How do I handle the bus?
 

Sometimes I get stuck behind the bus when I ride, is it safer to ride behind the bus and have to wiat every stop, or should I try and get in front of him and keep going?

I find the bus drivers in Winnipeg friendly, slow moving and safe, compared to Toronto that is, so I would zip past the bus the first chance you get. Since the transit system runs buses every 45 minuets or so, you may be bus free for most of your ride!

It would be my goal to get in front and stay in front of the bus!

I agree with Gordon P, pass the bus at the first safe opportunity. Not only will you get to your destination quicker, but you won't have to breathe in all that pollution.

Of course, the bus driver may not see you on the right, so pass on the left.

If the bus is slowing you down, pass the bus.

Keep in mind that it's usually illegal to pass a bus on the right as it approaches a bus stop or is stopped in the act of picking up or discharging passengers. You would only pass a bus on the right if it's in a thru lane and part of the traffic flow.

Passing and staying ahead of buses is my main form of competition during the commute.

RichC

Just another echo for passing on the left. Definitely get around them, though. Nothing is worse than getting stuck in the exhaust fumes of the bus on an otherwise enjoyable ride through the city.

hear in nyc, we usully skeetch behind the bus-grab on an go for a ried!

Try drafting the bus! (unless he is going slower than you of course!)

Yech. At least when you draft a semi the engine and its exhaust are a trailer-length away. One deep inhale of city bus exhaust can ruin your whole day!

RichC

Winnipeg busses are slooow, 10km per hour!

Anyway, I took my own advise today on the Graham Mall, in downtown Winnipeg, and passed a buss on the left only to get sandwiched between it and another buss!

Personally I always pass the bus first chance I get. In fact, if I don't get a chance I'm usually trying hard to create one. If I waited all day for the bus I'd spend the whole time breathing their exhaust fumes and waiting for them at each stop. Not to mention putting myself at significantly greater personal risk as these things often brake suddenly.