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I think they mean mandatory like the Belgian law where cyclists must use them if one is present. It won't happen anytime soon, the ruckus that follows passing that law with cycle lanes having to be made to a higher standard and so billions in adjustments/signs/whatever, most councils can't even get the hang of using the CLoS spreadsheet( https://www.cycling-embassy.org.uk/blog/2014/10/14/assessing-the-quality-of-cycling-provision-an-audit-tool-for-campaigners ).
I'm all for mandatory bike lanes if bus/taxi lanes have similar rules.