Motorcycles to Begin Using Bus Lanes

Motorcycles and mopeds will be allowed to use bus lanes in Tel Aviv, after a test period on two main thoroughfares showed that the two-wheeled vehicles and the buses and taxis that use the lanes could coexist. The plan is to eventually expand access for two-wheeled vehicles to bus lanes throughout the country.

In recent months, police have been cracking down on cars traveling in bus lanes. Cameras have been placed in many bus lanes in Tel Aviv, and summonses are being sent to drivers via mail based on photos taken of their vehicles by the cameras. While there is no choice but to keep cars out of those lanes, a question remained about motorcycles and mopeds – ubiquitous on the streets of Tel Aviv, and generally seeking out any space between cars and lanes in order to get ahead, sometimes dangerously so.

As a result of the increased enforcement and the use of cameras, it was decided that a trial would be conducted to determine if the two-wheeled vehicles could safely use the public transportation lanes. A study released at the end of the six-month trial period indicated that the two-wheeled vehicles could safely drive along with buses and taxis in the public transportation lanes.

“Under all circumstances examined, including at corners and next to bus stops, the new arrangements did not substantially change or aggravate the ‘conflict’ between two-wheeled vehicles and other vehicles. All potential conflicts were resolved without incident,” leading to the conclusion that there would be no harm in opening up the public transportation lanes to motorcycles and mopeds, the report said.