London Buses are Good

London buses are so considerate. I have been riding to work in London for six years and in that time I have to say that overall I'm amazed at how considerate, patient and non threatening London buses are. Like fat dugongs lazing gently along our tarmac estuaries. I've seen buses do some stupid shit too - but on the whole I think we've got some pretty good and bike-aware bus drivers in London.

yep couldn't agree more. especially bendy's

London buses are so considerate. I have been riding to work in London for six years and in that time I have to say that overall I'm amazed at how considerate, patient and non threatening London buses are. Like fat dugongs lazing gently along our tarmac estuaries. I've seen buses do some stupid shit too - but on the whole I think we've got some pretty good and bike-aware bus drivers in London.

+1

generally, anyway.

Thing is that bus drivers are never in a hurry. If they drive quicker they won't go home earlier. They just have to do more rounds.

I concur with the OP, I've got into sketchy situations with buses but the responsibility was at least partly my fault. Like ehren says they're not really in any rush so more times than not I get let out/past by most bus drivers.

Loads of them are aggressive pricks these days.

I make a point of taking the numbers of good ones though, and writing nice emails to TFL telling them all about it.

As with everything, there is always good and bad.

I always say "thank you" to the driver when I get off the bus at my destination. Does anyone else ?

If they don't drive like an aggressive prick, yes.

As with everything, there is always good and bad.

Fuck you, zen boy.

Easy little one. Be nice. :-)

For sure. I also make sure to give a wave to buses when they let me out. Spread the road user love! I thought I'd be in for a roasting with this thread - glad to hear you agree with me. Any bus drivers on here to revel in the appreciation? Thought not...

My grandad drove the No.8 for years, before switching to driving ambulances.

@ BMMF - yeah the drivers are often pricks when you're their passenger! I guess no bus driver wants the bloodied pulp of a cyclist 'neath their wheels though, and that's a fine reason for being a courteous driver.

^^He also toured the country on fixed gear regularly :)

If they don't drive like an aggressive prick, yes.

there's always going to be a bad apple in all different kind of transport mode.

I got chucked all over the place on
a bus coming home once (I was laden with shopping) so on departing the bus I said to the driver "your driving is shit mate" and he just mumbled "yeah I know"
Those handle/grab bars are usually really greasy sticky though are'nt they ?

there's always going to be a bad apple in all different kind of transport mode.

There are barrel-loads of bad apples compared to the past, over and above the increased number of buses on London's roads.

"Cheers drive!" [/brizzle]

I quite like buses. Not had a bad experience with one yet. Like el pollo says - they're in no rush so are pretty relaxed. I'm not very keen on coach drivers though.

I always say "thank you" to the driver when I get off the bus at my destination. Does anyone else ?

My ol' man currently drives the No.8. He fucking hates it. If he wasn't so squeamish I'd suggest ambulances.

My grandad drove the No.8 for years, before switching to driving ambulances.

For sure. I also make sure to give a wave to buses when they let me out. Spread the road user love!

I try and do this whenever someone acts courteously towards me on the road. I like to think that because I've shown appreciation towards them they're more likely to do it again to other cyclists.

My grandad drove the No.8 for years, before switching to driving ambulances.

I used to love the No.8 (Bishopsgate ?)
Proper Bus name not like e.g. 531A or suchlike (whateva)

"Cheers drive!" [/brizzle]

I quite like buses. Not had a bad experience with one yet. Like el pollo says - they're in no rush so are pretty relaxed.** I'm not very keen on coach drivers though**.

I hardly ever have any problems with bus drivers, but coming over Westmister bridge today a Italian coach overtook and moved into the curb the second I was behind the cab. Completely cut me off but I could see it coming so I nipped up on the pavement. At the next lights I caught up and stopped directly in front of the coach and when the lights changed I pretended not to see them and made it wait for a minute or so.

Ha I showed him! He may have got close to killing me with his back wheels but I slightly inconvienced him at the lights!! I think we all know who's the winner there...

yep agree with OP.
the buses here are cunts.
london buses are really nice in comparison

The stories my grandad used to tell about ambulances, the No.8, touring on fixed, and being stationed off Iceland in WW2... over and over and over and over and over and over...