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Brakes put on powered bike bus lane use



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Published Date: 13 October 2008
MOTORCYCLES, scooters and mopeds should not be allowed to use Edinburgh's bus lanes, according to council officials.
Use of the city's bus lanes is currently limited to buses, bicycles, taxis and emergency vehicles, but the council has received repeated requests that they be opened up to use by motorcycles.

While national guidance suggests there are both "benefi
ts and disbenefits" to road users in allowing motorcyclists and other powered two-wheel vehicles to use bus lanes, it says the decision must rest with local authorities.

And following an investigation into the proposal, Edinburgh Council officials have said there is no convincing case to open up the bus lanes.

London Mayor Boris Johnston has pledged to let motorcyclists use every bus lane in London. Officials in Edinburgh said the effect on bus timetables of a similar scheme here would be minimal, and could be off-set by the space freed-up on the general road system.

Moving in and out of the bus lanes, however, could "conflict with other traffic", which will be made worse by the city's "intensively used" bus lanes and frequent bus stops.

They also said that if the lanes were opened up to motorcycles, other vehicles like private hires and freight could also have a claim to use them, and since the lanes only function if they are kept congestion free, it was recommended that the situation in Edinburgh remain the same.





The full article contains 242 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 13 October 2008 10:39 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Vincent-W,

13/10/2008 12:29:42
I've used a motorcycle to travel round Edinburghs streets for years. I cannot for the life of me understand why the council should want me to filter between two rows of traffic when I could more safely use the bus lane.

I already contribute less to conjestion, pollution and parking problems than the thousands of car users - why don't motorcyclists get some encouragement?

The people making these decisions clearly do not see the barren acres of bus lanes around the city every morning and night which could give me and my other two wheeled chums a safer and timesaving alternative.
2

allknowing,

13/10/2008 12:35:29
"Moving in and out of the bus lanes, however, could "conflict with other traffic", "

Like buses, cycles and taxis!!!!!

If they can all manage, i'm sure a motorbike can!
3

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 13/10/2008 12:48:01
Edinburgh would move a lot more freely if they just scrapped the bus lanes. They serve only to delay motorists, not to ease the passage of buses.

And if this idiotic council think that I am going to put my life at risk by trying to filter down queues of traffic inches away from the cars, they have got another think coming. I will use the bus lanes because it is safer for me to do so. End of story.
4

The Judge,

13/10/2008 13:10:57
Just been out on my scooter and I'll use the bus lanes and greenways as much as I like

If I'm ever stopped I'll point to the tax disc that clearly says bicycle, then I'll make my way to court where I will plead not guilty and the fun can begin.
5

allknowing,

13/10/2008 13:11:38
#3 just make sure an item of clothing is covering the old number plate so the talivans dont get you!!!!


I would love to filter down the traffic, but i've been banned from having a bike, SWMBO will not allow it :-(
6

Alternative (High-Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 13/10/2008 13:17:59
#4:

If you end up in court, give me a shout and I'll come along to see what goes on. Should be a hoot!

#5:

The last time they zapped me from a talivan, it took them over 3 years to get me to court and cost them thouands. If they wish to do the same again, they can be my guest.
7

anti-barbie,

Kirkcaldy 13/10/2008 13:27:13
I don't ride a bike anymore because it is so unsafe. Allowing bikers to use bus lanes would make the roads a vastly safer place for them to be as so many car drivers seem oblivious to their presence.
8

Bob 2,

13/10/2008 13:30:22
Edinburgh's Buses would move a lot more freely if they just stopped cars using the bus lanes. Cars in bus lanes only delay bus passengers journeys.,
9

Bob 2,

13/10/2008 13:34:07
why are Taxis allowed to use the bus lanes ?

