Matthew_T
"Young and Ex-whippet"
- Location
- Prestatyn, North Wales
Sigh, yes another 'Matthew_T thread'. However, this one takes the biscuit.
I was cycling along and doing a good speed (about 25mph). I caught up to a bus stopped at a set of traffic lights, so started to filter past them. The lights then turned to amber as I was passing the bus so I sped up (from about 15mph) to pass him safely. I then shoulder checked and moved back in and accelerated up to 28mph. Immediately after the traffic lights was a bus stop with a ped signalling, so I figured I didnt cause the bus any problems.
I carried on and was aware of the bus catching me up. The speed limit on this road is 30mph, and the bus was doing more than that. He then came behind and passed me closely at speed with oncoming traffic.
I just tutted to myself and carried on.I then filtered past the bus again at the next set of lights as well as a few other cars infront of him.
However, when the bus came behind me the second time, I pointed to my camera to just let him know his manouvre had been filmed, and when did he do in return? He gave me the finger.
So after this gesture, I decided that his actions were not acceptable and I was going to have just a polite word.
I carried on and caught up to the bus at the main bus station. I approached the drivers window and politely said "Excuse me". The driver turned and said "What?" I notified him that I would be reporting him to the company and he asked me if I wanted a smack.
This really angered me. Not that he threatened me but that he threatened me when he knows he is going to get in trouble for it.
Apparently his initial excuse for overtaking me so close was because I had 'cut him up'. He claimed that I shoulder checked (yes, I did) and pulled out infront of him (no, I didnt).
A few more words were exchanged until I asked another employee if the manager was in the depot today. He said yes and then asked what had happened. I explained that he had overtaken too close and then flipped me off.
Then the original driver, and another driver came up to me and all three of them seemed to believe that if a cycle lane exists, then I legally have to use it and I am not allowed on the roads.
I explained to them that that was rubbish and I am entitled to use any road except an M road.
The second driver then said "Lets go ask them what they think". ('Them' referring to two rail police).
We walked over and had a chat with the two officers. The second driver then mentioned that I should get myself a copy of the highway code. I then remembered that I had a copy of the highway code with me. So I got it out and showed them a picture (the popular one) and rule 163. This kind of shocked the guy who then said that it wasnt true.
I concluded with saying to the second guy that he wasnt the driver and I would be reporting it anyway. I apologised to the two officers who suggested that I go to the depot and report it or go to the police station and get advice from them.
So after this, I headed to the depot. I asked to see the manager and went into a room with him. I explained what had happened and he took a statement. I am taking the video footage in tomorrow.The manager was very nice and took my concerns into account. He said that drivers should not be giving abuse to anyone, no matter what happens.
Just as I was leaving, I saw the driver waiting in the lobby. I havent checked my camera to see if he did anything yet, but I just ignored him and walked out.
Sorry about the length of this thread. And CONSTRUCTIVE critisizm is welcomed.
I was cycling along and doing a good speed (about 25mph). I caught up to a bus stopped at a set of traffic lights, so started to filter past them. The lights then turned to amber as I was passing the bus so I sped up (from about 15mph) to pass him safely. I then shoulder checked and moved back in and accelerated up to 28mph. Immediately after the traffic lights was a bus stop with a ped signalling, so I figured I didnt cause the bus any problems.
I carried on and was aware of the bus catching me up. The speed limit on this road is 30mph, and the bus was doing more than that. He then came behind and passed me closely at speed with oncoming traffic.
I just tutted to myself and carried on.I then filtered past the bus again at the next set of lights as well as a few other cars infront of him.
However, when the bus came behind me the second time, I pointed to my camera to just let him know his manouvre had been filmed, and when did he do in return? He gave me the finger.
So after this gesture, I decided that his actions were not acceptable and I was going to have just a polite word.
I carried on and caught up to the bus at the main bus station. I approached the drivers window and politely said "Excuse me". The driver turned and said "What?" I notified him that I would be reporting him to the company and he asked me if I wanted a smack.
This really angered me. Not that he threatened me but that he threatened me when he knows he is going to get in trouble for it.
Apparently his initial excuse for overtaking me so close was because I had 'cut him up'. He claimed that I shoulder checked (yes, I did) and pulled out infront of him (no, I didnt).
A few more words were exchanged until I asked another employee if the manager was in the depot today. He said yes and then asked what had happened. I explained that he had overtaken too close and then flipped me off.
Then the original driver, and another driver came up to me and all three of them seemed to believe that if a cycle lane exists, then I legally have to use it and I am not allowed on the roads.
I explained to them that that was rubbish and I am entitled to use any road except an M road.
The second driver then said "Lets go ask them what they think". ('Them' referring to two rail police).
We walked over and had a chat with the two officers. The second driver then mentioned that I should get myself a copy of the highway code. I then remembered that I had a copy of the highway code with me. So I got it out and showed them a picture (the popular one) and rule 163. This kind of shocked the guy who then said that it wasnt true.
I concluded with saying to the second guy that he wasnt the driver and I would be reporting it anyway. I apologised to the two officers who suggested that I go to the depot and report it or go to the police station and get advice from them.
So after this, I headed to the depot. I asked to see the manager and went into a room with him. I explained what had happened and he took a statement. I am taking the video footage in tomorrow.The manager was very nice and took my concerns into account. He said that drivers should not be giving abuse to anyone, no matter what happens.
Just as I was leaving, I saw the driver waiting in the lobby. I havent checked my camera to see if he did anything yet, but I just ignored him and walked out.
Sorry about the length of this thread. And CONSTRUCTIVE critisizm is welcomed.
) I do believe Matthew has a genuine cause for grievance. I love the bit about producing the Highway Code book 
