Close call rant - Oceania Bus reg#2003

[madbikeboy]

Okay, so this is a total rant...

Heading onto the Harbour Bridge via Fanshaw street - there are two lanes, and a bus lane that merges into lane 1.

Shiny Oceania bus, runs along the bus lane, then into lane 1. I'm lane 2, and I'm on this kick of keeping to the speed limit and being a responsible old fart on Scoot. So, the bus is alongside me, and I see Fucktard driver look in his mirror, the longish look that says, hey, I'm a Fucktard and I'm taking a long look to make sure I can change lanes. So I blip the throttle - and he turns to look again, and again he looks directly at me, and I'm sure he's seen me and sure as fuck, he's heard Mr Yoshimura's contribution to my bike - and then...

He does the fucking inevitable - and he indicates for one half second then swings his fucking bus right onto me. No-where to go on the right aside from concrete and barriers - so being the last boy scout and being ready for stupidity on the part of FUCKTARDS like Mr Bus Driver, I'm already ripping the throttle open, and with front wheel skimming a neat and tidy foot from the ground, manage to escape getting crushed by the slimmest of margins.

FUCKTARD then follows me with 6 feet separation as I'm gesticulating wildly. He knew, he saw me, he didn't give a fuck. He gesticulated back, no doubt on my part that he didn't care.

So, I pulled over at the cop shop at the bridge, of course, it's locked, they're all too busy stopping people speeding during rush hour (yeah right), so I get back on the motorway, catch up with the bus, and wait until he's gridlocked...

I pull alongside, yell at him, he slides open his stupid window and says...


wait for it...


"I didn't see you".

BULLSHIT!!

As the red mist descended I realised that no one would ever give a shit for my side of the story if I were to gain entry and break all the bones in his arms and legs one by one... So I legged it, got home, and rang his company.

Seems its a corporate culture - the guy who claimed to be the MD said "that he had no control over what happened on the road", and that he didn't even know who was driving his uber-expensive coach...

Oceania - what a bunch of fucking idiots - I'm more pissed off than I can recall ever being.

Rant over, steam coming from my ears. I'm going back to riding like an idiot, less shit happens when you ride assertively and don't keep the speed limit near assholes with glass in front of their eyes.

[KiwiRat]

Fuckwit.


No, not you. The bus driver.

Rant acknowledged and understood.

[Swoop]

Please remember that:
#1: coaches are not "scheduled public transportation" and are not entitled to use bus lanes on the motorway.
#2: coach drivers are responsible for any damage that occurs to their "beloved" coach...

A good panelbeating session and mirrorectomy would have been well deserved.

[martybabe]

Sheeeet, you've every right to be pissed old son, well done for not customising his nose though, you may have been morally right but you'd a got a whole world of shit in your life just because that idiot wanted to ruin your day.

Glad your still around to rant bud, take it easy. :niceone:

[jtzzr]

If you had just caught the bus in the 1st place ,we wouldn`t have this issue, you know carbon/kevlar footprint , and the whole danger thing , with a 10tonne bus coming down on you.Look at yourself dude.P/t ,

[madbikeboy]

If you had just caught the bus in the 1st place ,we wouldn`t have this issue, you know carbon/kevlar footprint , and the whole danger thing , with a 10tonne bus coming down on you.Look at yourself dude.P/t ,

Good on you mate, a sense of humour while I'm throwing the toys. Bling on its way.

[maybe]

Trucks are the danger over here they are twice the size to what im used to so its not just when you are on your bike you have to be careful, they dont give a shit about cars either.:2guns:

[madbikeboy]

Sheeeet, you've every right to be pissed old son, well done for not customising his nose though, you may have been morally right but you'd a got a whole world of shit in your life just because that idiot wanted to ruin your day.

Glad your still around to rant bud, take it easy. :niceone:

I still might get the chance, I gave the bus company my details and asked them to pass them on. :2thumbsup I'd be fucking delighted to help readjust his body's skeletal alignment using my knees and hands, and elbows in a sporting arena...

