MOTORCYCLISTS will be able to use red route bus lanes in London from January.

Under plans unveiled by Boris Johnson they will be able to share the lanes with buses, cyclists and licensed black taxis on a trial basis for 18 months.

If the trial is deemed to be a success then the change will be made permanent.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: “Londoners know that I am determined to make it easier for them to get from A to B in our great city.

“And I have long been staggered that while motorcyclists can use bus lanes in many other cities and some of our boroughs they were not allowed to use the Transport for London (TfL) red routes that crisscross the capital.

“One of the ways we can ease congestion is by encouraging more people to get on their bike, whether pedal or powered, and I believe they should be able to share our bus lanes successfully and safely.

“At the end of the trial period I will listen carefully to the views of all our road users and then make a decision about whether this should be a permanent arrangement.”

Red routes are the roads across the capital owned by TfL.

The trial starts on January 5 and will include motorbikes, mopeds, scooters and tricycles (motorcycles with three wheels).

Bikes with sidecars will not be allowed in the affected red route bus lanes.