Westminster to open City bus lanes
After much lobbying and in light of the recent Transport for London decision to permanently open red route bus lanes to motorbikes, Westminster City Council have today announced that they shall follow suit.
Councillor Lee Rowley said: "Our long term objective is to solve the congestion problems in London by creating a safe, clean and vibrant environment in which all road users can benefit from Westminster's streets.
"With the use of scooters rising by over 11% in 2011, it is important that the council takes action to help two-wheeled road users get around the capital safely."
MAG have been working very closely with Westminster Council for months on this issue and it is the realisation that motorcycles can play a significant part in traffic congestion reduction and in the reduction of emissions that swayed the balance.
Since the mid 1990's MAG has been working with Councils around the country to achieve access to bus lanes for safety, environmental and convenience reasons. Councils as diverse as Bristol, Bedford and Swindon have seen the sense and approved the idea.
Bikes do not cause congestion and it is terrific that a flagship council such as Westminster is prepared to begin consultation on 6th March for 3 weeks having acknowledged the safety and environmental arguments. Much credit must go to MAG's Dr Leon Mannings for his work on this.
Thanks to all of you who passed on commiserations for the loss of my bike. My insurance company have confirmed that they shall not be honouring my policy, as the bike was chained up outside my house and was not in my garage that has been broken in to twice in the last 6 months.
I shall be taking issue with their decision.
Ride free, if you've still got a bike!
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