Bus driver in youtube video
Request ID: FOI-0716-1718
Date published: 18 July 2017
You asked
Please can you explain the actions of the driver in this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9QjYLINGdo - and report on what actions have been taken by TfL to safeguard other road users from this type of behaviour
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0716-1718
Thank you for your email received by us on 20 June 2017 asking for information about a YouTube video link that shows a cyclist being overtaken by a route 159 bus in June.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
please can you explain the actions of the driver in this video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9QjYLINGdo - and report on what actions have been taken by TfL to safeguard other road users from this type of behaviour
Having studied the footage, we do not regard the cyclist to have been in danger but it is clear the bus driver had a second lane to move further into while overtaking, and could have manoeuvred out to a safer distance of 1.2 metres as recommended in the Big Red Book, the reference handbook provided to all 25,000 drivers in the fleet.
Although not illegal, the action taken by the cyclist in the video – pushing the emergency stop button on the bus – could endanger passengers, as it cuts off all power including to the disabled-access ramps.
We have referred this incident to the operator of the route, who have raised the matter with the driver concerned. Our bus operators have procedures in place for addressing complaints and driving performance, and in instances where the standard of driving is found to be below expectations, the operator will provide remedial training.
We monitor close passes by London bus drivers and encourage cyclists to report any safety issues to us via our dedicated website: https://tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact/contact-us-about-cycling.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Paulina Tuffour
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
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