Had a chat with Arriva today

[magnatom]

I had my meeting with Arriva Buses this morning (West of Scotland). This was a result of an incident that I witnessed whilst traveling on a bus which involved a cyclist. I suggested that they take part in some form of campaign and they invited me to come and have a chat.

It all went very well. The H&S chap explained how they need to introduce a new for of training over the next few years (CPC - which includes periodic training). This means that they are very keen to develop modules that includ interactions with cyclists etc. So they are interested in being provided with material for these modules etc video examples, leaflets (like the Warrington Bus Cyclist leaflets), etc. In fact they seemed quite keen on the possibility of someone (i.e. me!) going along to have a chat with the drivers, i.e. to enable them to interact, and ask questions like: so why do cyclists do that? etc.

This all sounds very positive to me. They also seem interested in some sort of public campaign, as well, and at the moment have not ruled out taking it national (i.e Arriva UK).

The first step is to provide some material for them. I've got some and I have some ideas, but if anyone else has any suggestions (I've already had a chat with spokes for instance) then that would be great.

Also I want to provide some videos of buses doing naughty thing around cyclists, I've got 2, but I need more, and I know a few of you have some good ones. You could save me some leg work by pointing me in the right direction .

Does anyone have any examples of cyclist making mistakes around buses? I think it is important to keep this as balanced as possible.

Nice to have some positive news for a change.

 

[downfader]

Our local bus drivers seem to be pretty good, I have to admit. I have seen plenty of cyclists make mistakes around the busses and the bus driver accomodate them, for want of a better word. LOL!

I would imagine standing near a busy route with a camera on a long lens ready would be beneficial... doing what the lady on youtube does (cyclopod I think her username is) where she gets off and films by the side of the road.

 

[magnatom]

Absolutely agree that bus drivers generally are very good. However when they make mistakes they pose a greater risk due to their size.

The CPC training is very interesting. A lot of the small firms are going to find it hard to afford the training and the exams. It would be a shame if some of the good companies went under because of this, however, I know in Glasgow there are certainly a few cowboy companies that I would not be sorry to see the back of.

I think they are interested in bus cyclist interactions. That would increase the amount of time you'd have to wait at the junction.

 

[Maz]

Well done, magnatom, for your tireless efforts in support of the cause of all cyclists. You are a credit to us all. I wish I had the energy and drive that you have to make such a positive contribution.

p.s I am not taking the mick!

 

[magnatom]

p.s I am not taking the mick!

Of course you are! As I am sure crackle will be along shortly to say;

I'm just in it for the publicity!

It really doesn't take much effort. I just make sure if I have a complaint to make that I suggest something positive that they could do. Seems to have worked so far.

 

[Bollo]

Top job that man! No footage either way to help you though. The bus drivers are pretty cool around my commute, and most of the cyclists take the pavement near the bus station.

 

[John the Monkey]

Things cyclists do? The thing that always makes me cringe is when they go up the inside - also not letting buses out of stops (sometimes trying to "beat" the bus out of the stop with the bus already moving off).

 

[magnatom]

Top job that man! No footage either way to help you though. The bus drivers are pretty cool around my commute, and most of the cyclists take the pavement near the bus station.

Aye, I think it is useful getting the company to work on their training, but I think the real value will come if they do some form of public campaign. I'll keep pushing them in that direction.

 

[HF2300]

The H&S chap explained how they need to introduce a new for of training over the next few years (CPC - which includes periodic training).

Magna, as I understand it there is (due to be) a change to vocational licencing (LGV, PSV and 3.5 - 7.5 tonners for those who passed their test in the last decade or so) which will require all drivers to take a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) renewable every 5 years (requires training adding up to 35 hours over 5 years)

Check the government Transport Office

 

[magnatom]

Things cyclists do? The thing that always makes me cringe is when they go up the inside - also not letting buses out of stops (sometimes trying to "beat" the bus out of the stop with the bus already moving off).

During our chat today I mentioned that one of my pet hates was ASLs with left side feeders. They aren't all dangerous but they do encourage left filtering up to junctions. There are a couple I know of where buses turn left at the lights. It's an accident waiting to happen.

 

[magnatom]

Magna, as I understand it there is due to be a change to vocational licencing (LGV, PSV and 3.5 - 7.5 tonners for those who passed their test in the last decade or so) which will require all drivers to take a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) renewable every 5 years.

That's the one. So it is a good time to be making suggestions for training to bus companies, HGV companies etc.

 

[John the Monkey]

During our chat today I mentioned that one of my pet hates was ASLs with left side feeders. They aren't all dangerous but they do encourage left filtering up to junctions. There are a couple I know of where buses turn left at the lights. It's an accident waiting to happen.

If you ever get down this way, let me show you Oxford Road sometime - most of the time it's nowt to do with feeder lanes etc, it's just impatience and a lack of appreciation of the danger.

 

[Twenty Inch]

Reckon I'll respond to Mr. Tuttle who dealt with my last complaint, and suggest something similar. Well done Magnatom

 

[magnatom]

If you ever get down this way, let me show you Oxford Road sometime - most of the time it's nowt to do with feeder lanes etc, it's just impatience and a lack of appreciation of the danger.

I'm certainly not saying that it's just feeder lanes! Your right, there are a lot of poor cyclists out there. I will certainly make sure anything that comes out of this is as balanced as possible.

 

[magnatom]

Reckon I'll respond to Mr. Tuttle who dealt with my last complaint, and suggest something similar. Well done Magnatom

Go for it! Make sure you cc it to a local paper as well. Feel free to link to my evening times article and make sure they realise that it is in in their best interest!

Keep us informed!