Can Motorcycles Use Bus Lanes?-A Definitive Guide 2022

Are you a motorcycle rider and get easily irritated by waiting long in traffic? Here is good news for you: many local authorities allow motorcycle users to use bus lanes to get ahead through traffic.

However, many councils also ban bikes from using bus lanes; therefore, whenever you think of using the bus lanes, look at the signs at intersections to know whether the smart motorway is safe to use by bikers or not.

Keep reading further to understand better whether motorcycles are allowed to use bus lanes or even allowed to observe lane splitting.

Usage Of Bus Lanes By Motorcycle Riders:

Those regions that allow using bus lanes by motorcyclists have specific conditions for that as well. One can use the bus lane only outside the bus operating hours.

Using bus lanes when allowed helps reduce the congestion caused due to significant traffic. Below you can see different routes permitted to use by motorways motorbikes.

Permission To Using Different Routes For Bike Riders:

There are several lanes and routes where motorcyclists are allowed to ride anytime. However, on a few roads bike riders are prohibited.

1. Crawler And Climbing Lanes

The lines on steep hills for different vehicles are crawler and climbing lanes. Like other vehicles the motorbike riders can also use these lanes.

2. Transit Routes

It is possible to use lane numbers T2 and T3 by motorbike or scooter. These are carpooling lanes to accommodate vehicles with two or three persons and some other conveyances like cars, bicycles, and buses, which reduce traffic impacts.

When driving in the same lane, the motorcycle riders should keep an eye over the vehicles entering the bus lanes to increase safety.

3. Cycle Lane And Pavements

Motorbikes have been banned from using bicycle routes or pavements, people could cross them to get into and exit the side of the highway. Cycle tracks are usually restricted for bike users.

Therefore whenever you see blue signs showing the lane only for bicycles, then avoid going to that route because you may be charged with a fine for that.

4. Red Routes

In London, motorcyclists can use most red routes (indicated by one or double red lines). Still, Motorcyclists are advised to check at every intersection because not all the red ways are allowed for usage by bikers.

5. Filtering

Motorbikes ease congestion, and can divide lanes by filtering traffic but only when it is safe. Getting caught breaking the route will be punished as an additional fine.

6. Cycle Routes And Footpaths

Motorcyclists are prohibited from riding on a cycle route unless they have a bike or walk path. The maximum fine for unauthorized use in the cycling lane is $250.

7. High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes

Motorbikes are allowed access to High occupancy vehicle roads. They are available for vehicles with more people, bikes, motorbikes, and buses. Sometimes these lanes are restricted for trucks if they are loaded with over particular weight.

Did You Know? California was the first State to permit motorcycle riders to ride between lanes.

States That Have Banned Motorcycles From Using Bus Lanes

Certain states, such as Illinois, have entirely banned lane filtering, lane sharing, and lane splitting.

On most roads, cameras are installed if you break any rule of crossing the lane or entering any other route, you would be fined and may be punished by the city officials.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can motorcycles use bus lanes in the United Kingdom?

In England, cycling can be performed on bus routes. When a blue bus lane sign has a photo of a bicycle, it may allow bicycle use in its lane. But if a bike icon does not exist on the blue sign, it shows that bicycles are forbidden from traveling on bus routes.

Can motorbikes use bus lanes?

It might surprise you; however, motorcycles in the ACT are permitted to use Bus Lanes.

Can motorcycles use bus lanes in NSW?

There are two sorts in NSW for bus lanes. One type is bus-only lanes used by only buses, while in other types of the bus lane, along with the public buses and mini busses, taxis, hire vehicles with HC number plates, motorcycles, and bicycles are also permitted.

Can motorbikes use cycle lanes in London?

In London, motorcyclists are prohibited from pavements or cycle lanes usage. They can only cross through for exiting or entering a driveway.

Wrap Up:

The clear answer to the question of whether motorcycles can use bus lanes is that it depends on the regional councils and authorities.

In some areas using bus lanes by motorcycle riders is allowed. At the same time, in other regions, it is banned, and few local authorities will permit the use of bus lanes only during the hours when buses are outside the operation.

It is essential to note the signboard at the intersection by the motorcycle riders before using the bus lanes.

If no blue advisory sign allows bikers to use bus lanes, then do not enter bus routes because you may have to pay heavy fines if bus lanes are not allowed for the bike riders. For more information, please refer here to learn more about bikers using bus lanes.