Of course, given that another EN article highlights the use of Taxis by certain people, they wouldn't like to see their journey slowed down !
10

Jenny MacArthur,

13/10/2008 13:43:53
Typical of fuelhead-nutter antisocial moron above that he should have no social conscience about breaking laws that don't suit his selfish ME ME ME mentality. You're a total tw*t. What a horrible self-serving attitude to think that just because YOU want to save a few seconds of your empty life, you can just ignore laws made for everyone else's interests, and it actually pleases you that it costs everyone else time and money! This idiot simply cares for nothing and nobody but himself. If you disagree with a law, you can campaign to change it like anyone else. But by ignoring it you are showing yourself to be simply a selfish git with no care for anyone but yourself. Idiot.
11

Daft Old Git,

13/10/2008 13:44:11
#9 Duh...because taxis are a form of public transport?
12

Bob 2,

13/10/2008 13:48:25
are they really!!!!

so thats why certain people in this article use them

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/topstories/Politicians-still-using-cabs-to.4584802.jp
13

Americanbob,

13/10/2008 13:53:59
#10 Jenny, you shouldn't hold back like that, just say what you mean!
14

fresian,

edinburgh 13/10/2008 13:57:28
Jenny you really are an $rse. Motorcycles produce lower emissions than cars and as such should be encouraged. The fact is that where M/cs have been permitted to use bus lanes, there has been a drop in the rate and severity of accidents for Motorcyclists, pedal cyclists and pedestrians.

Petrolhead, I would suggest joining the Motorcycle action group. Meeting the fist and third monday of every month 8:30 from on at the Meadows Bar. It costs £20 a year, but I found this was offset by the reduction I got from my insurance. They are a pretty sociable bunch as well.
15

Jimmy B'Umlove,

East End (Boys) 13/10/2008 14:19:18
Bikers jist suit themsells onyway, their a law untae themsells. Undertakin', breakin' the speed limit, it makes nae difference whit the cooncil says. Most o these nutters ken nowt about the highway code!

PS A completely agree, Jenny lassie is a nut-joab! She's bittur, cos she's nae got a man yet.
16

Gorgie_Tony,

Edinburgh 13/10/2008 14:23:08
#3 - buses move more freely with bus lanes. Lets not forget that in pecking order - car drivers are at the bottom of the heap - public transport comes first all the time. Any selfish car driver that disagrees with this is a complete moron. Roll on the day when bus lanes are allowed to operate 24 hours a day, the congestion charge is forced on the selfish car driver, and the police start a road wars on car drivers. Lets see the morons banned from driving for life, cars confiscated, and long jail terms imposed even for the most minor of offences. The selfish morons need to be taught a lesson.
17

Vincent-W,

13/10/2008 14:28:29
Jenny,

I sense anger. I sense disagreement. I sense tension.

Please understand that some laws are not good laws just because they are laws.

I ride a bike because it's fun, it's cheaper, it's quick, it's easier to park, it's less polluting and it doesn't contribute as much to conjestion.

Now when I filter (a perfectly legal activity) there are increased risks, I filter according to Police guidelines but it is still more risky than not filtering.

When I see an empty bus lane on my left I wonder what possible reason there could be in this world why I should not use it. Using it would reduce my chances of accident and it would have zero effect on any other road user. The reasons put up by Edinburgh Council are nonsensical.

Therefore, I have a lot of sympathy with The Judge, perhaps all motorcyclists and scooterists should just do it as a protest of mass disobedience.
18

roadstohell,

13/10/2008 14:48:25
"They also said that if the lanes were opened up to motorcycles, other vehicles like private hires and freight could also have a claim to use them, and since the lanes only function if they are kept congestion free, it was recommended that the situation in Edinburgh remain the same."

Point 1/ Private Hires already use the bus lanes !!!!
They aren't meant to but they do, what gets done about it ? nothing !

Point2/ The council is full of "green loonies" that see M/cycles as " the spawn of evil", and I suggest they have an agenda against any vehicle that has an engine. except buses and taxis,why taxis ? cos they are full of Councillers !!!!

