MOTOR cyclists could be allowed to use Glasgow’s bus lanes provided a transport strategy is approved by the administration.

Campaigners claimed motor bikes should not be “lumped” in with everyday traffic and permitted access to the 33km stretch of bus lanes across the city.

The petition which has 43 signatures was presented to Glasgow City Council’s wellbeing, empowerment, community and citizen engagement policy committee on Thursday afternoon.

It states: “Motorcycles make up a large number of vehicles on the road in the UK.

“In other cities around the country, like Edinburgh or London, motorcycles can travel freely using bus lanes.

“This in turn reduces traffic and is safer. Why not open up the use of often empty bus lanes to motorcycles and potentially reduce the risk to an already vulnerable road user.”

Activists and councillors discussed the proposal and the steps which could be taken to make it possible.

Steven Wykes of the Glasgow Motor Cycle Action Group said: “Motorcyclists are considered one of the three most vulnerable road user groups – the others being pedestrians and cyclists.

“Motor cycles should not be lumped in with cars. This would start a process which would solve Glasgow’s emission problems.”

But officials raised concerns about the proposals.

Council officer Christine Francis said: “Over the years we have taken the view that motorbikes do not need to use bus lanes.

“They are not a public service.

“There are 33km of bus lanes which should be saved for people travelling across the city. They are already used by private hire cars, taxis and cyclists. We will be considering the request as part of the transport strategy.”

Councillor Archie Graham said: “A motorbike user has the same status as a cyclist. I think it should be considered as part of the transport strategy.”

Members agreed to include the request as part of a transport strategy. Once completed the city administration committee will decide if it should be approved.