This article is a video that I created back in September. Its purpose is to explain some of the reasons why a cyclist takes up a strong road position in the centre of the lane (sometimes called “primary position”, or “claiming the lane”) by analysing one case of entering Bolton along Manchester Road, and inter-cutting it with examples of what can happen when the cyclist rides close to the kerb. I have a great deal of experience of both. It also shows how stupid some drivers can be when, in their self-centred way, they think it’s all about them, and cyclist is “deliberately trying to delay their journey”. Here is the video:
In fact, if you watch carefully, you will see that, even if the bus had waited behind me before turning the corner at the end, he would only have turned the corner 4 or 5 seconds later than the bus in front, so my presence delayed him by no more than that.
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Great footage and explanation (I like the flashbacks. Well, not like them, but you understand…). I may well point people here in future.
Can I assume you’ve at least complained to the bus company? And/or police? It would be interesting to know what they have to say.
Thanks for the nice comment.
I have developed a bit of a relationship with First, which culminated last autumn in my visiting their training depot. I wrote an article on it here: http://www.happycyclist.org/?p=491 I have had very few problems with First buses since then.