London Busses

[jonny jeez]

Is it me...or are London Bus drivers being trained far better on Cycle observation than other drivers.

I've noticed that (without exception) a bus will alway stop pulling away from a kerb to allow me to get past them, even if I have only just popped out around the rear corner as they start to pull away.

This NEVER happens to me when I'm in a car or on the "dirty-loud-bike", you are just expected to open up and fend for yourself...but these drivers seem to actually be extra vigilant to me when on a cycle.

I don't know if its good training or fear of litigation, either way.......well done the bus drivers!

Jonny

 

[Origamist]

Here's a response from TFL re: Bus Driver training:

Dear Origamist:

Thank you for your email regarding bus driver training. I am grateful for the time you have taken to get in touch.

As the public face of our organisation, it’s essential that our bus drivers promote a positive image of London Buses, as well as operating their bus to the highest standard. Training is vital in achieving this. As you would expect, safety is a vital part of this training. All drivers receive thorough training from their operating company. To augment this, we’ve developed an enhanced programme for all drivers aimed at raising standards of driving, as well as improving customer service skills. This training leads to a nationally recognised BTEC qualification. Additionally, in future, all London bus drivers will receive one day’s periodic (or refresher) training on a range of topics. This may include topics such as driving techniques and recurring issues, such as negotiating cyclists.


I am pleased to inform you that we have done a number of specific training and communications initiatives in the last few years which aim to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by cyclists. We’re also working with the bus operating companies to develop additional training programmes for drivers. For example, you may be interested to know that we’ve also produced a ‘cycle awareness’ DVD for all bus drivers. This highlights to drivers good practice with regard to having regard for cyclists and other key road users.

 

[BentMikey]

+1 Jonny.

 

[hackbike 666]

No it's 50/50 here with bus drivers some good and some bad.Seems to depend on a fool/full moon.

I remember that bus driver cutting me up on Blackfriars Bridge and I went into one.Blew the horn like mad and another CC chatter going the other way heard me.

Don't bus drivers know that bridges are particulary hazardous for cyclists?

Waterloo Bridge can be a bit like that sometimes.Cut you up to save two seconds.

 

[ianrauk]

It's all down to BentMikey and his sweeties

 

[gaz]

i have noticed that as well. still get a few n00bs as expected who cut you up.

 

[hackbike 666]

Yeah I should know better.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Personally I have noticed a real improvement over the past 5 or so years. Having said that I, would say, from experience, not all of them are better, and that improvement is starting from a really, and I mean really, low baseline.

10 years ago it was as if every single one of them was trained in the dark arts… Tellings Contract Killers spring to mind

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Improvement seemed to coincide with the rolling out of fitting cctv to buses???

 

[Bman]

Buses around here are very good (as a rule)

Just yesterday, navigating this junction, I was waiting to turn right (southeast) and had to give way to a bus (going northwest) before pulling out.

I stopped at least two meters from the junction markings to allow the bus plenty of room to navigate the curve of the road, however, I watched the driver as he made sure the rear end of the bus was nowhere near me. Over cautious if you ask me. But I was somewhat impressed.

 

[dellzeqq]

Improvement probably co-incident with the LCC giving advice on training. And, yes, they are the most cycle-aware drivers in London, which, given with all the other stuff they have going on, is pretty impressive.

A 38 bus cut up the Babe three or so years ago. I gave chase and remonstrated. The driver, mortified, said 'yes, sorry, we're trained not to put you in harms way. The truth is I'm busting for a leak and I'm about to piss myself'.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

A 38 bus cut up the Babe three or so years ago. I gave chase and remonstrated. The driver, mortified, said 'yes, sorry, we're trained not to put you in harms way. The truth is I'm busting for a leak and I'm about to piss myself'.

Reckless yes, but at least honest when questioned - your delaying him with a firm bollocking probably cost him his clean trousers.

Buses in north Oxfordshire seem to blat around the roads without even realising there is other life on the planet!

 

[hackbike 666]

I had that dellzegg went into one with the bus driver on Blackriars Bridge and I got the impression he knew what he had done wrong.

I felt I over-reacted considering I knew exactly what he was going to do.

 

[Bromptonaut]

Over 10 years as a Bromptoneer in London I've observed a marked improvement. Now much less likely to ignore passing cyclists or worse, pass just before pulling into a stop.

Still too much close passing on Kingsway though!!!

 

[BentMikey]

Ever since I posted this video and wrote in to TFL, hardly any bus drivers overtake me and pulls in:


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