Can motorcycles use bus lanes?

Keith Edwards, has been a solicitor in the personal injury for several years, and over the years she have represented several clients who have been riding in a bus lane when a motorbike accident has taken place. As a result, this is a subject she is very passionate about.

He comments:

“I have learnt there is no short answer to this question, as the law on using bus lanes varies depending on where you are. There are two ways to know if you can ride in a bus lane or not; one is to look at the council’s website for that particular area, and the other is to check the blue information signs at the side of the road.”

In this article, our experts explore:

• What the rules are around motorbikes using bus lanes in the UK
• How penalties are issued
• Bus lane access varies across different UK cities
• What motorcycle groups are campaigning for
• The key signage riders need to look out for
• What happens if an accident occurs in a bus lane

What are the penalties for using a bus lane? 

If you end up in a bus lane that prohibits motorcycles, you could be hit with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The fine amount varies across the UK, sometimes this penalty is reduced by a percentage if paid within 14 days. In some areas, like London, further charges apply if you fail to pay the PCN within 28 days.

Penalty charges are issued to the registered keeper who is liable to pay the fine, so if you lend your bike to a friend and they get caught in a bus lane, the fine will come directly to you. The registered keeper can appeal a notice if, for example, their bike was stolen at the time the penalty was incurred. 

The council can issue fines using camera evidence, and the police can also issue fines.

Motorcyclists should always check local signage to ensure they are allowed in the lane.

Should bikers be allowed in all bus lanes? 

Government guidance encourages local authorities to consider allowing motorcycles in bus lanes where appropriate. While there has been ongoing discussion about making motorcycle access the default, decisions remain at the discretion of each local council.

Motorcycle groups, such as the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), have long campaigned for wider access to bus lanes, highlighting potential benefits for safety, congestion, and efficiency.

At present, rules vary by area, so motorcyclists should always check local signage and council guidance before using a bus lane.

Here are some examples of what cities across England stipulate:

Liverpool 

Typically, if you are caught entering, stopping or driving in a bus lane in Liverpool, you risk being issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

Manchester

In most areas of Manchester, motorcycles are not permitted in bus lanes. Bus lane rules in Manchester can vary depending on location and time.

Signs that are displayed ahead of the lane indicate what restrictions apply.

Some bus lanes operate only during certain hours; if no times are shown, the lane restrictions are in effect 24 hours a day. During restricted hours, only certain vehicles, such as buses, black cabs, and bicycles are permitted. Motorcycles are not allowed in these lanes during restricted times and may risk a fine if used.

London 

In some areas of London, bus lane usage for motorbikes is allowed. However, be aware that each London borough has its own rules about using bus lane, which can be confusing for riders who are unfamiliar with the area.

According to Begin Motorcycling, many tfl red routes in London generally allow for motorcycles to use their bus lane. However, restrictions still apply on some of these routes, always follow local signage and road markings to ensure compliance.

Leeds  

Some bus lanes in Leeds now allow motorcycles.

Leeds City Council ran a 12-month trial on the A65 (Kirkstall Road) allowing motorcycles to use the bus lane. This trial was later made permanent. So on that particular stretch, motorcyclists are allowed in the bus lane.

However this does not apply to all bus lanes in Leeds – therefore it is paramount that riders always check and familiarise themselves with local signs.

So…can motorbikes use bus lanes in the UK?

There is no UK law granting motorcycles universal access to bus lanes. Historically, motorcycle access has been restricted, with rules typically set by local councils.

Motorcycles can use bus lanes in some parts of the UK, but not all. Rules can vary depending on location, so it’s important to always check local signage and guidance before riding.

To avoid a fine or confusion, only use bus lanes where the signs explicitly allow motorcycles.

Exceptions

If a bus lane allows motorcycles, you should see one of these signs on the road by the roadside.

Always look for:

• Road signage showing a motorcycle icon, staying permitted, then you’re OK to use the lane. 

• If it is outside of the stated times, then you’re OK to use the lane.
  
• If there is no motorcycle shown on the sign and it’s within the times stated, don’t cross into the bus lane.
• If no times are shown, then the lane is in operation 24 hours a day and therefore, the restrictions apply at all times.

Bus Lane Signage allowing motorcyclists 

Safety Tips

• Check signs carefully before entering a bus lane, and remember restrictions can vary by the area and by the time of day.

• Be aware of other road users. Even if allowed, buses have priority and the lane likely be use by cyclists and taxis too.

• Bus lanes can be narrow or have bus stop bypasses where accidents may occur.

• Familiarise yourself with local routes if riding in an unfamiliar city to avoid fines or confusion.

• Local rules can change, keep up with changes.

What happens if you have an accident in a bus lane?

So, what happens if you’re riding your motorcycle in a bus lane and a car in another lane turns across your pathway, what should you do?  

There is a clear duty on any motorist to check whether a  lane is clear before crossing it, bus lane or not. Even if the motorcyclist was not meant to be in the lane at the time, it could have been a taxi or a cyclist in the bus lane, and the duty of care remains.

In these situations, you are best to seek legal advice from a specialist motorbike accident solicitor. While you may need to accept some responsibility for the accident to reflect that you should not have been using the bus lane at the time of the accident, this doesn’t mean you won’t have a case. Your legal team will examine the evidence available, and using their expertise, can help you achieve the best possible outcome.    

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorbike accident, seek specialist legal support – call us on 0330 013 0251 or contact us online.