I read this, and feel the same way about it. Like many other groups of people who are in the minority amongst a large majority, the majority (motorists) seems to have an expectation that if the minority (bicyclists) doesn't behave
perfectly 100% of the time, they are at fault. I do not know enough about the FG riding skills of this particlar cyclist to make a comment about the brakes one way or the other. What I do know is that a good number of those Tri-Met LIFT operators are some of the scariest drivers on the roads here in the Portland area.
For those of you who wonder what a Tri-Met LIFT operator is:
Originally Posted by from Tri-Met's website
The TriMet LIFT Program is a shared-ride, public transportation service for people with disabilities that prevent them from using TriMet's regular bus or MAX light rail service for some or all of their trips. LIFT service operates during the same hours and covers the same geographic area as regular TriMet service.
Who can use LIFT?
* TriMet LIFT service is available only to people who have a physical and/or mental disability that prevents them from independently using TriMet buses or MAX for some or all of their trips.
* You must apply and be certified as eligible before scheduling your first LIFT trip.
* Many LIFT customers find that regular TriMet bus and MAX service is their preferred choice for some trips. Choosing bus and/or MAX for some trips does not affect LIFT eligibility.
When and where does LIFT operate?
* LIFT operates during the same hours as TriMet's bus and MAX service, from 4:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., seven days a week.
* The LIFT service area covers all locations that are within three-fourths of a mile of TriMet's bus and MAX lines and also within the TriMet district. All locations inside the service area boundary are served.
* LIFT does not serve locations outside the TriMet District, the legal boundary for TriMet.
How does LIFT provide service?
* LIFT uses a fleet of small buses, sedans and taxicabs to provide service.
* LIFT rides are scheduled by advance reservation. Service is from the door or a designated curb stop at the pickup location to the door or a designated curb stop at the destination.
* Several passengers share the vehicle, and vehicles may stop and travel in other directions during any passenger's trip to accommodate other riders.
* Travel time will vary, depending on trip distance and stops made to accommodate other riders during the trip.
The LIFT operators are
not the same staff who operate our regular buses. While trying to share the road with them, my impression from their behavior in general is that they have different training, and/or are held to a different set of standards than the regular Tri-Met bus drivers. I have had some pretty unpleasant encounters with LIFT operators, and yet I generally get along fine with the regular buses on the road.