Bus Lanes

[Ravenz]

I live where bus lanes are a rarity .. (is this a blessing?).. judging by the grief 'n hassle people have when they ride in them.

I am confused....

1) Are cyclists allowed to ride in Bus Lanes legally?
2) Does anyone know of any comments from interested parties concerning usage by cyclists - Bus Companies/Councils/Police?

3) Is it best NOT to use the bus lane and clog up the other lane until that merry day when all vehicle drivers throw arms up into the air and jump onto 2 wheels..? like it was in China not so long ago.. but that's going off into a tangent..........................................................................

 

[marinyork]

1) Yes. See signs. Bus lanes vary. Some are 24hrs, some are not. Some allow cyclists (some technically do not). Some allow motorcyclists (some do not).

Bus lanes/gates are problematic as sections of them are sometimes mislabelled. There's at least one near me where the bus lane is clearly labelled for use to cyclists and then later on the just says on the tarmac "buses only" for space constraints when cyclists are infact allowed to use it. There are other examples such as right and left turns where it is unclear whether whoever designed it meant for cyclists to be included or not or whether they just totally forgot about them.

 

[biking_fox]

The hardest decision is deciding where you shoudl ride in them.

If you ride in secondary you'll have buses overtaking you and pulling in to bus stops, and drivers nosing out at you, as well as turning left etc.

But if you take a very wide position to allow buses to undertake or you'll obstruct them (I cycle fast enough to keep clear) and you ar ein danger of cars dipping into the lane as well.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

1) Yes. See signs. Bus lanes vary. Some are 24hrs, some are not. Some allow cyclists (some technically do not). Some allow motorcyclists (some do not).

Bus lanes/gates are problematic as sections of them are sometimes mislabelled. There's at least one near me where the bus lane is clearly labelled for use to cyclists and then later on the just says on the tarmac "buses only" for space constraints when cyclists are infact allowed to use it. There are other examples such as right and left turns where it is unclear whether whoever designed it meant for cyclists to be included or not or whether they just totally forgot about them.

nice description - never sure exactly what to do at Hammersmith Bridge for example

 

[hackbike 6]

If you ride in secondary you'll have buses overtaking you and pulling in to bus stops, and drivers nosing out at you, as well as turning left etc.

Aye I notice that.Although if you get a bus overtake you,you generally know they are going to do a "dive bomber" routine for a bus stop.