[madbikeboy]

Trucks are the danger over here they are twice the size to what im used to so its not just when you are on your bike you have to be careful, they dont give a shit about cars either.:2guns:

yeah, I've seen them. They call them roadtrains, and that's literally what they are...

[98tls]

Glad you had the sense to do something rather than get squashed mate,sounds like a fucken nightmare.Its amazing innit when you saw him take a good long look in his mirror and still pull over into your lane,makes you wonder if he wasnt a fucken p head or similar.Well done i guess for not giving him a smack.......must have been hard not to.

[roy.nz]

Drive like a dick and treat all other motorists like shi and'l you'l be sweet.Had the same problem coming onto the motorway from the city and i almost got taken out by a birkenhead transport bus, since i stayed just around the corner from the depot went to complain and had the same answer sorry cant do anything.The dumb pricks, so the last time i got gut off i did total the buses driver mirror and felt good afterwards.f*ck the dumb pricks. :mad:

[martybabe]

Glad you had the sense to do something rather than get squashed mate,.

And there's another thing, you had the sense/skill/ savvy to accelerate yourself outta dodge, scares me to think how the less experienced peeps amongst us would have fared. :no:

[98tls]

And there's another thing, you had the sense/skill/ savvy to accelerate yourself outta dodge, scares me to think how the less experienced peeps amongst us would have fared. :no: Xactly,there only 2 options in that case,hit the pics hard or nail it,sadly most would have done neither but assumed the death grip and awaited there fate.

[newby]

Okay, so this is a total rant...

lane 1. I'm lane 2, and I'm on this kick of keeping to the speed limit and being a responsible old fart on Scoot. So, the bus is alongside me

.

Sorry, but as truck driver, you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here. Have a look at your own actions and take care of yourself on the road.

If you are stupid enough to cruise along next to a truck or bus where you are behind the driver, and just stay there not speeding up or slowing down, then it doesnt matter what the road rules say, YOU WILL DIE!

Drive/ride defensively you moron.

[newby]

And there's another thing, you had the sense/skill/ savvy to accelerate yourself outta dodge, scares me to think how the less experienced peeps amongst us would have fared. :no:

Experienced people wouldnt have put themselves in the situation where this was a possible scenerio in the first place.

[98tls]

Experienced people wouldnt have put themselves in the situation where this was a possible scenerio in the first place. He was beside the truck,not somewhere i like being myself but at times unavoidable,a truck has mirrors use the fucken things.I can fully understand the signs on the back of some trucks that proclaim "if you cant see me i cant see you" or similar but please explain how hes a "fucktard" fwiw ive been riding 37 odd years and i cant see it.

[Mully]

Sorry, but as truck driver, you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here. Have a look at your own actions and take care of yourself on the road.

If you are stupid enough to cruise along next to a truck or bus where you are behind the driver, and just stay there not speeding up or slowing down, then it doesnt matter what the road rules say, YOU WILL DIE!

Drive/ride defensively you moron.

So what would have been the difference if he had been doing 120km/h ( to get away from the side of the bus, of course) and the bus driver had decided to drop into lane two anyway??

Sorry, but I have to disagree with your viewpoint. He acted properly (making himself heard and got the hell out of Dodge when he had to).

Although, I would have gone straight to the nearest Cop Shop and laid a formal complaint.

[Ixion]

Sorry, but as truck driver, you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here. Have a look at your own actions and take care of yourself on the road.

If you are stupid enough to cruise along next to a truck or bus where you are behind the driver, and just stay there not speeding up or slowing down, then it doesnt matter what the road rules say, YOU WILL DIE!

Drive/ride defensively you moron.

So you're saying that, on a multi lane road, noone is allowed to use a lane beside a lane that a bus or truck is in? Piss off. There's a thing called lane discipline. Don't care if you're a truck bus or pushbike. You stay in YOUR lane and don't move out of it until you can do it safely. Just cos you're driving a bigger vehicle doesn't mean that you own the road. That's what we used to call a road hog. I've got other names for it. You deliberately try to kill me cos you're an arrogant prick, I'll have a wee word, one way or other. Trucks usually ahve a name on them , so do buses.

