Motorbikes look likely to be allowed to use bus lanes on two of Brighton’s busiest roads subject to a vote by councillors in the autumn.
Officials at Brighton and Hove City Council are to recommend a pilot scheme using bus lanes on the A23, north of Preston Park, and the A259 coast road.
The local branch of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has been campaigning on the issue with support from Hove MP Mike Weatherley.
After a MAG deputation at a council meeting last October, supporters signed a petition that was presented in November to the Green Party’s transport chief Councillor Ian Davey.
Members of the group met Councillor Davey and council officials yesterday (Thursday 16 August) to share the findings of a recent study and discuss the way forward.
Councillor Davey said that a report would be presented to the council’s transport committee at its November meeting.
If the committee agrees, work will start on a pilot scheme along sections of the A23 and A259 on the approaches to Brighton but not within the busier, central area.
Officials looked at similar schemes and evaluated the implications for road safety, air quality and congestion in Brighton and Hove.
They concluded that opening up bus lanes to motorcycles was a possibility.
Councillor Davey said: “When the Motorcycle Action Group approached us last year we were pleased to take up their request and investigate whether it would work here.
“Officers will now prepare a report based on the research that has been done for councillors to discuss and make a decision at the transport committee.
“That report and the further development of proposals will also give residents, other road users and neighbouring authorities the opportunity to express their views.
“We had a very positive meeting with the MAG representatives and I would like to thank them for their patience and their contribution which has enabled us to reach this point.
“I look forward to continuing to work with them on developing the idea further.
“We welcome ideas to make travel easier for people but it’s important that we consider the needs of all road users when exploring them in more detail.
“This is an example of how we are willing to work with groups to achieve the right combination of safe and sustainable transport measures.”
If the committee report is agreed, the scheme could start by next summer.
It would be monitored and the results brought back to the transport committee before any decision was made on whether to permit motorbikes in bus lanes on a permanent basis.
The council said that improving conditions for motorcyclists would complement work that was under way to
- increase the number of motorcycle parking bays in controlled parking areas
- provide secure locking points where bike theft has been a problem
- ensure greater road safety awareness for motorcyclists
Conservative MP Mike Weatherley said last week that he had written to the council about delays to the process of opening up Brighton’s bus lanes to motorcycles.
He said: “It appears to be the case that a decision is needlessly being delayed again and again to the frustration of bikers – a large number of whom are tourists – across the city.
“I should be extremely grateful if you would provide me with your comments on the situation, including the likely timing and outcome of a decision, as a matter of urgency.
“It’s frustrating that the council is dragging its heels over this issue.
“Opening up the city’s bus lanes to motorcycles is an entirely sensible plan that will help ease congestion and improve safety on our roads.
“The dithering over this issue by the Green administration is frustrating, especially as motorcycles queue up going in and out of Brighton and Hove while bus lanes remain virtually empty.”
Lets hope the bikes sit back a suitable distance and make themselves know to the bus.
hogging the number plate and then pulling round it like some do is dangerous for all.
Been using the bus lane on the A23 since May when it opened , nearly been knocked off 3 times now by traffic turning across from the on-coming lane as cars let them go , I`m not the only one going by the skid marks on the junctions . Could someone tell the car drivers that we can now use the bus lane as well!
I noticed recently that the blue bus-lane signs between Peacehaven and Rottingdean showed that motorcyclists are allowed to use the bus-lane. However the painted signs on the tarmac say “buses taxis and bicycles only”. I assumed the signs were more recent and started to use the bus-lane – on my motorbike. However I was chased into Brighton by a very angry car driver who told me I was likely to get a fine, and when I mentioned the blue signs, he told me I was wrong in no uncertain terms. Was I?
i was hassled by an angry bus driver who thought i should not be in his lane ..
you can ride your bike along the St Peters bus lane ask any policeman / policewoman i was right its in the highway code too https://www.gov.uk/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82/overview-59-to-71 the road even had a litte signpost that shows bus Taxi and bikes VIEW THIS LINK http://goo.gl/maps/QGFrO
yerr i know it says bus and taxi on the road surface .. but the signpost sign is clear bikes ok go past St Peters
Mr Smith,
Your map link is wrong, perhaps you mean this one http://goo.gl/maps/1ttFp showing a distinct absence of a cycle
and
http://goo.gl/maps/pbCG8 not the left turn showing no cycle sign, and the bike lane on the right
and
http://goo.gl/maps/Uujos showing the red cycling symbol and the lack of cycle on the blue sign and no word cycle on the road.
your RFC section 65
Bus Lanes. Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists as indicated on signs.
correction to above *note the left turn showing no cycle sign*
no i think i am right this image is slightly another angle.. http://goo.gl/maps/718Es
the street pole with a bike wheel someone put on is showing bike bus Taxi and bikes are not marked on the road marking true…
http://goo.gl/maps/i9Koh
but i was right .. link is ok now
this is from brighton council ..
https://www.visitbrighton.com/xsdbimgs/Cycle%20Map%20Citywide.pdf
its not much help but the dotted line = ?? is that two direction cycling ok ..
lets get full clarification please .. more info for them that like to moan ..
going south..
cycles are allowed through the first set of lights as shown by the blue cycle/bus/taxi sign, then the cycle lane [2 way] goes left and the next set of lights should show bus taxi only as the cycle lane goes the other side of st peters and the left turn from by the taxi rank is missing bike. look at it going north also.
ask @ibikebrighton @sbtxt