Narrow cycle lane + bus = that was close

[dand_uk]

cycling home from work today, traffic is crawling up the Itchen Bridge in Southampton at 10mph. This bridge has a max 1m wide advisory cycle lane on both sides. I pass one car on the left no problemo. There is then a double decker bus in front of me, driving outside the cycle lane. I hang back as we are both heading up hill and I can relax a bit.

Traffic starts to slow as the bridge flattens out at the top. So I think sod it I'll go for it and sprint pass the bus on the left.

The reason the traffic was slowing was that there were police cars parked on the cycle lane in the other direction. After I passed the bus he had to pull into the cycle lane to let cars heading the other direction pass the parked cars. Close call I reckon.

ooops

 

[ianrauk]

NEVER undertake a bus whilst you're in a cycle lane. Never, Never, Never. It's just not worth it.
You just never know when they might move to the left for whatever reason, as you found out.

 

[HLaB]

At least you've learnt the lesson without actually being hurt.

 

[Miquel In De Rain]

Difficult for bus drivers as they have blind spots and they need to concentrate on other things.

 

[dand_uk]

cheers guys, must try to be more sensible next time!

 

[Hawk]

Would only consider it if bus was stationary and I was satisfied it wasn't likely to move off AND ALSO nonetheless that if it did move off, regardless, I would have some sort of escape route regardless which way it could turn (e.g stop and slot in behind if it needs to move in to my lane a little, or don't filter AT ALL if there's a chance it could turn left while I'm around the front wheels).

Offside preferred in general :-)