Last time a bus did that trick to me (I sort of expect it from the arrogant road hogs, so I have a pran ready), I gassed ahead of it to a bus stop. Stopped, helmet off. Bus comes along , I signal to stop. Bus stops!. I climb on. Female bus drivers now has an extra hole. After ripping it for her, still on bus (I grabbed her keys when she tried to drive off, on the basis that I reckoned she was drunk, cos no sober driver would drive so incredibly badly) , I called the cops on my cell phone. "You want to come adjudicate? No, OK". Then called the bus company (only got some dozy night shift twit unfortunately). Told them their driver was drunk and they needed to send another one out

And it pisses me off no end the attitude of the bus company management, that they do not give a stuff how many people their drivers kill. Oceania isn;t familiar, not Auckland I guess.
'

[maybe]

Sometimes not possible to not get in this position unless you are going to travel behind the dick doing 70ks in the inside lane of a multi lane highway, there is times you need to pass and this can happen then, being paranoid and staying behind everyone you might as well drive a car.

[Insanity_rules]

Man that sux mad boy, glad your OK. I never ride next to trucks or buses if I can help it for that very reason, they just don't see us.

[Tank]

Sorry, but as truck driver, you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here. Have a look at your own actions and take care of yourself on the road.

If you are stupid enough to cruise along next to a truck or bus where you are behind the driver, and just stay there not speeding up or slowing down, then it doesnt matter what the road rules say, YOU WILL DIE!

Drive/ride defensively you moron.

Welcome to KB - you are going to make a lot of friends starting out with the insults and all.

Hint for newbies - why not make reasoned arguments - you have a better chance of getting your point across as opposed to coming across as a idiot.

Second tip - its a Biking site - refer to yourself as a biker who drives trucks - not a truck driver. ;-).

[98tls]

Timely post on the truck driving thing really,was out on the TL today and riding along the very boring Waitaki straights came up behind a row of trucks nose to tail holding up every man and his dog,not a problem for me on the bike but can imagine the car drivers lined up behind these pricks getting understandably fucked off,they hadnt left enough room for any car to safely fit in in an effort to get past.

[newby]

By law, the rider is in the right for sure. But thats not what im talking about. Of course you use other lanes, but if your on something as vunerable as a bike, and going past something as big as a bus, then PASS the damn thing, even if its only by 5km speed difference.

If the rider had been doing that, then he would of been well past the bus by the time he looked in his mirror twice, then indicated and moved. You cant eliminate the risk, but minimise it.

THAT is what an experienced, intelligent road user would of done.

And even though there are mirrors, they are not perfect. There are fucken big blind spots, especially on the left.

[98tls]

By law, the rider is in the right for sure. But thats not what im talking about. Of course you use other lanes, but if your on something as vunerable as a bike, and going past something as big as a bus, then PASS the damn thing, even if its only by 5km speed difference.

If the rider had been doing that, then he would of been well past the bus by the time he looked in his mirror twice, then indicated and moved. You cant eliminate the risk, but minimise it.

THAT is what an experienced, intelligent road user would of done.

And even though there are mirrors, they are not perfect. There are fucken big blind spots, especially on the left. Yea thats fine but doesnt explain why the guy had the long look then still moved over,if theres fucken big blind spots then fix it so there isnt.....not xactly rocket science is it.

[Tank]

By law, the rider is in the right for sure. But thats not what im talking about. Of course you use other lanes, but if your on something as vunerable as a bike, and going past something as big as a bus, then PASS the damn thing, even if its only by 5km speed difference.

If the rider had been doing that, then he would of been well past the bus by the time he looked in his mirror twice, then indicated and moved. You cant eliminate the risk, but minimise it.

THAT is what an experienced, intelligent road user would of done.

And even though there are mirrors, they are not perfect. There are fucken big blind spots, especially on the left.


Much better ! :2thumbsup

[98tls]

By law, the rider is in the right for sure. But thats not what im talking about. Of course you use other lanes, but if your on something as vunerable as a bike, and going past something as big as a bus, then PASS the damn thing, even if its only by 5km speed difference.

