From the 5th of January 2009 motorcyclists (without sidecars) will be allowed to ride in red route bus lanes in London as part of an 18 month trial. This should reduce motorcycling accidents and reduce their journey times.

Only red route bus lanes with motorcycles displayed on signs will be available for motorcyclists to use, decisions on borough roads are for the individual boroughs to decide.

Though the trial is seen as a good thing by the capitals motorcycling community, there may be increased dangers in certain road safety areas.

Pedestrian accidents may occur where people not aware of the trial cross without expecting or checking correctly for motorcycles using the bus lanes.

Cycle accidents could increase if motorbikes pass too close or too quickly and startle cyclists. Motorcyclists should not undertake and should give cyclists plenty of room, and also assume they are not aware of their presence.

Bus accidents involving motorcyclists may increase where busses may not expect them to be in their proximity as the make manoeuvres.

Motorcyclists should be aware that a lot of the capitals bus lanes are badly worn with the likelihood of pot holes or raised manholes. Diesel spillage is also commonplace in bus lanes making the surface very slippery.

Though there is a possible increase in some types of road accidents, motorcyclists will be further away from cars which will have the potential to reduce massively the amount of car accidents with motorcycles.

Transport for London (TfL) who are running and monitoring the trial hope it proves to be a success which would then lead to the regulations becoming permanent.

Motorcyclists must not forget this is a trial on certain red route bus lanes, they must always check the signage as the trial will come to an end, and not all bus lanes allow motorcyclists to use them.