Modern Vespa

2025-05-01

News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG)

20,000 signatures but still the DfT drags its heels

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) petition has passed 20,000 signatures. But a recent Parliamentary Question highlights the need for another 80,000.

While celebrating 20,000, MAG is redoubling efforts to win a further 80,000 signatures on the petition calling for default motorcycle access in bus lanes. The goal is to achieve 100,000 signatures, which should trigger a Parliamentary debate. MAG believe this is critical to achieving its aim to finally secure consistent access across the whole country.

MAG has also been asking members to get their local MPs involved in putting pressure on the Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver the things it promised in the 2024 consultation outcome. Most importantly the outcome stated that the Department would update bus lane guidance to recommend consistency across local authority borders, and work with Transport for London (TfL) and Metro Mayors - again to achieve consistent policy.

Liberal Democrat MP, Brian Matthew, submitted a written parliamentary question. MAG claims the response highlights the need for the petition to be successful. In her response, DfT Minister, Lilian Greenwood, admitted that:

"The Government response included a commitment to update Traffic Advisory Leaflet 1/24: Motorcyclists using bus lanes. No timetable has been set for publication. The Department will also consider how best to work with combined authorities and Transport for London, to encourage a more joined up approach to motorcycle access in these areas, through discussions around the Government's devolution agenda."

MAG has paid close attention to the four Metro Mayor elections being held on 1st May.

MAG's Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement said:

"We are disappointed by the lack of urgency from the Government. They offered to take simple, uncontroversial actions that will help improve the safety of motorcyclists on our highly congested roads. Yet still they have not begun to act. I would urge riders not to accept this lack of interest. Channel your frustration by taking the practical step of signing the petition today. We always knew overcoming complacency in the Government and riders' lack of belief in the system would be a tall order, but it really is time for riders to show that they possess the willpower to break this cycle of neglect."



ENDS

The Department has repeated claims that "Local authorities are best placed to understand the needs of their local road networks".

They also state that "Research on the potential safety impacts for cyclists, and the impact on bus services would be needed to form the evidence base for any change in policy." But the Department has previously ruled out any intention to do such research.