If the rider had been doing that, then he would of been well past the bus by the time he looked in his mirror twice, then indicated and moved. You cant eliminate the risk, but minimise it.

THAT is what an experienced, intelligent road user would of done.

And even though there are mirrors, they are not perfect. There are fucken big blind spots, especially on the left.that or dont move over knowing some poor fucker may well be hidden in one of your blindspots.

[Swoop]

Sorry, but as truck driver, you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here. Have a look at your own actions and take care of yourself on the road.

If you are stupid enough to cruise along next to a truck or bus where you are behind the driver, and just stay there not speeding up or slowing down, then it doesnt matter what the road rules say, YOU WILL DIE!

Drive/ride defensively you moron.
You obviously couldn't read where the OP stated "Shiny Oceania bus, runs along the bus lane, then into lane 1. I'm lane 2,"
Do you normally change lanes onto other vehicles like this?

[newby]

Sometimes not possible to not get in this position unless you are going to travel behind the dick doing 70ks in the inside lane of a multi lane highway, there is times you need to pass and this can happen then, being paranoid and staying behind everyone you might as well drive a car.

This is not what the original post said. If the rider was passing then this situation wouldnt have happened in the first place.

Tank, fair point taken! However as a biker, car driver, and truck driver (and surburban!) it irks me when people put them selves in silly situations which increases their risk of death unnecasarily, and then bitch about how its the other drivers fault.

From another point of view, when im in the truck there are ALOT of bikers and car drivers which do dumb things around me everyday and i wonder if they even saw me....it goes both ways.

However now if someone else reads this and that causes them to avoid the same situation and it avoids an accident, then job well done.

[racefactory]

why is it all bus drivers tend to be fucking awful, pushy, dangerous drivers... i mean, i know they are fucking upset with their lives but surely they can have some care for others... jesus the way they push into the traffic sometimes is rediculously dangerous....

[newby]

Yea thats fine but doesnt explain why the guy had the long look then still moved over,if theres fucken big blind spots then fix it so there isnt.....not xactly rocket science is it.

Well actually yes it is! If you can somehow create a mirror which is of practicle size and design, and has no blindspot, then you will be a very rich man. No truck manufacturer has yet been able to do it, so there is a challenge for you.

[newby]

You obviously couldn't read where the OP stated "Shiny Oceania bus, runs along the bus lane, then into lane 1. I'm lane 2,"
Do you normally change lanes onto other vehicles like this?

The question is, why were you in lane two if there was nothing in lane one? Stay as far left at all times...there is a reason for that rule.

[newby]

why is it all bus drivers tend to be fucking awful, pushy, dangerous drivers... i mean, i know they are fucking upset with their lives but surely they can have some care for others... jesus the way they push into the traffic sometimes is rediculously dangerous....

Thats a bit like asking why all KB forum users seem to be perfect riders.:crazy:..haha

[Swoop]

This is not what the original post said. If the rider was passing then this situation wouldnt have happened in the first place.
MBB was in the centre lane. Bus in the left lane.
The bus decides to change lanes regardless of the fact that another road user is in the lane. The driver looked at the person/bike that was being put in danger.

This sounds like a "careless use" charge.


The question is, why were you in lane two if there was nothing in lane one? Stay as far left at all times...there is a reason for that rule.
You had better tell that to all the other truckies and bus drivers out there. There is some unwritten rule that says that heavy vehicles must stay in the centre lane. I see it all the time around Auckland.
It isn't like any other kiwi driver knows how to keep left though.

[Ixion]

The question is, why were you in lane two if there was nothing in lane one? Stay as far left at all times...there is a reason for that rule.


Fuck me, that's rich coming from an admitted truck driver. When was the last time anyone saw a truck keeping as far left as possible (actually I have seen it, very occasionally one encounters the old school lorry driver, who will pull left and wave you through. But it's is rare,and never seen in Auckland) .
If you are drving a truck and because of the defective design of your vehicle, you cannot ascertain that your intention to change lanes can be done safely , then don't do it.

