Originally Posted by
dynodonn
Makes me recollect the time I was passed in 25mph school zone by a soccer mom with a minivan full of kids doing 40 plus, the best part about it was the sticker on her back bumper reading "Drive Safely, School's Open".
Last week I was riding to school and managed to get caught behind a school bus on a residential street. No big deal, all I have to do is slow down enough (from my usual 14 to 17 MPH) then I shouldn't have to come to a complete stop too often. I know the street is only 3/4 mile long and there are only 4 stops. When I 1st pull up behind the bus I notice a driver pulling all the way into on-coming traffic when the bus comes to a stop. I yell (the windows are closed so speaking softly would not work)... you can't pass a school bus. We take off and in this instance I just stay right behind the bus. I have no problems keeping up will the next stop. The lady does the same thing again, except this time she also rolls down the window and asks me what I said. I just told her nicely that you can't pass a school bus when it is slowing down. She tells me she wasn't trying the pass the bus. Right and I believe in the Easter Bunny. Why on earth would you pull into on-comming traffic on a narrow residential street behind a bus other than to try to pass it quickly as it pulls away. This time when the bus pulls away slowly she does pass the bus. Ofcourse she got to the next street all of 15 seconds before me. I just can't understand why people get SO obsessed with passing a slower moving vehicle. I think I've seen this same car passing the same bus last year in a blind turn (bus following road on sharp turn to right, driver passes on left hand side). If I ever see her doing that I WILL call the cops. Even through my child is not on THAT bus, there is no need to put other kids at risk. It is just pathetic.
One good side effect of riding my bike verywhere is that is has helped me become a more relaxed driver as well. I have gotten used to purposely picking a slower (but healthier and cheaper) mode of transport to work. If I can find an extra 10 minutes in the morning and at night, why not find it when I am driving my car somewhere else. I try very hard never to speed in town, but on the highway you will NOT see me in the slow lane.
Happy riding,
André