Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I was heading to work a few mornings back and as I rode through Southampton there's a bit of road where the traffic always back up for a few hundred yards. Filtering to the right of the queue is not really an option as a central reservation limits the room I'd have to play with. To the left of the queue is a bus lane. So, obviously, when I reach the queue I tuck the bike into the bus lane and ride on at 15mph or so alongside the stationary traffic.

On Tuesday there was a Police 4x4 sat at the end of the bus lane waiting to catch all the idiots who use the bus lane for queue jumping. I didn't think there was much point in ducking back into the traffic as they'd already seen me so I carried on. As I drew up to the Police an officer stepped into the road to block my path. I nodded to him to acknowledge that I was stopping and I was preparing myself for an argument with him when to my surprise and utter joy he waved me through and stopped the car behind me.

I was laughing my arse off all the way to work as I thought of those unhappy car drivers who'd been pulled over. Bikes rock!! I guess the rules of the road don't apply to bikers!? Does that mean all bus lanes are fair game or is habitual abuse likely to get my wrists slapped? Anyone else use them to by-pass the rush hour queues?

wtf??

Here in Australia motorcycles are legally allowed to use bus only lanes. It is a great perk that I take advantage of at every opportunity.

I just came back from a trip to England (born there, family still lives there) and I was surprised by the lack of police I saw!!!!! I go back every few years and this was the worse showing for the poor ol PC. My family said its rare to see any police out and about unless they're on the way to a call.

Interesting topic though, I always enjoy telling drivers that bikes are legally allowed to use the HOV lanes here in the US. Normally HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes are reserved for cars with 2 or more people in them are like gold dust in rush hour. This news always leaves drivers with a look of dismay!

Of course, I've never taken advantage of it, not being sure how unknowing drivers would deal with the site of me zipping along while they're stuck in traffic. With all the road rage around it wouldn't surprise me if they'd do something as I came past........

In most states, the bus lanes are the same as the HOV or carpool lanes which motorcyles can use in most states.

Also, in some states it is legal to ride between traffic on motorcycles and bicycles. Crazy maybe, but legal! It is usually illegal to ride on shoulders, however.

sickchilly wrote:In most states, the bus lanes are the same as the HOV or carpool lanes which motorcyles can use in most states.

Also, in some states it is legal to ride between traffic on motorcycles and bicycles. Crazy maybe, but legal! It is usually illegal to ride on shoulders, however.

saw a motorcycle turn lane today!!!! in the middle!!! OMFG!!!

I have used the bus lanes over here quite a bit, and have often gone past the police. Never been stopped for it. I know that some town councils have said it is fine, other have put major restrictions on it. Here in Nottingham it seems to be more of a grey-area than anything...

Careful in London. I got fined 60 quid for nipping in to a bus lane for aboujt 20 feet.

sv-wolf wrote:Careful in London. I got fined 60 quid for nipping in to a bus lane for aboujt 20 feet.

After seeing it in a car, I have no intention of ever riding my bike into London!

It's not so bad. Riding in London is bloody good for training the reflexes (and for exercising the middle finger).