(Incidentally, one might ask how the buses lane chnage fits in with "staying as far left as possible". If the bus had stayed as far left as possible, the OP would have had no problem )

[newby]

Fuck me, that's rich coming from an admitted truck driver. When was the last time anyone saw a truck keeping as far left as possible (actually I have seen it, very occasionally one encounters the old school lorry driver, who will pull left and wave you through. But it's is rare,and never seen in Auckland) .
If you are drving a truck and because of the defective design of your vehicle, you cannot ascertain that your intention to change lanes can be done safely , then don't do it.

(Incidentally, one might ask how the buses lane chnage fits in with "staying as far left as possible". If the bus had stayed as far left as possible, the OP would have had no problem )

As is said earlier, technically, and by law you are right. But in reality that wont keep you alive. Im sure it feels good to know technically it wasnt your fault when your lying in that coffin tho eh?

Also that bus has to get to lane three before the bridge starts, heavy vehicles are banned from lane one and two.

Im not disagreeing with the legality of the situation. Im trying to enlighten you as to how to avoid the situation in the first place and keep your arse alive.

Non-thinking muppets on bikes will die.

[newby]

I had better add to that.

Non thinking muppets on bikes will be killed by non thinking muppets driving heavier vehicles. But that doesnt count for much after the incident. The non thinking muppet heavy vehicle driver still gets to go home.

[Swoop]

Also that bus has to get to lane three before the bridge starts, heavy vehicles are banned from lane one and two.
I'm quite sure that the busdriver could have achieved this quite safely, having approximately 1km to do this, but did not do so on this occasion.

The rule "Give way to traffic on your right" also applies to general road useage, not just at intersections.

[98tls]

As is said earlier, technically, and by law you are right. But in reality that wont keep you alive. Im sure it feels good to know technically it wasnt your fault when your lying in that coffin tho eh?

Also that bus has to get to lane three before the bridge starts, heavy vehicles are banned from lane one and two.

Im not disagreeing with the legality of the situation. Im trying to enlighten you as to how to avoid the situation in the first place and keep your arse alive.

Non-thinking muppets on bikes will die. Truck drivers/bus drivers and 4wd drivers you all fuck me off at one time or another but hey thats life.what i dont get is why you think onus is on people on bikes to make up for a truck driver or there mirrors defects,dont get me wrong i am sure you guys see a lot of bad driving on a daily basis but at the end of the day eh.................

[newby]

We posted at the same time, but yes your right.

My hope now is that anyone who has read this, when next out on the highway will see a truck/bus and think "hey that fuckwit newby might be driving that truck, and might not see me even though he has mirrors, so i will either follow behind, or get in front, or be anywhere else other than right next to those 25ton of steel so that even if he does move, i wont get hit!

Its not that difficult.

[Ixion]

As is said earlier, technically, and by law you are right. But in reality that wont keep you alive. Im sure it feels good to know technically it wasnt your fault when your lying in that coffin tho eh?

Also that bus has to get to lane three before the bridge starts, heavy vehicles are banned from lane one and two.

Im not disagreeing with the legality of the situation. Im trying to enlighten you as to how to avoid the situation in the first place and keep your arse alive.

Non-thinking muppets on bikes will die.

So, what you are saying, is that truck drivers will drive in a manner which they know to be illegal, which they recognise is dangerous and may kill people, but it's OK because the truck is bigger than other traffic, so it's up to the other people to keep out of the way of the truck driver while he exercises his arrogant God given right to drive in what ever inconsiderate illegal and lethal manner he chooses? We better hope we never meet, I think we would not agree. And I will confidently predict that it will not be very long before you do indeed kill someone, (and won't give a toss, becuause it was the dead persons fault for not getting out of your way). but it won't be me, because I learned about pricks like you 40 years ago.

[98tls]

We posted at the same time, but yes your right.

My hope now is that anyone who has read this, when next out on the highway will see a truck/bus and think "hey that fuckwit newby might be driving that truck, and might not see me even though he has mirrors, so i will either follow behind, or get in front, or be anywhere else other than right next to those 25ton of steel so that even if he does move, i wont get hit!

Its not that difficult. Point taken then and on reflection a good point.

