ON SATURDAY the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) joined in congratulating Boris Johnson on being elected London's Mayor.
The BMF now expects him to deliver on his promise to allow motorcycles into London's bus lanes. In February Mr Johnson said: "Allowing motorcycles into bus lanes would ease congestion and increase traffic speed I want to encourage people to get out of their cars and use other forms of transport but we must make it easier for them to do so.
"I want to get London moving and this is one of a raft of initiatives that I will take." This followed a campaign by the BMF on bus lane access for motorcycles that Transport for London's own evidence had proved would have positive safety benefits.
But despite that, such use had been a bone of contention with the previous mayor since 2003 and the BMF now hopes that bus lane access will soon be opened up to all powered two-wheelers.
BMF government relations executive Chris Hodder commented: "The TfL report on the trial showed that motorcycle accidents were nearly halved during the three-year trial period and despite scare stories to the contrary, it also proved safer for all users - pedestrians, cyclists and car drivers too.
"Mr Johnson agreed that this was the case and we welcomed his support, now we are expecting him to deliver."
The BMF now hopes to also develop a constructive dialogue with the Mayor's office and improve the number of motorcycle parking bays currently available.
