Watch Out For That Bus!

[skida]

Following on from the Biker's Worst Enemy Thread I thought I should warn you about the chances of a bus pulling out on you.

I drive a bus for a living and I have a constant fear that I will cause an accident with a bike because of the number of blind spots I have to check each time I come to a junction or a roundabout. The view ahead is great and the rearview mirrors give a wide angle view, but at 45 degrees from the front there are a number of obstacles which make it very difficult.

Here are two photos to illustrate the point:

Left view

https://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/skidatemp@btinternet.com/detail?.dir=/255fre2&.dnm=777dre2.jpg&.src=ph

Right view

https://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/skidatemp@btinternet.com/detail?.dir=/255fre2&.dnm=9538re2.jpg&.src=ph

So next time you see a bus at a junction make sure you have eye contact with the driver, or be prepared to take rapid action.

[Finglonga]

You have it easy compared to an artic, believe me.

You have to be a complete noobie to go anywhere near a bus, coach or artic when approaching a junction/roundabout.

I have seen a scooter totalled, from the rear or the bus swinging out due to the overhang from the back wheels. It was the scooters fault for filtering so damn close, the driver couldn't see him and he was in his correct lane for turning.
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Andy Sez....
F.Y.Y.F.F.

[skida]

[Mooncatt]

i keep my distance from buses
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current bike...CBR400RR
"you always need more chicken"

[m99dws]

[iooi]

Sound advice.
And it never ceases to amaze me at the number of car drivers who pull up next to a artic or bus at a roundabout and then proceed to go round at the same time...... Then start beeping the horn when the trailer is heading for them.......
I really do think that ALL tests should include a drive in/information on how large vehicles need far more room on corners etc.

On the point of bus drivers indicating then pulling over, if they can't see it, it ain't there...... They have a lot more protection and as such always be prepared for them to move. If you are reading the road ahead then you should have spotted that they may well do this.
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

The bendy buses (18m long) in London need to move into the far right hand lane to make it into some tight t-junctions. Then cut back across to get into the left turning. Seen sooo many near misses that way.
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My Flickr

[st3v3]

can't see the problem, if my chosen path is clear and a bus seems to be sat there when around town sometimes I take a shot at it, but my observation and reflexes aren't too bad at all, an arctic type wagon, I give way for(not getting mangled in that) and buses when I know I can't make it. but I know my limits when filtering.(i think)
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Roger wrote: Women don't get damp for clingy puppies. Get some better happy pills, hit the gym & buy a medallion the size of a dinner plate. Job done

[Kwaks]

"Bus drivers seem to have some right unknown the the rest of road users, whereby orange flashing lights on the side of your vehicle means you can move into any lane at any speed, without waiting for anyone else to give way."

Maybe because the Highway Code tells you to give them priority ?


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Fallen Angel "Nae sniffing my seat now!!!!! "
www.cliqueycuntsmcc.co.uk
I AM NOT A FAST RIDER!!!!!!!!!

[skida]

[Grav]

[R4nger]

I Hate buses.

[numpty]

I'll always give busses and lorries a wide berth. I tend to work on the basis of 'If i cant see the driver then he cant see me.'' One thing I have seen some drivers do is open the doors to give a better view at busy junctions - although I cant imagine that would be much fun in winter
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Current bike: CBR600F-Y

[m99dws]

[kawashima]

Please watch out for not only the bus, but also the cars around the bus. If you find a bus near you, there's many dangers around you.
https://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b295/kawashima_/watchout.jpg

[gixxersixx]

Wouldnt another wing mirror on each side, positioned to cover the blind spot be a better solution, than just hoping for the best
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[Timmeh]

I agree with what m99 says. The Highway code says you have to give way, but bus drivers don't even wait for you to stop, they just pull out on you. That's not you giving way, that's them forcing other drivers out of the way.

I nearly got sideswiped by a driver who didn't check his mirrors, didn't even indicate, just pulled out into oncoming traffic from a bus stop as I was filtering past. A couple of other cars all had to do emergency stops and there was little me stuck in the middle of it all. Not fun.

When I used to work on the skip wagons we had CCTV cameras watching the blindspots. I just wish all large vehicles were forced to do the same.
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GSXR400 x2 | '94 RVF400 | '93 TZR125 4DL (again)
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20:48:18 Temeluchus: comp you hunk of smouldering homos3x you

[Giffer2]

I know it's cruel, but the best thing I've seen was a bus and a cyclist coming together (No-one was hurt) basically the bus was coming through the traffic lights turning right, his light was on green, safe to go etc etc - Enter Mr numpty cyclist who believes that the red light on his lane is for other vehicles, so he flies down the road and bounces off the side of said bus - Then tries to blame the bus driver!

Many people then laugh at Mr Numpty and back the bus driver.
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Mar 2007 - Varadero XL125v7, May 2007 - SV650S
17/05/07 - A2 Test Passed

[Bendy]

In London certainly, if bus drivers don't force their way out they'd still be sitting there half an hour later.