[McJim]

The question is, why were you in lane two if there was nothing in lane one? Stay as far left at all times...there is a reason for that rule.

Errr. there was a large silver vehicle in lane one....isn't that what the thread is all about?:rofl:

I used to be a cyclist so I am used to the assumption that everyone is a fuckwit and everyone is trying to kill me (that useed to include Moped riders).

Now I'm on a motorcycle I no longer feel threatened by pedestrians, cyclists, mopeds and motorcycles...well...not all motorcycles anyway but all other road users are actively trying to make my children orphans so I ride with that in mind.

[dipshit]

I always thought it was common sense to avoid lingering beside a truck or bus when on a motorbike.??

[Tank]

You can always give the bus "the lean"

[Bend-it]

By law, the rider is in the right for sure. But thats not what im talking about. Of course you use other lanes, but if your on something as vunerable as a bike, and going past something as big as a bus, then PASS the damn thing, even if its only by 5km speed difference.

If the rider had been doing that, then he would of been well past the bus by the time he looked in his mirror twice, then indicated and moved. You cant eliminate the risk, but minimise it.

THAT is what an experienced, intelligent road user would of done.

And even though there are mirrors, they are not perfect. There are fucken big blind spots, especially on the left.

yeah, the bike was on the RIGHT or can you not read either?? And if you have a blindspot, then do what everyone else does and turn your friggin' head to check.

If the biker SAW the driver in the mirror, then the driver would have seen the biker as well. Light travels in straight lines.

I HATE this bloody "Oh it's harder for me, so I won't do it and you can live with teh consequences bullshit". Feck off, turn in your license and ride a bus

[zeocen]

To summarise for people who are just starting to read this thread

Newby = "Only *I* may drive recklessly, if you are minding your own business, you are in the wrong! Take that!"

Cock.

[CookMySock]

"I didn't see you". You know that part of your fullface helmet that goes around your chin ? Thats not there to guard your chin, its there for you to take a real solid grip of while you bash some cunt with it.

Don't muck around with people who almost take your life. Go have a wee fucking word with them. And use your helmet. Hard. Once. Don't discuss!

Steve

[Bend-it]

To summarise for people who are just starting to read this thread

Newby = Cock.

Kerrekt :wari:

[portokiwi]

Hay mate Ref: Oceania Bus We were on the M way in the Cage on friday night 1745hrs when one of those busses went stright across the lanes in front of other vechs then went onto the side of the motorway up the off ramp and around the corner on a RED light with out even stopping.
I just remembered it now after seeing your post.
You over the bridge bikers can keep those crazy drivers.:bash:

[Bend-it]

Porto> You should email in and complain as well. If you got the number plate, file a complaint at your local police station. I've done so and received a very satisfying apology from the company involved.

It also makes the management sit up and take notice, especially with madbikeboy's complaint so recently.

Or both of you should take it to the coppers, separately of course.

[portokiwi]

Mate we were so stunned at how the driver could do that. The bus was going fast too. and had no one else in the vech.
I wish I did take down the rego. I just remembed the name on the bus.

[Bend-it]

Make the complaint anyway... they should be able to work out who the driver was from the time and place you saw it.

If everyone just keeps quiet when they see shit like this happen, then the driver will think he can get away with driving like this and eventually kill someone. Ask to speak with one of the managers directly without stating what your complaint is. Otherwise you'll just get palmed off to some receptionist.

Here's the website with managers' names, contact information etc.
http://www.oclnz.com/uniquelyoceania.htm

[Bend-it]

And fill in the online complaint form here! Great!

http://www.police.govt.nz/service/road/roadwatch.html

[portokiwi]

Cool mate will do.

[madbikeboy]

By law, the rider is in the right for sure. But thats not what im talking about. Of course you use other lanes, but if your on something as vunerable as a bike, and going past something as big as a bus, then PASS the damn thing, even if its only by 5km speed difference.

If the rider had been doing that, then he would of been well past the bus by the time he looked in his mirror twice, then indicated and moved. You cant eliminate the risk, but minimise it.

THAT is what an experienced, intelligent road user would of done.

