Swindon Bus Lane Access Welcomed

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Eamonn Townsend

Swindon Bus Lane Access Welcomed

Post by Eamonn Townsend »

The decision by Swindon Borough Council to allow access to bus lanes by powered two wheeler (PTW) users has been welcomed by the BMF.

Part of the BMF's Motorcycling Manifesto demands, bus lane access has long been pursued by the BMF and Swindon is the latest council to come on board.

Bus lane access provides a safer environment for PTWs by acting as a safe corridor removing the risks of vehicles turning right and the danger of oncoming traffic.

Presenting the case for bus lane access to a council meeting last November, the BMF's Government Relations Executive, Trevor Magner, pointed out that the PTW should be seen not as a competitor but as a supplement to public transport, meeting the needs of those without ready access to public transport but without adding to transport congestion. He had also pointed out that there were benefits to pedestrians and cyclists too with increased visibility of approaching PTWs.

Swindon's decision (which is expected to come into force in 2002) brings to six the number of authorities now running or trialing bus lane access. The others are Bristol; Birmingham; Colchester; Hull and Reading.

Commenting, Trevor Magner said: "Bus lane access is important if the PTW is to be treated as part of an integrated transport strategy. Cyclists already have cycle ways so access to a bus lane for PTWs is a natural and nil-cost facility that can only benefit traffic flows as a whole."
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