News that bus lanes in the Bedford Borough are to be open to motorcycles for a trial period has been welcomed by the bmf.

Designed to reduce congestion around the town centre, the eighteen-month trial starts today and will also include bicycles, taxis and private hire vehicles.

Bedford has four bus lanes in the town centre and for many years local bmf activists have lobbied for motorcycle access. Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Transport, said: “I am delighted we have been able to open our bus lanes to more people whilst ensuring they continue to encourage people to consider more sustainable forms of transport.”

Chris Hodder the bmf’s Government Relations Executive said: “Access to bus lanes is one of the bmf's main campaigns so we are very happy to show what local bmf activists can achieve. No doubt this will improve the lives of riders in Bedford and hopefully will inspire those local authorities who are still unsure over allowing motorcycles into their bus lanes."

A long-term campaigner for bus lane use by motorcyclists, the bmf say that London’s recently extended trial has shown that such schemes work well and bear out experiences from other permanent and trial sites. However despite several UK towns and cities adopting bus lane use*, this is still not a national policy and that is what is now wanted from the Government say the bmf

*Note: Bus lane access has been allowed in: Bristol (has operated a permanent bus lane access since 1996) and Reading (since 1999). Other sites are in: Northern Ireland, Birmingham, Colchester, Derby, Bath, Hull, Swindon, Richmond on Thames, Newcastle on Tyne, Sunderland, Plymouth and the M4 bus lane. Most of London’s red routes are now currently being trialled for motorcycle use.