Complaint to TFL

[PK99]

A bus overtook me (@18/19mph) part pulled in to bus stop immediately in front, forcing me to stop, go around and pass on RHS. As i passed driver gesticulated out of window and said "There is a cycle lane over there"

15 mins later i posted a complaint on the TLF website.

TFL response:

Thank you for your email where I was very concerned to learn about your experiences. You won’t be surprised to learn that the safety of our passengers, as well as that of other road users, is an issue we take extremely seriously. Our drivers receive comprehensive training to enable them to perform their duties to the highest standard. As you would expect, safety is a vital part of this training. To drive a bus as described in your email is unacceptable and I sincerely apologize for the obvious upset caused.

I’ve contacted London United, who operate route NNN for us. The driver has been identified from the log card of the registration number quoted by yourself. He will be interviewed by London United’s Accident Prevention Manager and reminded of courtesy to other road users. London United have also informed that they do have a series of posters at the garage warning drivers to take extra care and caution when approaching a cyclist and this particular driver will be covertly monitored for his driving standards.

I would like to assure you that such instances are rare, and we hope this trend continues. If you have any other queries, please feel free to email me back.

 

[garrilla]

"Covertly Monitored?" Given that I know about, I expect he will know about it too.

Good you get a quick response.

 

[2Loose]

It is, again, nice to see how seriously Bus and coach companies take their reponsibilities to other road users...now if only taxi companies did the same...

 

[Blackandblue]

Looks like a standard response. The trouble with standard responses is that they are chucked out without thought. So what confidence do I have that they have actually contacted the route operator...?

 

[BentMikey]

I think a reasonable confidence that they have in fact sorted this out. I posted this video a while ago, and put in a complaint:


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=non1FtO-SfQ


Since then, I've noticed how many buses on this part of my route won't pass me before a stop, even when there is enough time and space.

 

[John the Monkey]

The number of "professional" drivers who believe that cyclists are obliged to use cycle lanes (and thus that they are entitled to "punish" those who don't is a big worry.

In Manchester, "Magic Bus" are particularly bad for this - I've seen deliberate close passes and intimidation from their drivers on at least three occasions.

 

[mr_cellophane]

Not as bad as this at 1:28

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyvZs8OECNo

 

[BentMikey]

Not too far different actually, given the different focal lengths of the two cameras.

 

[fossyant]

In Manchester, "Magic Bus" are particularly bad for this - I've seen deliberate close passes and intimidation from their drivers on at least three occasions.

Funny isn't is, considering they are owned by Stagecoach, I've never had any issues with stagecoach drivers....fortunately most of my routes steer clear of the 'magic busses'.

 

[mattybain]

I had similar if not worse incident yesterday, the driver actually forced me off the road and onto the pavement. I was slowing down for a red stopping behind a bus when another bus overtakes me and then starts pulling it, it forced me further and further left until I ran out of road. Lucky there was no barrier or it could have been really nasty.

When remonstrating with the driver later he just looked at me blankly like I was a lunatic, they just don't get it.

This was a Witch way bus on Bury New Road heading out of town, I've not had a problem with them before, possibly because they only operate on this road and I normally commute up the parallel Bury Old Road (not quite so steep but a road literally dripping with muppets)

The thing that really gets me is that the endanger your life and for what? I passed the bus within a couple of minutes of the light going green and the traffic being as dense as ever I never saw him again so he gained absolutely nothing from the dangerous overtake.

What is more worrying is that I come to accept these, I have a camera and am so fed up of e-mailing bus companies that I just don't bother any more.

 

[mattybain]

Funny isn't is, considering they are owned by Stagecoach, I've never had any issues with stagecoach drivers....fortunately most of my routes steer clear of the 'magic busses'.

Yes i've noticed this too. Normal Stagecoach drivers are much better behaved.

Maybe it's the whole budget concept that extends to drivers training?

Seriously though driving some of those beat up ancient buses would hack me off too. How do they manage to keep them on the roads?

 

[BentMikey]

If you don't do anything, you're guaranteeing no action since there's no problem. At least make the effort for the bigger incidents.

 

[BSA]

I had a similar incident yesterday, although not TFL, no real harm done but it was annoying. I was overtaken by the bus and i thought "that was a bit close".

The next thing he was indicating and stopped bang in front of me with a token nose of the bus just in the end of the bus stop pull in.

I pulled out and overtook him and just shrugged my shoulders and shook my head at him as I went past.

I didnt get the Reg as I dont have anything to record the number on (phone is normally in my pannier). Maybe I should make more effort to report these incidents as well.

 

[jonny jeez]

Looks like a standard response. The trouble with standard responses is that they are chucked out without thought. So what confidence do I have that they have actually contacted the route operator...?

Maybe, but from my own observations, the bus companies down in London seem to be taking us cyclist very seriously, So I would not be at all surprised if this is a genuie proceedure for London fimrs.

Well done PK, looks like you've made a difference for all us London commuters.

I really must record the numbers of some good drivers (I've seen tons) and let TFL know that their efforts are both working and appreciated.

Jonny

PK how did you contact tfl...web or hard letter...I may pen something now while I'm in the mood

 

[mattybain]

If you don't do anything, you're guaranteeing no action since there's no problem. At least make the effort for the bigger incidents.

No you are right, consider my wrists slapped, I will report all biggies from now on!!