Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will consider extending the use of bus lanes to include motor cyclists; if comparative studies of the accident rate involving motor cyclists have been undertaken and if these will be reduced by permitting the use by motorcycles of bus lanes. [11305/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 and 1998. The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus-based public transport. The regulations, which have national application, generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists also. Having regard to the role of taxis in providing on-street immediate hire service, an exemption to the restriction on the use of with-flow bus lanes is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business.

An overriding concern is the carrying capacity of bus lanes and the potential that their primary role to provide bus priority could be undermined if other vehicles are allowed access. I do not have any plans to extend access to bus lanes to motor cyclists.