Apology from Biffa

[thomas]

On friday I posted this onto youtube:


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mckyvsKj5_0


I didn't really find it that dangerous, but a bit annoying. I was expecting it to happen so was prepared. I wasn't going to do anything, but everyone who commented said to write to Biffa. I sent a quick email, as it would only take a moment and couldn't hurt.

I said:

To Whom it May Concern,
When I was cycling to work this morning, I was pulled out on in the last second by one of your drivers.

Due to the number of close overtakes and experiences of poor driving I have experienced, I use a helmet camera when cycling to work and footage of the incident has been uploaded onto youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mckyvs...

Unfortunately due to a camera error part of the clip is missing, however you can see how late he left it and how close I came, even with swerving and braking.

I am emailing to ask you to remind the driver to wait patiently at junctions, rather than pulling out onto other road users in the future. Along with this, please can you remind this driver to give extra care in regard to cyclists.

This incident occurred around 9 o'clock (05/06/09) on the junction of Woodlands Rd and Oaklawn RD, Leatherhead.

I am sure this is not the standard of driving you expect from your drivers as the load in the back, shouldn't influence their driving style.

I look forward to hearing your outcome. If you require any more details, or a picture of the driver please let me know.

Kindest Regards,
Thomas Etherington

I had a quick reply which seems positive. The email is riddled with spelling mistakes and errors like that, but...I don't want this to sound horrible or rude, but maybe that comes with the job. Is that a fair assessment?

Assuming the response was legitimate, I think the outcome is fair and thought I'd share it.

Dear Mr Etherington
I have reviewed your Video footage to see one of my vehicles pull out on a road into the path of you and your bike. You are correct when you point out this is not the way we expect our drivers to drive. I have this morning had the drive in the office to show him you're footage. After much discussion the drive has admitted that he failed to judge the gap between you both. He has asked me to forward his sincere apologise for his actions. He has indicated that this near miss will help refocus his driving style to be more aware when puling out at road junctions. My I offer Biffas apologies at the same time for any frustration this near miss may of caused to yourself and offer some reassurance that the drive has learnt from this incident. I would just like to add that as part of our ongoing training with our staff I will be using your footage in part of our refresher training programs. This will give our drivers an insight to the pedestrians view on the road.

Regards
Ian Nolan
Biffa Waste Services
Depot Manger

 

[mknash]

That's good to hear the company taking an interest. Never sure whether they do talk to the drivers but at least they have made the right noises.

I did get profuse apologies from a local building company once who even paid for my new rim after a side swipe.

Gotta get me some kinda cam, they rock!

 

[thomas]

Gotta get me some kinda cam, they rock!

You've probably unleashed the usual camera wearers Vs camera haters arguments ...I'm sure someone will now post how I caused the Biffa lorry to pull out and how it is entirely my fault. T'is what usually happens.

 

[jig-sore]

You've probably unleashed the usual camera wearers Vs camera haters arguments ...I'm sure someone will now post how I caused the Biffa lorry to pull out and how it is entirely my fault. T'is what usually happens.

actually i think this is exactly the right kind of clip to be posting on you tube. there is no "opinion" to it, that was really bad driving.

 

[Jake]

i guess its a case of, "if i wait here for the bike, i will be stuck in this layby for ages as more cars are coming up the road. its only a bike and it can slow down and move out the way."

 

[mknash]

Ooooh, didn't know there was a usual argument

/me sits back with popcorn

 

[grhm]

Looks like a positive response. I'd see the spelling errors/typos as a sign that this has been dealt with swiftly by someone busy - i.e. it's not a carefully crafted PR response designed to placate and/or fob off. Probably means that Ian is the local (or relevant) manager, and not just some headoffice PR rep, who has indeed had a word with the driver and then fired off the above email.

(Not seen the footage - just commenting on the emails)

 

[thomas]

Ooooh, didn't know there was a usual argument

/me sits back with popcorn

hah.

actually i think this is exactly the right kind of clip to be posting on you tube. there is no "opinion" to it, that was really bad driving.

If User76 was here he would claim I signalled the guy across just to get cut up.

Looks like a positive response. I'd see the spelling errors/typos as a sign that this has been dealt with swiftly by someone busy - i.e. it's not a carefully crafted PR response designed to placate and/or fob off. Probably means that Ian is the local (or relevant) manager, and not just some headoffice PR rep, who has indeed had a word with the driver and then fired off the above email.

(Not seen the footage - just commenting on the emails)

It could be taken two ways and I think that way is probably correct. I don't say this as a bad thing, but the guy probably wasn't hired for his literacy skills, but at least he's taken responsibility and sorted it out.

I wonder if I'll see the rubbish truck on Friday again (do I wave, smile?).

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

Ooooh, didn't know there was a usual argument

/me sits back with popcorn

There's a usual argument for everything on here!

1. RLJing
2. Helmet Wearing
3. Lights on bikes
4. How to climb hills
5. How to descend
6. How to clean your chain
.
.
.
.
1,346,987 How to trim brake cables using only an apple core, a piece of dried lint and an ear muff.

<< ad nauseum >>



Love the place though!

 

[grhm]

1,346,987 How to trim brake cables using only an apple core, a piece of dried lint and an ear muff.

That's not one I've seen before - I'll have to check you-tube for a instructional video when I get home...

 

[thomas]

I emailed him back just thanking him and asking if he wanted the raw footage

Please can you let me have a link so I can put the footage onto DVD. This will allow me to send out to the rest of the company as a training aid.

Regards

Ian Nolan
Biffa Waste Services

Assuming it's not a wind up it shows that helmet camera footage can be put to good use

 

[PBancroft]

That's really pretty good. I would be damned proud of that if I were you, and I would be very surprised if it was a wind up (considering it was from a corporate email (I assume) and all).

For what its worth, however, my first response to this thread was "what has Mr. Biffo done?"

I'm so nineties.

 

[thomas]

That's really pretty good. I would be damned proud of that if I were you, and I would be very surprised if it was a wind up (considering it was from a corporate email (I assume) and all).

Annoying thing is I cut the footage at work in my lunch break, so will need to take a spare SD card to bring it home.

It's nice when companies actually take an interest. I've just lost a lot of faith in honestly after dealing with First buses.

 

[hackbike 666]

Im a bit sceptical when it comes to sending videos in whether it would have a positive or negative effect.If I was the driver it would be easy for me in the office with my guvnor,to plead insanity.

Hopefully he may think twice next time.

 

[PBancroft]

Annoying thing is I cut the footage at work in my lunch break, so will need to take a spare SD card to bring it home.

It's nice when companies actually take an interest. I've just lost a lot of faith in honestly after dealing with First buses.

An interesting thing I heard on the radio the other day about how we Brits complain, and how Americans tend to complain. Apparently, and contradicting stereotypes, Americans tend to complain because they want to change things and make it better.

We Brits tend to complain because we think things are shoot and want our money back.

I think if more people do what you seem to have done, and complain to change the status quo to make it better for others it will eventually make a difference.