used to looking for motorcyclists in bus lanes. Motorcyclists using bus lanes are advised to assess individual vehicles in the ordinary lane - on their right - as they approach junctions on the left, to make sure that they are not going to turn left across their path, as well as taking the usual care with vehicles emerging from side roads.

“In time drivers will get more used to looking for both pedal and motorcycles in bus lanes, and sharing the road at junctions.”

To increase confidence and awareness on the roads, the IAM offers training courses for motorcyclists of all levels of experience, and with any size of bike.