Recent figures released show that motorcycle casualties have again
dropped by 13% in the London Congestion Charging Zone.
Motorcycle traffic in the zone has generally increased, so the notable
reductions in accidents suggest that traffic management systems that are
motorcycle friendly are having a positive effect on casualty reduction.
The Motor Cycle Industry Association(MCI) believes the reduction in
accidents in London between 2001 and 2004 is due to the reduction in the
number of cars travelling into the area which has resulted in bikes and
scooters being more visible.
Transport for London has also been carrying out research to establish
the viability of bikes in bus lanes and will be discussing its findings
with the motorcycle community shortly.
Based upon a study done at the 'half way' point of the research project,
MCI expects that the study has found no evidence that extending bus lane
access in the city should not be as successful as it has been across
other towns and cities including South Gloucestershire, and Bristol.
The Association argues that it is now time to increase that motorcycle
visibility across the capital by opening up London's bus lanes as has
successfully been done in other cities including Bristol, Hull,
Birmingham and Swindon.
Craig Carey-Clinch MCI's Director of Public Affairs said, "The
Congestion Charging Zone has already reduced casualties and to permit
bikes in bus lanes across London, not just in the zone, should have a
further effect on reducing motorcycle casualties.
"If there is no evidence that bikes in bus lanes put riders and other
road users at risk then we can see no reason why Londoners will not be
able to enjoy the same benefits in other areas that have progressive
transport policies that are integrating bikes into the mainstream
planning.
"Motorcycle traffic management and access to priority measures are
initiatives which are often resisted by planners because they don't want
to encourage motorcycling. But if such systems help to reduce
casualties, or at least don' t make the situation worse, then there is
little reason to stop them being put in place.
Craig Carey Clinch further commented, " A failure to provide for
motorcycling in a positive way can lead to perpetration of existing
casualty concerns. It's time for traffic planner UK wide to think more
creatively when it comes to the pollution and congestion busting powered
two-wheeler"
