Cycling Techniques

Arducius; thanks for that. Looking at a vehicle's wheels is a useful tip and one that a lot more motor bikers than cyclists seem to know.
I think we all develop our own little techiniques, not all of which are easy to describe or teach. One of the reasons experienced cyclists gain something from training is that they can be reassured that some of their techniques are sound and challenged on those that might not be so good.
I have a way of dealing with buses that seems counter-intuitive but works well. If I am alongside the bus and it signals to pull out, or even starts to move out, I will move closer to the bus. The driver has a good view down the side of the bus and by moving in you make it impossible for the driver to pull out any more till you have gone past. I think if you move away from the bus, which seems the 'safe' manouevre, you actually encourage them to keep taking up the space you are in and forcing you out further in to the road. But you need to keep in mind that if getting closer does not stop them then you will need to move out parallel to them so it is vital to have looked over your shoulder to see what is behind you.

I saw a guy on a pink geared bike do this very effectively on clerkenfix, I thought at the time he was a bit a bit audacious but i see now how it was working.