Nearly killed by a bus.

[downfader]

What do you guys think of this:

Dear Sir,

On 31/10/09 at approx. 3:50pm, while cycling from East to West along Marine Parade West in the region of Drake Road in Lee-on-Solent, I was dangerously overtaken by a First Choice bus with registration **** ***. (I don't want to put the reg up here, it's between me and the bus company)

The overtake was dangerous for the following reasons:

a) The driver gave me approximately three inches clearance.

The driver began to pull back in towards the kerb when I was level with the back wheel of the bus. Had I not braked as hard as I could and steered into the kerb, I would have been hit by the back wheel and may have been dragged underneath the vehicle.

I was clearly visible in a bright yellow jacket, on a clear road in good light and fine weather.

I was riding no more than eighteen inches from the gutter, that being my normal riding position so as not to cause an obstruction to following traffic.

This is the first time that I have experienced a frightening manoeuvre by a First Choice bus driver. I feel that you should be informed due to the potentially fatal consequences had I been dragged under the bus.

Yours Faithfully,

XmisterIS (obviously, I won't actually sign it "XmisterIS"!).

If you can remember which way the sun was facing add that. Especially incase he tries to say "the sun was in my eyes, guv"

Pretty good though.

 

[XmisterIS]

Sun would have been in the West (i.e. infront of me), but there was a layer of cloud in the sky - it was Friday, cloudy all day - perhaps I should change the "fine weather" to "cloudy but clear weather" (which is what I mean).

 

[a_n_t]

Do you think you actions will make that particular driver treat cyclists in general with more or less consideration?

I could so easily have been killed that day, he's lucky thats all I did.

 

[classic33]

Give traffic conditions if you can. Driver may claim traffic conditions forced him into you. No excuse, but I've had it myself.
More & more of their vehicles are now fitted with internal & external cameras, ask for a copy of the material for the period in question.

Oh make sure you get the correct date on the letter.

 

[XmisterIS]

Yep, I'll make a note of the traffic conditions (i.e. none).

And you're right, Friday was 30/10!

 

[classic33]

Yep, I'll make a note of the traffic conditions (i.e. none).

And you're right, Friday was 30/10!

Just remember that it will be your word against his, in the first instance.
Bt was traffic lighter/heavier than normal. How heavy is normal for the road you were on at the time. Try stop any arguments over what the road was like before they start.

In all probability the person responding to your letter will do so without leaving the building.

Should have the other piece for you Tuesday evening.