Big shout-out to Gordon, a top MAG member from the Western Region, who came to me with a cracking plan for getting motorcycles in bus lanes nationwide. He’s been bending the ears of non-riders—friends, family, colleagues—and using a sharp taxpayer savings argument to get them to sign our petition (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/712763). Gordon’s racked up signatures from non-riders like nobody’s business, and now it’s your turn, riders, to follow his lead. Let’s get your non-riding crew on board to make bikes in bus lanes the default and save public cash. Here’s the playbook. #Bikers4BusLanes
Leeds Trial: £100,000 Proves Motorcycles in Bus Lanes Work
The Leeds bus lanes trial on Kirkstall Road (July 2022–July 2023) cost taxpayers a hefty £100,000 to test if motorcycle access is safe and effective. Spoiler alert: it is. Motorcycle use shot up nearly 60%, congestion eased, and cyclists and bus users had no dramas. Leeds made access permanent, but here’s the rub—this wasn’t news. Over 55 local authorities, from London to Bristol, already allow motorcycles in bus lanes, either permanently or through trials (Bus Lane Stocktake). Every trial shows the same: motorcycles in bus lanes mean safer roads, less traffic, and lower emissions.
So why are taxpayers still coughing up £100,000 for trials that just confirm the obvious? Without a national policy for default access for motorcycles in bus lanes, councils will keep frittering away cash. That’s money your non-riding mates are paying for no good reason.
Pitch Motorcycles in Bus Lanes to Non-Riders
Your non-riding friends, family, or workmates might not feel the buzz of a throttle twist, but they’ll care about their wallets. Here’s how to sell them on supporting motorcycles in bus lanes, Gordon-style:
- Trials Burn Their Money: Each trial, like Leeds, costs £100,000. Default access stops these pointless expenses—sadly, Elon’s DOGE efficiency squad hasn’t hit the UK yet to cut this waste! That’s cash better spent on potholes or schools.
- Better Roads for All: We can reduce car use, easing traffic for drivers and buses. Plus, bikes cut emissions, supporting the low-emission goals of local authorities.
- It’s Proven: With over 55 councils backing bikes in bus lanes, the evidence is solid. Why pay to prove it again?
Next time you’re having a pint with a mate, chatting with family, or bantering at work, hit them with: “Sign this petition to stop wasting your taxes on trials. This will save money and make roads better for everyone.” Send them to https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/712763.
Call to Action: Riders, Rally Non-Riders Now!
Riders, we’ve got the proof—over 55 councils and the Leeds win show motorcycles in bus lanes are a no-brainer. But we need non-riders’ signatures to push Parliament. Be like Gordon: talk to at least three non-riders this week. Share the taxpayer argument, text them the petition link, and check they’ve signed. Spread the word on socials, WhatsApp, or biking forums with #Bikers4BusLanes to get more riders rallying their non-riding crews.
Every signature brings us closer to default access, saving taxes and improving our roads. So, fire up your passion, get those non-riders signed up, and let’s make motorcycles in bus lanes the norm! #Bikers4BusLanes