My first "Incident"

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#1 Unread post by **nelamvr6** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 12:45 am

I rode my bike to work today, everything was going great, until I stopped at a stop sign about a mile from work.

I was on an upgrade and had just stopped. I was checking traffic, it was pretty light, the only vehicle in sight was a big yellow school bus signaling to make a left turn onto the road I was stopped on. No biggie, just let it pass and then I can scoot.

But wait, this bus seems intent on showing me who's boss. It's coming straight for me. The bus cut into my lane at least two feet! I was in the middle of the left third of my lane, and this bus was heading straight for me.

I suppose that in retrospect I should've pointed it and gunned it, but in reality I didn't really have a good escape route. What I did as reflexes kicked in was to try to lean away from this huge yellow monster that was moving closer towards me every second. Eventually I leaned over enough that the bike went down with my right leg under it.

I finally managed to get my leg out from under the bike and stand up. I must have been pretty shaken because I didn't even have the presence of mind to flip the bird.

Luckily a nice guy in a landscaping truck (told me later that he used to ride) happened by to make sure I was alright. I say luckily because the bus driver didn't stop. He/she slowed down until I stood up and then continued on his/her merry way.

Well not much damage to the bike, the rear brake lever is slightly bent, enough that it now doesn't clear the crash bar. And luckily I'm ok.

iwannadie · #2 Unread post by **iwannadie** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 3:56 am

that sucks, but least no thing major happend. too bad you didnt get the number on the bus to file a complaint. you still could im sure if you wanted to they will know what bus was on what road at that time. say the driver drifted in your lane you avoided a conlusion but dropped your bike by doing so. the bus driver saw you go down and did no thing to help you(they have a radio that could had been used to call an ambulance).

file a complaint and see what happens.

TheReaper · #3 Unread post by **TheReaper** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 4:04 am

I had something similar happen except it was a girl in her car. She glared at me like it was my fault I was in her way.

Glad to hear your okay, but definately file a complaint with the bus company. Sounds to me they owe you some parts on your bike. If he felt he couldn't make that turn without intruding on your lane then he should've stopped and let you proceed first.

#4 Unread post by **nelamvr6** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 4:18 am

I called the town offices and spoke with someone at the Board Of Education. They were very apologetic, took my info etc.

Then I got a call from a nice lady at Laidlaw. She was also apologetic and took my info. She assured me that they would cover damages. I forwarded to her e-mail the receipt for the brake lever that I had already ordered.

I'll believe it when I get a check.

But she also said that the driver would be dealt with. I could give here a few suggestions on how to...

But she did mention re-training. I'll never know, but at least I can feel like thet're doing something.

TheReaper · #5 Unread post by **TheReaper** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 5:15 am

Cool. Maybe it was all just lip service, but if they pay for the part, rock on.

Mag7C · #6 Unread post by **Mag7C** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 8:35 am

nelamvr6 wrote:I called the town offices and spoke with someone at the Board Of Education. They were very apologetic, took my info etc.

Then I got a call from a nice lady at Laidlaw. She was also apologetic and took my info. She assured me that they would cover damages. I forwarded to her e-mail the receipt for the brake lever that I had already ordered.

I'll believe it when I get a check.

But she also said that the driver would be dealt with. I could give here a few suggestions on how to...

But she did mention re-training. I'll never know, but at least I can feel like thet're doing something.

That's good. It sucks when not only do you get someone else causing the wreck, but you have to pay the damages yourself.

amstaffmom · Sun Jun 19, 2005 2:26 am

That would be scary. I'm glad you weren't hurt and hopefully the bus company will takecare of the driver.

Jean

Mon Jun 20, 2005 5:20 pm

School bus drivers are supposed to be professional drivers. Laidlaw is a huge company and I don't doubt they will pay and retrain their driver.
I suspect management knows how light they are getting off by paying only damages to your bike.

I am a professional driver and in my company if somebody from the public calls in to complain, the management takes it very seriously.

Your guardian angel must have been looking out for you.

#9 Unread post by **nelamvr6** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:45 am

Hey! Whadayaknow?!? Today I got a check in the mail from Laidlaw!

Will wonders never cease?

ronboskz650sr · Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:53 am

That's great! It's nice when the system works like it should. I had an old guy in a minivan do that to me, and I escaped narrowly by turning right and getting on it. I could have punched him in the face, he was so close, but I was very busy. Besides, I just wouldn't. Glad you're okay.