And even though there are mirrors, they are not perfect. There are fucken big blind spots, especially on the left.

Newby, I've been riding since I was a nipper. I was cruising past at about 7-8 kph. Did I ever tell you about the time where I dragged a retarded truck driver from his cab and helped realign his skeletal structure after he ran me and the ex off the road. I love truckies, you are less than 10% of the national fleet yet you are involved in 40% of accidents. Sounds like you and the rest of your crew need driving lessons or counselling.

[Bend-it]

Madbikeboy, you go ahead and fill in this here form as well, ya hear?


And fill in the online complaint form here! Great!

http://www.police.govt.nz/service/road/roadwatch.html

[madbikeboy]

This is not what the original post said. If the rider was passing then this situation wouldnt have happened in the first place.

Tank, fair point taken! However as a biker, car driver, and truck driver (and surburban!) it irks me when people put them selves in silly situations which increases their risk of death unnecasarily, and then bitch about how its the other drivers fault.

From another point of view, when im in the truck there are ALOT of bikers and car drivers which do dumb things around me everyday and i wonder if they even saw me....it goes both ways.

However now if someone else reads this and that causes them to avoid the same situation and it avoids an accident, then job well done.


I was on a heading parallel to his, and I was moving fractionally faster, 7-8k's faster - just for the record.

My read from this is professional drivers (an oxymoron on Newby's case), don't give a fuck and expect us to stay out of their way.

[madbikeboy]

The question is, why were you in lane two if there was nothing in lane one? Stay as far left at all times...there is a reason for that rule.

I wanted to give said bus room to move across from the bus lane into lane 1, it's called a safety margin or safety envelope. I was anticipating normal traffic movement with a margin of safety in case something dumb happened.

Your position of defence for this bus fucktard is untenable from a common sense point of view, more so for expressing your stupidity in front of other bikers. Perhaps you should consider an alternative to KB.co.nz -www.knittingforums.com or that Haemaroid cream site that you must visit alot.

[madbikeboy]

Mate we were so stunned at how the driver could do that. The bus was going fast too. and had no one else in the vech.
I wish I did take down the rego. I just remembed the name on the bus.

I'm laying a formal complaint at the Constellation Drive Cop shop this afternoon. Could be the same guy, maybe he used to drive for the Dukes of Hazzard...

[Tank]

I was on a heading parallel to his, and I was moving fractionally faster, 7-8k's faster - just for the record.


That reminded me of another point (that may have been raised but I cant be assed reading the whole thread again).

The trucks on NZ roads are all doing speeds greater than 90km but lets give them the benefit of doubt and assume that they dont want tickets - so they sit at 95km (TUI) holding up the rest of the traffic on NZ's roads.

A passing lane comes up - you HAVE to go faster than the truck to safly get past by the end when the lanes merge again.

Yet - there always seems to be a plad sitting at the END of the passing lane waiting to ping you for speeding right there.

sorry it dosnt add much to the thread - but I thought Id just add a gripe.

[madbikeboy]

Madbikeboy, you go ahead and fill in this here form as well, ya hear?

Doing one better, doing live and in colour at the cop shop this afternoon.

[Kiwi Graham]

Fucking report the bastard to the cops, Rego, time, place etc.

Have you noticed most m/cycle gloves have a hard protective covering over the knuckle area!? Use it on the painted bits of the bastards vehicle. Did it to a taxi once years ago at the top of Queen Street, the prick tried to force his way into my lane, his passenger was pointing out to him I was there too but it didnt stop him coming. A backhanded left biff into his door gave him the heads up and some explaining to do back at the office. I called his firm up and told them one of there cabs will have a dent in its door and why.

So called profesional drivers need to take a long hard look at themselves, Bus, Truck and Cab drivers......Just because you drive for a living doesn't mean you own the roads....... some have this overwhelming sense of entitlement and give the impression we (as in 'other' road users) have to make way for them.