A study in London showed that allowing powered 2 wheelers to use the bus lanes CUT the number of accident to motorcylists AND cyclists, BUT the then administration run by loony left Ken Livingston IGNORED the study because it did not suit their political agenda

I'm scunnered

19

Jimmy B'Umlove,

East End (Boys) 13/10/2008 14:54:41
#17 "When I see an empty bus lane on my left I wonder what possible reason there could be in this world why I should not use it."

Awww, yer a sweet laddie likes. But thats whit aw car drivers say tae. If yer dain' away wi bus lanes, then dae away wi them. Dinnae say, ohhh, we're rule breakin' bikers an we need tae use aww the lanes fur oor tiny wee, enviro-pally machines.
20

Vincent-W,

13/10/2008 15:04:13
Jimmy,

The difference is - if car drivers used it it would clog the roads. If Bikers used it the only effect would be fewer accidents for bikers.

Cities that have more bikers have less congestion. Cars are the biggest problem;

1. They use up more road space per capita than any other vehicle (barring freight).
2. They are more polluting per capita than any other vehicle.
3. They require more parking space per capita than any other vehicle.
4. Because of their relatively slow acceleration (compared to my Triumph) they clog up junctions for longer. (In the 'green' time of a set of traffic lights twice as many bikes could negotiate a junction than could cars)
5. Car drivers are far more aggressive than bikers and are approximately 1,000,000 times more likely to exhibit road rage than bikers.

See? Cars are the problem, bikes are the solution! Go to Rome and see it in action.
21

rover,

Edinburgh 13/10/2008 15:05:51
As a cyclist and motorcyclist I find both parties share the same views and problems with traffic it makes more sense to allow motorcycles to use the lanes and reduce the risk that car owners will not see you. I was knocked off my motorcycle by a car who did not see me sitting at traffic lights waiting for them to change, next thing I am hit from the rear, he claimed that he did not know there were traffic lights at the junction.
22

allknowing,

13/10/2008 15:13:49
on a differnet note.

Coming from Walker St to coates cresecent, this used to be blocked off with bollards.
The bollards are now gone, which means I can turn left on to coates cresent, then left again onto shandwick place.There are no signs as of Friday saying I cant, in fact, the only sign was a signpost saying no right turn onto shandwick place.

I assume I can now drive along shadwick place east bound!!!!Anyone confirm.
23

Thomas the Tank,

Edinburgh 13/10/2008 15:16:22
#16Tony - you forgot ' . by having mustard gas sprayed in their eyes and get a damned good thrashing - didn't do us any harm in the olden days'.
24

Vincent-W,

13/10/2008 15:20:33
Thomas,

Judging by the level of coherency in yours and Tony'e posts - I would say the mustard gas/thrashings probably have done some harm to the old grey matter.
25

Hmm ...,

13/10/2008 15:20:48
... Officials in Edinburgh said ... `Moving in and out of the bus lanes, however, could "conflict with other traffic", which will be made worse by the city's "intensively used" bus lanes and frequent bus stops.'

Apart from Princes Street, just how many of Edinburgh's buslanes, intended to deny roads to cars, are `intensively used'?

They also said that if the lanes were opened up to motorcycles, other vehicles like private hires and freight could also have a claim to use them -

Yes, sure. It is an obvious argument that because a motorcycle can use a stretch of roadway, an artic. should also be able to do the same!

Stretching their imaginations, surely? I don't motorbike but it makes sense to let them use the bus lanes in more safety - it's not as though the occasional bus using the lane is likely to want to overtake a motorbike, is it?

And why couldn't we have a consultation on this as well as residents' parking prejudice?
26

roadstohell,

13/10/2008 15:29:59
25 Consultation !!!! why ???? it is obvious that our councillors know better :0/

All the evidence that shows that allowing powered two wheelers to use bus lanes has led to a marked reduction in accidents to m'cyclists,cyclits & pedestrians has been ignored by the Edinburgh Councillors, WHY ?

because it does not suit their prejudiced agenda.

