Motorbike Insurance

The decision to open London's bus lanes to motorbikes has been warmly welcomed by a motorcycling pressure group.

An 18-month trial allowing riders to use bus lanes on the capital's red routes commenced on Monday, honouring one of mayor Boris Johnson's election promises.

Previously bikers who opted to ride in bus lanes risked picking up a fine if caught on camera, but they can now use the extra lane to help keep traffic flowing.

Nich Brown, general secretary of the Motorcycling Action Group, said the change in regulations was long overdue.

"Its benefits should soon become apparent. The experience of other UK cities as well as previous experiments in London shows that where motorcycles are allowed to use clear road space in congested traffic there are fewer crashes," Mr Brown claimed.

He explained that motorcyclists in bus lanes should be more visible to other road users, helping to make riding in London safer.

Should the expected reduction in accident numbers materialise, it could be good news for motorbike insurance policyholders, as it would ease the pressure for premium increases.

Plymouth council is also running an 18-month trial which allows bikers to use some bus lanes in a bid to cut road casualties in the city.

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