New motoring law could change rules on motorcycles in bus lanes

A huge motoring law could change major rules for bikes on the roads.

In recent years, there have been calls to include motorcycles in major transport policies.

It is believed the sector is bringing around £7billion to the economy alone.

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Now the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) met with transport minister Richard Holden to discuss these issues.

Mr Holden said he was to developing better policies for motorcycling.

According to the NMC, the transport minister agreed further work was needed to address safety and licensing.

Motorcycles have been presented as an option for the UK's target of achieving decarbonisation in the transport sector.

It highlighted how bikes do not apply to the "one size fits all" approach of lowering emissions.

Craig Carey-Clinch, executive director of the NMC, said it was a "very positive meeting".

He added: "His strong support for motorcycles in bus lanes was very welcome, as was his open mind about many of the issues that the NMC raised.

"NMC members were able to raise individual issues and received a positive reception to these."

Many groups called on the government to expand motorcycle access in bus lanes to reduce congestion and emissions.

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But there are concerns there is still a belief that motorcycling is a safety problem.

Bike riders account for 20% of all deaths on UK roads, despite only representing 3% of vehicle registrations.

According to IAM RoadSmart, they are also involved in 18% of all collisions and account for 13% of all casualties.

Antony Kildare, CEO at IAM RoadSmart, said: "Encouraged by Mr Holden's receptiveness, I feel optimistic that change on the critical issue of motorcycle safety can finally be made.

"This makes now the perfect time for IAM RoadSmart to announce that, in partnership with eminent motorcycle and transport industry bodies, we are calling on Parliament to refocus on motorcyclist safety to prevent the disproportionate risks that riders face every day on our roads.

"We are calling for change, but more importantly, we are calling for recognition. Maybe then, we will finally see a society where all road users, including motorcyclists, can safely and sustainably use the highways together."

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