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MOTORCYCLES IN BUS LANES -
Code of Practice (Full Version)
It is important to note in the longer version that

  • MIBL only refers to those bus lanes clearly marked with a motorbike picture on the signs marking out the bus lane and do not apply to ALL bus lanes. In particular, we are not allowed into contra flow bus lanes.
  • Motorcyclists are not permitted to stop or park in bus lanes during its period of operation unless in a designated parking space or in case of an emergency or breakdown.
  • PTW users are not the only vulnerable road user in the bus lane. They will have to learn to interact with other users of the lane and use restraint and courtesy at all times.
  • If they travel faster than the posted speed limit, they will be open to prosecution.
  • Motorcyclists need to be made aware that this legislative change is for a trial period only and that if there is an increased number of collisions recorded, the authority to use bus lanes may be withdraw

1          We share the bus lane with other vulnerable road users, take extra care around them
Motorcyclists do not ‘own’ the bus lane. We will be sharing it with other road users some of whom are as vulnerable, if not more so, as us. Interact with buses, taxis and cyclists in a courteous manner and treat them with the same respect as you would wish to be afforded to you.

2          Be aware of pedestrians walking through traffic queues and at bus stops
Pedestrians crossing the bus lanes will be more intent on looking where they want to go than watching out of motorcyclists in the lane. They may not see or hear you coming and will not be used to seeing motorcyclist using the bus lane for some time after the ‘go live’ date.

3          Look out for pedal cycles and give them a wide berth, they may suddenly change direction or position
A cyclist’s stability is susceptible to changes in road surface, (drain covers, road paint, road debris etc), physical make up of the road (hills, both up and down) and weather variations (wind). Be aware of sudden changes in their position caused by their avoidance of these hazards.

4          Pass cyclists on the offside only – Do not undertake
Overtake cyclists with caution – avoid startling them. Keep the speed differential low and pass on their offside, giving them as much room as possible. Do not overtake buses or taxis within the lane.

5          Always assume cyclists cannot hear or see you behind them
Cyclists may not see you. They do not often have rear view mirrors and looking behind may destabilise them. They may well be listening to music or concentrating on the road ahead and will be unaware of your presence.

6          Do not use excessive speed when using bus lanes or overtaking cyclists
Bus lanes are subject to the same speed limit as the adjacent lane. Do not exceed the safe or posted speed limit. Be grateful that you are travelling faster than the surrounding traffic. Passing a cyclist at excessive speed can startle a cyclist and may put you and the cyclist in danger.

7          Do not overtake each other
Avoid racing each other in the bus lane. Travel at a sensible and legal speed, keep your vision high and anticipate other road users crossing your path from either the near or offside.

8          Watch out for other vehicles at junctions and side roads
Take extreme care when approaching and passing side roads, entrances to premises or driveways. Vehicles may emerge into your path unaware that you are legally allowed to travel within the Bus Lane. They may also turn left across the lane prior to a left turn junction.

9          Take extra care when riding alongside congested pavement areas
A busy pavement will increase the possibility of pedestrians entering the live carriageway from a position that a motorcyclist might not initially see. This includes the possibility of a cyclist emerging into the carriageway from the pavement having been screened by pedestrians or street furniture.

10        We are ambassadors for motorcycling; riding in a bus lane is a privilege that needs to be respected.
Motorcyclists will be judged by other road users on how they use this opportunity. This legislative change is for a trial period only and that if there is evidence of abuse of this privilege, the authority to use bus lanes may be withdrawn.

Reference can be drawn from the following rules in The Highway Code

141 - Bus lanes - These are shown by road markings and signs that indicate which (if any) other vehicles are permitted to use the bus lane.  Unless otherwise indicated, you should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation.  You may enter a bus lane to stop, to load or unload where this is not prohibited.

240 - You must not stop or park on:

  • The carriageway or the hard shoulder of a motorway except in a emergency (see rule 270)
  • A pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines (see rule 191)
  • A clearway (see rule 107)
  • Taxi bays as indicated by upright signs and markings
  • An urban clearway within its hours of operation, even when a broken white line is on your side of the road, except to pick up or set down passengers (see rule 107)
  • A road marked with double white lines, except to pick up or set down passengers
  • A tram or cycle lane during its period of operation
  • A cycle track
  • Red lines, in the case of specially designated ‘red routes’, unless otherwise indicated by signs

Any vehicle may enter a bus lane to stop, load or unload where this is not prohibited (see Rule 141)

12 - Bus and cycle lanes – Take care when crossing these lanes as traffic may be moving faster than in the other lanes, or against the flow of traffic

183 - When Turning – keep as close to the left as is safe and practicable.  Give way to any vehicles using a bus lane, cycle lane or tramway from either direction

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