Bill Plant driving school

[Peowpeowpeowlasers]

I had a much more constructive chat today, with a nice officer at Stretford station. She'd watched the video and admitted that she didn't know much about roads policing, but didn't take the opportunity to criticise me in any way. Instead she told me exactly what she was going to do, which was contact a traffic officer friend of hers to get advice. We had a good chat about cycling, road safety, etc, and I felt that she was taking me very seriously.

She phoned me up an hour or so later. Her trafpol friend had watched the video and agreed that the driver's behaviour was unacceptable. I told her I wasn't bothered if he was prosecuted or simply warned, so long as he modified his behaviour to show more courtesy and consideration for vulnerable road users like cyclists.

I can't say any more right now in case interested parties are watching (doubtful but best to be safe), but I'm happy that my complaint is being taken very seriously.

Oh and as his colleague was so nice, I decided not to bother complaining about the other PC. I simply asked if the trafpol mate could "educate" him on certain matters, so that in future he wouldn't be an ignorant bellend.

 

[400bhp]

A... I cannot believe that those words came out of a Cops mouth

Neither can I. Astonishing.

It's one of those stories you read about when there has be systemic failing of some organisation.

It has some similarities with telling a rape victim she was wearing a short skirt.

 

[400bhp]

I had a much more constructive chat today, with a nice officer at Stretford station. She'd watched the video and admitted that she didn't know much about roads policing, but didn't take the opportunity to criticise me in any way. Instead she told me exactly what she was going to do, which was contact a traffic officer friend of hers to get advice. We had a good chat about cycling, road safety, etc, and I felt that she was taking me very seriously.

She phoned me up an hour or so later. Her trafpol friend had watched the video and agreed that the driver's behaviour was unacceptable. I told her I wasn't bothered if he was prosecuted or simply warned, so long as he modified his behaviour to show more courtesy and consideration for vulnerable road users like cyclists.

I can't say any more right now in case interested parties are watching (doubtful but best to be safe), but I'm happy that my complaint is being taken very seriously.

Oh and as his colleague was so nice, I decided not to bother complaining about the other PC. I simply asked if the trafpol mate could "educate" him on certain matters, so that in future he wouldn't be an ignorant bellend.

Excellent. And a good sensible attitude. Hats off to you.

BTW I live in Timperley so know the roads from the 2 incidents you posted. Completely agree with your pavement cycling on the A556. Trouble is, in that area it's very difficult to get across it without cycling on it.

 

[Peowpeowpeowlasers]

Completely agree with your pavement cycling on the A556. Trouble is, in that area it's very difficult to get across it without cycling on it.

There's a few places but none are ideal. The one I use most often, especially at this time of year when it's so cold (and my rides are much shorter) is from Chapel Lane to Mereside Road. A big lights-controlled junction that's fine, although the sensors are tricky to trigger. Another crossing is between Pickmere Lane and Tabley Hill Lane, but that's technically dodgy as you have to use a right-turn hole in the reservation. Still, I'd rather do that than risk the massive M6 roundabout. There's another crossing near Lostock Gralam station that's built for pedestrians. That's pretty good but again you have to use the pavement.

That road cuts through the countryside like a motorway, only very little provision is made for anything other than motorised vehicles. Not ideal.

 

[Headgardener]

There's a few places but none are ideal. The one I use most often, especially at this time of year when it's so cold (and my rides are much shorter) is from Chapel Lane to Mereside Road. A big lights-controlled junction that's fine, although the sensors are tricky to trigger. Another crossing is between Pickmere Lane and Tabley Hill Lane, but that's technically dodgy as you have to use a right-turn hole in the reservation. Still, I'd rather do that than risk the massive M6 roundabout. There's another crossing near Lostock Gralam station that's built for pedestrians. That's pretty good but again you have to use the pavement.

That road cuts through the countryside like a motorway, only very little provision is made for anything other than motorised vehicles. Not ideal.

There is plenty of land to widen the footpath and make it shared use for most of it's length. Perhaps a letter to the council highways department might start the ball rolling.

 

[ufkacbln]

We had a good chat about cycling, road safety, etc, and I felt that she was taking me very seriously.

You were being tested!

I had a similar chat with the Police and it became evident that once they established that I was a knowledgeable, safe and experienced cyclist, the attitude changed

 

[Peowpeowpeowlasers]

The driver has been spoken to, he was apparently shocked and doesn't recall the incident, but was able to show the officer that he had a learner at about the time the incident occurred. I'm pretty sure there's noone in the passenger seat but regardless, it's no excuse - he has a spare set of pedals and the ability to reach the steering wheel, so it should never have happened. Personally I'm worried that if I take him at his word, a driving instructor was unaware that a vehicle he was driving or instructing in almost hit a cyclist.

Anyhow, his employer knows about it too (the police contacted them to get his details). He wants the video deleted but that ain't going to happen. Best thing I think he can do in that regard is post an apology on the video page, and then I'll update the description to suit. He'd certainly gain my respect by doing so.

 

[growingvegetables]

Result!

Although the instructor scares me far more now than when I watched the video .

And like your updating, but not deleting, the video.

 

[gambatte]

Hopefully 2 'professionals' gained some level of re-education then ?