I write in reply to Stephen Brooks's letter of December 26 welcoming motorbikes in bus lanes.

Ealing Cycling Campaign does not welcome the move for a number of reasons:

It is interesting to list the groups we consulted prior to the scheme going ahead: The Freight Transport Association, The Road Haulage Association, The Post Office, The Consideration of Passenger Transport,

The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, The RAC, The AA, all of TfL's Bus Operators, London Travelwatch, various departments within TfL and the Disabled Persons' Transport Committee.

Pedestrian and cycling organisations were only consulted at the last minute following pressure for these two groups to be involved.

Not all boroughs are carrying through with the scheme, which should make life interesting for all road users at the borders of two boroughs.

The report Mr Brooks mentions does make interesting reading.

Phrases such as 'motor bike speed increased', 'inconclusive evidence', 'limited advantages', 'overall little useful monitoring has been carried out', 'mixed effect on safety' spring out time and time again.

The introduction of fast, high acceleration and manoeuvrable motorbikes into bus lanes used by slow moving buses, cyclists and pedestrians can surely only lead to increased conflict for everyone.

Bear in mind that motorbikes are five times as likely as cars to be involved in collisions, which cause serious injuries, and about three times as likely as cars to be involved in collisions; twice as likely to be in collisions which cause serious fatalities.

For pedestrian injuries, motorbikes compare even more unfavourably: per mile travelled they are about 3.8 times as likely as cars to be involved in collisions slightly or seriously injuring pedestrians, and more than four times as likely to be involved in killing them.

I conclude with the words of the Mayor of London regarding the matter: 'I believe they (motor and pedal cyclists) should be able to share our bus lanes sucessfully and safely.'

An interesting use of the word 'should' there - it's a matter of faith.

DAVID EALES

Ealing Cycling Campaign