Vic Bus Lanes

I have been riding to the city each day for the last 7 working days in peak hour traffic.  I noticed that on Hoddle St there is a sign under the bus lane signs stating motorcycles allowed.  This made me wonder a few things.

• Are we allowed in all bus lanes like NSW, & ACT?
• Is the bus lane that starts on the freeway exit ramp included (The Red bit)?
• If using the bus lane do we use the 'B' traffic light or do we hold up the buses?

Finally got around to researching it this morning.

Motorcycle trial on Hoddle Street bus lane, Collingwood

Overview

VicRoads has commenced a six month trial allowing motorcycles and scooters to use the southbound bus lane on Hoddle Street. This trial permits motorcycles to use the lane with existing users including buses, bicycles, taxis and class VHA/B/C (hire cars) vehicles.

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday 4 November 2011 

The Hon Terry Mulder MP

Minister for Public Transport

Minister for Roads

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Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder, today announced a six month trial for motorcycles to use a bus lane on Hoddle Street in Collingwood.

“From later this month, motorcyclists will be able to ride in the Hoddle Street bus lane southbound between the Eastern Freeway inbound off-ramp and Victoria Parade,” said Mr Mulder.

“This trial aims to assess travel times and other benefits for motorcycles and determine if there are any impacts on buses and other road users.”

VicRoads has carefully explored options for this trial and identified Hoddle Street as the most appropriate site due to the number of road users, the length of the bus lane and the level of congestion during peak hours.

“This trial will conclude in mid-2012, after which VicRoads will compare data gathered from the before study with data gathered during the trial period,” said Mr Mulder.

“This information, along with community feedback, will be used to make an evidence based decision on whether to allow motorcycles to use bus lanes.”

An extensive trial for motorcycles using bus lanes in London is currently taking place. 

Motorcycles are also permitted to use bus lanes in some parts of NSW, ACT and New Zealand.

For more information or to provide feedback on the trial, all road users are encouraged to emailmotorcycletrial@roads.vic.gov.au or send letters to 499 Ballarat Road, Sunshine Victoria 3020.

 

Purpose

This trial aims to assess travel times and other benefits for motorcycles and determine if there are any impacts on buses and other road users.

The practice of motorcycles using bus lanes is not new. Motorcycles use bus lanes in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and throughout New Zealand. In the United Kingdom, trials of motorcycles using bus lanes are currently underway.

How will the trial be monitored?

VicRoads will compare data gathered from a before study with data gathered during the trial period. This information, along with community feedback, will inform any decision on whether or not to allow motorcycles and scooters to use bus lanes.

The trial will conclude in mid-2012.

Questions and answers 

Can motorcyclists use Hoddle Street southbound kerb side lane at all times?

Yes.

How do motorcyclists use the Hoddle Street bus lane during bus lane operating times?  

During the bus lane operating times, motorcyclists can: 

• proceed straight ahead or left at Truro Street
• proceed straight ahead or left at Gipps Street
• proceed straight ahead or left at Langridge Street
• only turn left from the bus lane at Victoria Street.

What are bus lane operating times?

7am to 9.30am Monday to Friday.

How do motorcyclists use the Hoddle Street kerb side lane at all other times? 

Outside bus lane operating times, motorcyclists must adhere to the same road rules as other road users.

Motorcyclists must obey the left turn arrows and signs at the intersections of Hoddle and Gipps Streets, Hoddle and Langridge Streets, and Hoddle and Victoria Streets.

Can motorcyclists use a bus signal or ‘B-signal’ to go straight?

‘B-signals’ are the traffic signals which allow buses to pass traffic queued at the intersection and make bus-only turns.

Motorcyclists can only use the B-signal to proceed at Hoddle and Truro Streets, Hoddle and Gipps Streets, and Hoddle and Langridge Streets during the bus lane operating times.

B-signals at the intersection of Hoddle Street and Victoria Street only apply to buses. At this location motorcyclists must follow the road rule as other road users.

More information
Please contact VicRoads for more information.
Phone: 13 11 71
Email: motorcycletrial@roads.vic.gov.au