Toronto’s municipal government has agreed to let motorcyclists use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes controlled by the city, even with only one rider aboard. The change is effective May 1st, 2008.

City councillor Case Ootes announced on Wednesday that a motion to let motorcycles and scooters into HOV lanes passed in council. City staff now will amend bylaws to formalize the matter.

This is not something that came easily, with municipal government staff recommending that single-rider motorcycles be kept out of HOV lanes when the HOV lanes were originally announced.

However, pressure from motorcycle lobby groups convinced councillors that allowing motorcycles into the lanes makes environmental and economical sense, and would improve, or at least not worsen, safety.

HOV lane signs will be changed over time, but for now, motorcycle stickers will be put on them. Toronto will also advise other Ontario jurisdictions with HOV lanes that this change has taken place.

This news comes as a huge relief to riders in Toronto and is a great step forward for motorcycle safety. Hopefully other municipalities will also ammend their local bylaws and finally a change to the Provincial HTA would be nice allowing motorcycles on highway HOV lanes.