Cyclists attack Mayor's bid to let motorbikes use bus lanes

CYCLISTS today attacked plans by Boris Johnson to allow motorcyclists to use most bus lanes, claiming it would endanger lives.

Motorcyclists will be able to share red route bus lanes with cyclists, black taxis and buses from 5 January. If the Mayor judges the 18-month trial a success the lanes will be opened permanently.

But cyclists today claimed the move would make them even more vulnerable to accidents. Transport for London said it hoped the measure would reduce accident rates and traffic queues in the capital.

The scheme would cover motorcycles, scooters, tricycles and mopeds but exclude motorcycles with sidecars. It comes on the back of a three-year pilot project in Brixton Road and Finchley Road in which motorcyclists used the bus lane. The number of collisions dropped by 42 per cent.

Former mayor Ken Livingstone and the London Cycling Campaign have dismissed the results. The plan received a mixed reception from road-users. Namdeo Kadkar, 28, an artist of Peckham, said: "Motorcyclists and moped riders tend to dart in and out all of a sudden. This is bound to make it even more dangerous for cyclists."

Krista Varsakis, 26, an environmental campaigner of Streatham, said: "Getting people out of cars is good for the environment. But from a cyclist's point of view, we will have even more to worry about."

Leoni Hampton, 30, a photographer, of Stoke Newington, said: "This will just make it even more crowded in the bus lanes. It is difficult enough to weave around the buses and there will be more accidents."

Simon Berrill, 55, an investment banker from Islington, said: "Anything on two wheels doesn't cause congestion. The more people are encouraged to go on two wheels rather than four the better it is for the environment"

Biker Marcus Richardson, 34, a marketing executive from West Dulwich, added: "Motorcycles don't cause any traffic and it won't affect the buses so I'm all for it."