CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Infrastructure

"Lothian Bus drivers sent on training course to better understand cyclists"

(49 posts)
  • Started 6 years ago by Stickman
  • Latest reply from ejstubbs

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  1. Stickman
    Member

    https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/our-region/edinburgh/lothian-bus-drivers-sent-on-training-course-to-better-understand-cyclists-1-4718323

    Outstanding. Absolutely outstanding.

    Over 1700 drivers, managers and supervisors from across the business will take part in the course across 2018.

    The full day course includes a short 90 minute cycling activity close to the companies Longstone Training Centre in Edinburgh.

    The cycle route has been specifically planned to highlight key issues facing cyclists in relation to other vehicles, particularly buses and HGV’s.

    Two of Lothian’s training centre team have been specially trained by Cycling Scotland to become qualified Cycling Instructors and lead the course.

    The company has also invested in a fleet of Raleigh Pioneer hybrid bikes, which will be maintained in house, for use during the training across the year.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  2. chdot
    Admin

    “Outstanding. Absolutely outstanding.”

    Yes, but LB has done the ‘cycle awareness’ as part of normal driver training for some years - probably without the bikes.

    So this should improve things even more.

    If only there was a way to make such training compulsory for any bus drivers coming to Edinburgh!

    Posted 6 years ago #

  3. Stickman
    Member

    If only there was a way to make such training compulsory for any bus drivers coming to Edinburgh!

    FTFY.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  4. neddie
    Member

    If only bin lorry drivers could do the same:

    http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3748&page=253&replies=7571#post-279424

    Posted 6 years ago #

  5. Trixie
    Member

    This is brilliant. Big thumbs up, Lothian Buses.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  6. stiltskin
    Member

    Fantastic news!!!!! Unfortunately I have today just been knocked off by a not-Lothian Bus. But still Hurrah!

    Please disable your irony filter before reading this post.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  7. Edinburgh Cycle Training
    Member

    I watched a group last week enjoy a wee ride along the broomhouse cycle path.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  8. paulmilne
    Member

    Think I saw the same group, queued for the toucan crossing at Saughton Road North.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  9. wishicouldgofaster
    Member

    Very welcome news and will hopefully stop the decline in driving standards from LRT which we have sadly seen in the last few years.

    Comments on the EEN article are as per usual ridiculous.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  10. gembo
    Member

    Not noticed a decline in LB drivers? Lately they have all been good. Previously they were also good - they let you pass etc, maybe a dip spotted by a couple of rogue elements but on the whole consistently good. Non LB drivers not so good.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  11. Trixie
    Member

    Ahh! Mr Trix spotted a large group of identically dressed individuals in hi-viz there last week. Mystery solved.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  12. Murun Buchstansangur
    Member

    Sorry to be cynical, but given they are only spending 90 minutes on a bike in total (better than nothing admittedly), how does "The cycle route has been specifically planned to highlight key issues facing cyclists in relation to other vehicles, particularly buses and HGV’s." square with them being on the segregated Broomhouse path?!

    Posted 6 years ago #

  13. sallyhinch
    Member

    Talking to someone who delivers similar training to HGV drivers, you start them off on segregated facilities, and build them up to on-road riding - including in this case going round a multi lane roundabout.

    Considering some may not have been on a bike since childhood, I gather it's pretty eye-opening, even in the space of an hour or so.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  14. gembo
    Member

    Yes much better than nothing. What it is Is something. a Lot of grumpy sedentary men and women out on bikes for first time ever and therefore good to be on the path. They will need to get there from the longstone depot.

    I vote LB and yet again encourage us all on here to be positive as without wanting to sound a discordant note It can get a bit moany here at CCE.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  15. crowriver
    Member

    "The company has also invested in a fleet of Raleigh Pioneer hybrid bikes"

    Presume the version with 3 speed SRAM gears? Good to keep it simple, not having to faff with 21 speed 7 x 3 up front complications...

    EDIT: Nope, looks like 3 x 7 21 speed chain mashing and skipping frolics judging by the photies. Maybe Raleigh discontinued the 3 speed, more's the pity.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  16. minus six
    Member

    megabus == bad patter

    stagecoach == could do better

    lothian buses == double plus good

    Posted 6 years ago #

  17. ARobComp
    Member

    Now they just need to find a way to stop the buses careening up the 20mph limit Woodfield Road at 30mph. No idea what would help with that.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  18. jonty
    Member

    This perhaps?

    https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/london-buses-will-be-unable-to-break-speed-limit-in-drive-to-improve-road-safety-9613920.html

    Posted 6 years ago #

  19. unhurt
    Member

    @ARobComp - the concept behind 1990s blockbuster Speed, but in reverse?

    Posted 6 years ago #

  20. crowriver
    Member

    @jonty, now if the government could just regulate to mandate the fitting of these gizmos to all motor vehicles, we'd all be a LOT safer.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  21. ARobComp
    Member

    @Unhurt - UnSpeed

    Posted 6 years ago #

  22. neddie
    Member

    if the government could just regulate to mandate the fitting of these gizmos to all motor vehicles

    ...and mandatory black boxes

    All tech that is available today. No need to wait decades for the self-driving nonsense to mature

    Posted 6 years ago #

  23. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    @unhurt

    That film would be called Deeps. Filmed in the slow Nordic style, like that four hour film of a jumper getting knitted.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  24. unhurt
    Member

    ...i think I know knitters in Orkney who have watched that very film (jumper, not Deeps) (I would probably watch Deeps though?)

    Posted 6 years ago #

  25. gembo
    Member

    Make!Craft Britain episode 3 is knitting, for the uninitiated. Using humungous needles

    Posted 6 years ago #

  26. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    I am initiated. I can do point de riz and point de mousse. Who'd like a scarf full of holes in ten years time?

    Posted 6 years ago #

  27. unhurt
    Member

    That depends what it's knitted out of...

    Posted 6 years ago #

  28. gembo
    Member

    Drop a stitch, add a stitch, knit one, pearl one

    Posted 6 years ago #

  29. Stickman
    Member

    Someone posted this on the work intranet cycling page:

    Last night I was delighted to see a large group of cyclists, all wearing Lothian Bus Hi Vis vests returning from a cycle to understand what it feels like to be on a bike in traffic. Some looked terrified but it looks like a great initiative to get greater understanding from both sides. Would be fab if this was rolled out to other bus companies, haulage companies and made compulsory for van drivers and even included in the basic driving test! It's all about education and experience to ALL road users.

    Posted 6 years ago #

  30. Frenchy
    Member

    Had forgotten about this. I hope they're including this in the refresher courses that they send drivers on following complaints of substandard driving.

    I've become convinced in the last year or two that LB's drivers' reputation as being excellent isn't particularly deserved, to be honest.

    Posted 6 years ago #

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