It is amazing that the image of the "ton up boy", "rockers" etc still prevails , over 40 years since such a breed existed, but prejudice is prejudice, and "blind prejudice" in the face of evidence is the worst kind

scunnering

27

Disgruntled Black cab customer,

13/10/2008 15:30:35
#11 are private hire cars not also a form of public transport?

As a point of note, it is also illegal for empty black taxis to use bus lanes, but this is overlooked, it is also illegal for them to undertake you in the bus lanes.
28

fresian,

edinburgh 13/10/2008 16:00:03
#27, Private hire cars are not public transport as the word "Private"implies. They are not allowed to pick up off the street in the same way that taxis can.
29

eDUCATIon,

13/10/2008 16:24:08
Ach well, looks like I'll still have to filter and boot off the odd ignorant car drivers wing mirror every now and then :~)
30

eDUCATIon,

13/10/2008 16:29:50
Jenny......can you no change the batteries in your Rabbit and give us all peace????
31

Bored,

13/10/2008 16:46:08
#10 Jenny

2 posts (rants) so far.
However, I thought your post on the increased parking charges at #16 was far more entertaining.
32

Disgruntled Black cab customer,

13/10/2008 17:31:30
#28 well mr black taxi man, do they not pick up the public, transport them from a to b and charge them a fare? or am i paying them out of kindness.

I note you have not commented on empty black taxis using greenways or undertaking?
33

Jimmy B'Umlove,

East End (Boys) 13/10/2008 19:36:10
#20 They ur some guid points lad, ah'll gie ye that son. But ah've been tae Italy afore, an the bikes/scooters there are awfy noisy an stink o' petrol fumes like. It's jist no civilised man! An' they owertake breakin' the speed limit, undertake, drive oan the pavement an' onything. That's nae example tae aspire tae son. An bikes ar fur single men like. Pit a faimly in tae the equation an' a bike is near useless!
34

Vincent-W,

13/10/2008 20:46:09
Jimmy,

I totally disagree with your "bikes are for single men" statement. That's pure codswallop, I use mine for work and single transport to the tune of 15 000miles a year. The tin box is for the wife, four children, dog and big luggage. Different jobs - different tools!
35

Julian.,

edinburgh 13/10/2008 23:07:46
#11 Daft old git,

Living up to your name.

pushbikes are not public transport yet they are allowed to use the bus lanes so that stuffs up your argument for taxis and motorbikes straight away.

I agree with Bob2, it's an absolute disgrace that taxis are allowed to use these lanes but mopeds aren't. Taxis do not reduce congestion. In fact, they create congestion by driving about empty half the time. It's time to ban them from bus lanes and allow the bikes in. But of course the council makes money from taxis so they won't do that.
36

Julian.,

edinburgh 13/10/2008 23:12:09
#32, Disgruntled black cab customer,

Totally agree. If I have a cat and name it "dog", what is it, a cat or a dog? Private hire cabs are public transport in all but name.

Maybe you can answer a question I've been asking for 2 years on this forum: Why are black cabs allowed to use the greenways and get numerous other priviliges on the roads?

37

Bibamus,

14/10/2008 07:38:20
When I lived in Sctland it used to amaze me how little attention car drivers paid to Bus Lane notices. The road from the Maybury in to the West end had only a limited time bus lane, but all day motorists moved into the outside lane. One evening when there was a big concert on at Murrayfield, and the inner lane had ceased to be a Bus Lane I drove from the Maybury to the West End just after 6.30 in a totally empty inside lane whilst the outside lane was solid with traffic. I don't like Bus Lanes as a rule, but if they are there using them properly could be a benefit
38

Mr Filter,

M8 14/10/2008 10:11:42
Attention all Bikers!

Using a bus lane in Edinburgh is a non endorsable offence therefore, no points! just a 30 quid fine if you're caught.

Quite tempting eh!

 

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