Motorcycles

We support motorcycle riders in a number of ways:

• Allowing them to use the majority of bus lanes.
• Maintaining highway suitability for all road users.
• Providing free parking in many locations around the city centre.
• Supporting education programmes to ensure that other road users are aware of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds.

Motorcyclists using bus lanes

Motorcyclists are permitted to use those bus lanes where the sign illustrated on the right, incorporating the motorcyclist symbol, is displayed. There are certain bus lanes where, for road safety and environmental reasons, use will continue to be restricted to buses and pedal cyclists only. These include Broad Quay on the centre and the Bus Gate by the bus station.

How to ride safely in bus lanes

• Ride below the speed limit at a speed appropriate to the road, traffic and weather conditions.
• Watch out for pedestrians stepping suddenly into the road and exercise caution when approaching pedestrian crossings.
• Show consideration to other users and give cyclists plenty of room.
• Give way to buses whenever you can and look out for people leaving the bus and crossing the road.
• Look out for vehicles pulling into the bus lane from the offside to turn into side roads and accesses at the end of the bus lane.

Other road users

Motorcycles can be very quiet. Take care to look out for motorcyclists when crossing the bus lanes as a pedestrian. As a driver look out for them when turning across bus lanes or when pulling over into the nearside lane at the end of the bus lane.

Training courses

Passed your test? Now is the time to develop your riding skills and share your interest and experience with other motorcyclists. Below is a list of various groups to contact and training courses you could take:

• Avon and Somerset Constabulary have developed the "Ride to Arrive" scheme which provides both weekend and one day safety seminars for members of the public with a full licence and any size machine. The courses bring together Police Officers and members of the public to help promote road safety awareness, reduce casualties and prevent collisions.
  View Avon & Somerset Constabulary's Bikesafe & Ride 2 Arrive page for further information on the courses or telephone 01823 363 200.

• ACE Motorcycle Training provides a full range of motorcycle training courses from CBT to 125cc Test to Direct Access Course (DAS) for the over 21s.
  View Ace Motorcycle Training for more information or telephone 0117 972 1333.

• Institute of Advanced Motorists has a motorcycle section of the group. The group organises social events and has an associate membership scheme. An experienced rider is assigned to an associate member to give practical guidance in preparation for the Institute of Advanced Motorists test.
  View Institute of Advanced Motorists' Rides section for more information.

• Kick Start is a motorcycle training school based in Keynsham and provides a range of courses. For information visit Kickstart Motorcycle Training in Bristol, Keynsham, Portishead and Clevedon or telephone 0117 986 6200.

• Phoenix Motorcycle Training offers a full range of motorcycle training courses.

Driving Standards Agency provides information on the Compulsory Basic Training course on the gov.uk website for learners and other motorcycle tests.

Motorcycle parking in Bristol city centre

Bristol city centre motorcycle parking map

Motorcycle and scooter parking leaflet (pdf, 0.9 MB) (opens new window) (2008) shows parking facilities in Bristol City centre. The leaflet does not include Cabot Circus.

Pay & Display and On-Street parking bays

You can park in on-street bays, but you have to pay the standard charge.

Cycle parking bays

Parking is defined by the restriction. In most cases a yellow line apply to the pavement, therefore, a motorcycle cannot be parked on the pavement adjacent to a yellow line.

Parking at Cabot Circus

Motorcycle parking is available free of charge on the ground floor of the car park. There are two areas with a fixed bull bar for securing your bike.