London Bus Drivers And Cyclists

[Wester]

i have started a new commute to work in the last month in London and i have noticed how bus drivers pull out from their bus stops in front of you even when you are overtaking them and show you no respect whatsoever . On my old commute i did not have much contact with buses
Your thoughts on the subject please

 

[Lee_M]

Like everything else, some are good, some are shoot

 

[Wester]

Like everything else, some are good, some are s***

Good point

But why is it always bus drivers who do it

 

[Lee_M]

I don't think it is really, my closest things lately was a wvm,

my experience may be unusual in London but given the amount of traffic I am amazed there aren't more close shaves

 

[Lurker]

i have started a new commute to work in the last month in London and i have noticed how bus drivers pull out from their bus stops in front of you even when you are overtaking them and show you no respect whatsoever . On my old commute i did not have much contact with buses
Your thoughts on the subject please

Report to TfL. Keep reporting it every time it happens. We can sympathise but can't produce action.

You can contact TfL via http://tinyurl.com/cxow9rl
Also worth sending in positive comments via this link, on occasions when you encounter really considerate bus drivers (happens quite often, in my experience).

Further useful info on Westminster Cyclists website:

"The TfL bus complaints line is: 0845 300 7000; textphone 020 7918 4435 Fax 020 7918 3999; or use the on-line form. When sending a complaint, please record:

• the bus registration number
• the route number
• the location
• the direction of travel
• the date and time

TfL say this enables them to establish if particular drivers are repeatedly mentioned in complaints."

http://www.westminstercyclists.org.uk/problems.htm

 

[Davidsw8]

Try playing around with your route a little, I think avoidance is the key.

Here's one of my close encounters with a bus:


View: http://youtu.be/XeRcau4G-9I


Thankfully, these are very rare for me.

I actually altered my route a little to turn right sooner as this is a horrible road to cycle down for any length of time. Avoiding being slammed by a bus is made that much harder by keeping an eye out for the many pedestrians suddenly appearing from behind them and actually stood in the middle of the road as heavy traffic skims inches either side of them.

Madness!!

 

[Lee_M]

i watched you go past the bus and thought " not much problem there" but kept watching

bloody hell, how close!

 

[Hitchington]

On the whole I find London Buses give way if I'm halfway alongside them, I'll always let it go if I feel it hasn't seen me when it's pulling off. MY rule: approach with caution but most of the time they are good and will wait for me to pass before pulling out. London taxi drivers on the other hand...

 

[Davidsw8]

Btw, I recommend reporting these things too. I reported it and got reassurance that the bus driver concerned had been warned about his driving.

 

[Drago]

That'll teach him, eh?

Will they also be removing the requirement to get round the route in a set time, come hell or high water?

 

[Davidsw8]

That'll teach him, eh?

One would hope so

Will they also be removing the requirement to get round the route in a set time, come hell or high water?

Probably not. It's funny with buses though cos you don't really catch a specific timed bus, just the next one along. So as far as the passenger is concerned, as long as they're fairly regular it doesn't make much difference.

It does help the passenger when the bus actually stops when it has room onboard though, something they might want to let the bus drivers in on

 

[subaqua]

most are OK except the 25. all the drivers on that route are nutcases. no matter what time of day it is they cut you up, close pass, left hook. terrible

 

[Miquel In De Rain]

Ok I have had a go at bus drivers in the past an indeed as the OP says they do pull out or cut you up but I see the same old crap behaviour by cyclists regarding buses so I guess it's 50/50.

 

[Davidsw8]

Ok I have had a go at bus drivers in the past an indeed as the OP says they do pull out or cut you up but I see the same old crap behaviour by cyclists regarding buses so I guess it's 50/50.

Having been on a double decker bus going up Whitehall recently where the bus has had 3 or 4 cyclists within 2 feet BOTH sides of the bus, I have to agree with you there. It's sheer good luck on behalf of the cyclists and good driving on behalf of the bus driver that more people don't get knocked off.

 

[Miquel In De Rain]

The OP said bus drivers show us no respect,now I wonder why?