'Make London safer for motorcycles to save lives and reduce congestion'

Shamefully, City Hall’s anti-car ideology means Transport for London (TfL) often forgets motorcyclists and their safety. That’s why I have published a new report, Safer Ride, setting out how the mayor and TfL could make London safer for motorcycles to save lives.

My report calls for the mayor to work with delivery companies and large providers in the gig economy, which increasingly use motorcycles, to provide training and set a voluntary standard.

He must also use his political influence to ensure a consistent approach across London’s boroughs so motorcyclists can use bus lanes. This would significantly improve motorcyclists’ safety and end confusion over which bus lanes motorcyclists can use.

The mayor must also ensure motorcyclists are represented in TfL. He could do this by extending the walking and cycling commissioner’s remit to include motorcycles and setting up a Motorcyclist Reference Group to draw attention to motorcycling-related issues.

Keith Prince and colleagues unveiled a fully-costed amendment to the mayor's budget which would have frozen council tax (Image: City Hall)

If London’s roads worked for motorcycles, it would make them a more attractive transport option. A study in Belgium found that if 10 per cent of drivers switched to motorbikes, time losses for all vehicles would fall by 40pc and emissions would be cut by 6pc. A 25pc shift would eliminate congestion.

By making London safe for motorcycles, the mayor could transform the capital, save lives, reduce congestion, and improve air quality.