VicRoads has commenced a six month trial allowing motorcycles and scooters to use the southbound bus lane on Hoddle Street, between the Eastern Freeway inbound off-ramp and Victoria Parade. This trial permits motorcycles to use the lane with existing users including buses, bicycles, taxis and class VHA/B/C (hire cars) vehicles.
View Media Release - New trial for motorcycles on Hoddle Street
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.
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