Tandem Terror - Part 2: Stagecoach’s Quaylink Bus Service
So after yesterday’s jaunt, we went out again today. For some variety, we went through the Tyne Pedestrian Tunnel (fitting a tandem in the lift is . . . a bit of a squeeze), and then through Jarrow & Hebburn, before taking the cycle path that runs parallel to the Felling Bypass to go down to Gateshead. We crossed the river via the High Level Bridge (no point losing altitude on a heavy bike if you can help it) before stopping briefly at the Central Station for a few minutes.
Heading back home, we had a spot of bother with a bus though. One of these Quaylink busses, operated by Stagecoach:
Basically we were heading up Grainger Street towards the traffic lights at the junction with Nun Street. The lights were red, so we started to slow down when the bus overtook. Except because of the red light, the driver couldn’t actually get all the way past (no more han about half way in fact). But that didn’t stop him from pulling alongside, and then pulling over towards the kerb.
My bike sense had sort of seen this coming, and I slapped my hand against the side of the bus to let him know what was happening.
We pulled forward to the front of the bus to give the driver the benefit of my opinion on his driving. He opened the doors and I said, “That wasn’t very nice of you, and rather impolite!” (I know - if I’m going to be a road raging, two-wheeled terror of a lycra lout, then I really, really must learn some coarser language).
The driver’s response?
You’re on a bike, not in a bloody car!
At that point, the lights changed, he closed his doors and drove off. Naturally, we gave chase, but riding a ~30 year-old tandem, with a novice stoker, it wasn’t going to happen. I mean, we could have caught him and really gone to town, but I think Von SmallHaussen might have refused ever to get on a bike with me again. We did, however get the vehicle’s registration details - NK05PXH.
What I find personally disappointing about this incident is that I’ve always believed bus drivers to be better than the average UK motorist. They’re trained to a higher level, and carry a greater weight of responsibility. Yet this is the second time this year that I’ve had one try to squeeze me off the road. The first could be put down to driver distraction (it is one of the problems with driving a bus - so many other things to look out for).
But this one’s attitude frankly stinks, and seems to indicate a clear disregard for the potential danger that he can put other road users in. He was factually correct to point out that I wasn’t in a car, but riding a bike. But what that means is that I have no crumple zones, no ABS and no airbags. I have bones and soft tissues that don’t do too well when they come into contact with ten tons of bus.
There’s a letter to be written to Stagecoach about this tonight.
Good for you. Let us know what happens.
Fortunately we use the bus a fair bit as well as bikes, so all the local drivers know us which I think reduces problems.
I was riding a bus recently when a cyclist signaled clearly then moved to the left turn lane (US). The bus driver tried to overtake the the cyclist in the left turn lane on a busy road, then the light turned red and he reluctantly slammed on the brakes, then proceed to cuss out the cyclist under his breath.
I have ridden the bus every work day for 3+ years and have seen very few driver’s react to cyclists that way. for the most part they are very considerate drivers. I wanted to say something to this guy, but there wasn’t anything I could have said to change his views.
Sigh…
G’day
I am sorry to hear of your experience, but do hope you get a positive response from the bus operator.
I have previously reported an incident to our local operator, Transperth, and got a positive email back and on the related route have had better experience with their drivers. So who knows, it might have been taken seriously. Mind you our legal systems allows for them to be sued so maybe that has had an effect as well!
On hitting a vehicle with your hand that has had interested consequences, both personally (the driver concerned got upset at me (minor assault) for doing what you did, i.e., hey I am here before you squash me type warning) to a assault charge. See here for the discussion.
Once again, all the best with your complaint.
Regards
Andrew
A regular occurrence when I lived in Cambridge. I reported it to the bus company several times, as did other people when it happened to them. So far as I know, bus drivers there are still just as much of a nuisance as they ever were.
Later on I worked for a company which had dealings with the local stagecoach office. Being that bit closer didn’t make me think that they took cyclists concerns any more seriously.
It was all a bit freaky for me as it was the first time i’ve been invololved in one of these assasination attempts - especially as we were basically being forced off the road - he’d clearly seen us, pullout out to overtake and then pulled back in to within an inch of our legs - eek.
but it was his attitude that sucked…so if we’d been in a car and driving at the same speed would he have attempted to overtake us as we were slowing for traffic lights or would he have stayed behind and beeped his horn constantly….or was he just saying it didn’t matter if he hit us as we were just cyclists and had no right to be on the road in the first place so it was our own fault…
As you are vulnerable road users, a similar incident here in Ontario would constitute the offence of “careless driving.” As your stoker is a witness, a conviction would be likely, and is good for up to six months in prison for the offender.
I don’t know what the law is where you are, but I imagine that endandering people’s lives is good for a prison term. Why didn’t you call the police?
[...] include the assasination attempt as described by Karl and the numerous bum breaks needed on the way back. If your saw a girl standing next to a yellow [...]