Originally Posted by
BusBiker
Closing off the lane when there isn't enough room to share is something I have picked up on my own - I don't recall training addressing this issue, although they are constantly addressing visibility issues I describe. Sadly, there isn't very much cycling specific training at Metro. I'd love to see a joint bus driver/cyclist training session that addresses the issues faced by both groups - unfortunately, there isn't much money laying around right now for extra training.
We are specifically trained to not "force" people anywhere, except as a fixed object. In other words, I'm not supposed to start pulling into a lane to force somebody to let me in. However, I can block the bike lane to prevent cyclists from passing on the right.
If you feel a bus driver is using their bus to intimidate you, I recommend getting the coach number, time, route, and location and call in a complaint with a detailed description of the incident. *Every* complaint Metro receives gets to the driver, usually in the form of a pow-wow with their immediate supervisor. The driver can be educated as to how they should have handled the incident. Complaints are also tracked and large numbers will result in ride checks by supervisors and possibly lead to discipline.
I normally do something like ride around the other side and knock the mirrors askew. <----Joke.
I have thought about it though. Around here the bus's are perty cool. (smaller bus's) they can see us and normally don't block the lane until you pass them. Every once in awhile they will stop and it takes so long to load unload that you come upon them already in the lane. There is always plenty of room in the lane they are in to go around them, on the left.
My rule with bus's, is ether pass or stay behind I won't just ride next to them. Same with large trucks.