Phew glad I got that of my chest :chase:

[CookMySock]

My read from this is professional drivers (an oxymoron on Newby's case), don't give a fuck and expect us to stay out of their way.No, I am a professional driver, and I regard it my DUTY on the road, to maintain your safe right of passage. I can and will go out of my way to get you past at my earliest convenience. Be ready, and I will flash or wave you through. Go earlier at your option. Have a nice day bikie!! wish it was me out riding, thanks for the wave! :headbang: Sigh.


I was on a heading parallel to his, and I was moving fractionally faster, 7-8k's faster - just for the record. You are well within your rights at this point, but for myself, I stay back, or move on through quickly.

Glad you weren't hurt.

Steve

[xwhatsit]

I always thought it was common sense to avoid lingering beside a truck or bus when on a motorbike.??
I try not to hang around there too long either, but on the Harbour Bridge that's not always possible. Traffic in front, traffic behind. Not that it was the case in this situation, but when your speed difference is small (as he said, 7-8kph), it takes a long time to actually get past one of the monsters. The whole area is normally crawling with cops, especially before and after the bridge, so nipping past quickly isn't really a good idea either.

[Bass]

My read from this is professional drivers (an oxymoron on Newby's case), don't give a fuck and expect us to stay out of their way.

Interesting.........
I didn't take that from what he wrote at all. What I saw was: -


You are vulnerable on a bike
There are fuckwits in control of all types of vehicles including the big ones
Sometimes the rear vision is imperfect on the big ones
Ride accordingly

Nowhere did I see him trying to justify or excuse the bus driver's actions. Goes to show what an imperfect communication medium this is I guess.
Also IMHO he is correct in saying that being dead right doesn't make you any the less dead.

BTW, I too think that you should make a formal complaint. If something comes of it, the driver in question might look a little harder next time.

[Patrick]

Sorry, but as truck driver, you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here. Have a look at your own actions and take care of yourself on the road.

If you are stupid enough to cruise along next to a truck or bus where you are behind the driver, and just stay there not speeding up or slowing down, then it doesnt matter what the road rules say, YOU WILL DIE!

Drive/ride defensively you moron.


Interesting.........
I didn't take that from what he wrote at all. What I saw was: -


You are vulnerable on a bike
There are fuckwits in control of all types of vehicles including the big ones
Sometimes the rear vision is imperfect on the big ones
Ride accordingly

Nowhere did I see him trying to justify or excuse the bus driver's actions. Goes to show what an imperfect communication medium this is I guess.
Also IMHO he is correct in saying that being dead right doesn't make you any the less dead.

BTW, I too think that you should make a formal complaint. If something comes of it, the driver in question might look a little harder next time.

Gotta say, initially thought this was a wind up from Newby, but after reading the banter from then on, Bass sums it up, spot on. "Being dead right doesn't make you any the less dead" is exactly the point Newby was making. Worth considering, while riding, IMHO..... They all want to harm ya.

[Bend-it]

Interesting.........
I didn't take that from what he wrote at all. What I saw was: -

Nowhere did I see him trying to justify or excuse the bus driver's actions. Goes to show what an imperfect communication medium this is I guess.


Bass, would you please read Newby's post again? I've attached it here for your convenience:


Sorry, but as truck driver, you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here.


Experienced people wouldnt have put themselves in the situation where this was a possible scenerio in the first place.

Experienced person would never pass a larger vehicle? Who's the moron here? I don't personally hang around in people's blind spots, but neither was MBB here, he was passing the truck at 8 - 9kph speed differential. This statement is doesn't even apply to this situation. Incredibly rich, Mr 23 yr old VL250 newby commenting on expericnced bikers...

Will everyone please screw your brains on and realise that there is no excuse for such ignorance?

[h20boy]

I knew a guy that did something similar with a bus driver that nearly took him out. Next set of lights he walked up and gave him an earful and as he left, banged the side of the bus below the drivers window.
2 days later the police turn up. Ends up defending an assault charge in court. Best to just ride away with an inverted sphinxter and file the experience under 'close calls with fucktards' folder.

[Bend-it]

And file a complaint... they actually follow these complaints up!

[Drogen Omen]

same story here but i was in my car. cause bike was in getting service done on it.

driving down Cuba st. in petone pulled up behind a car at the crossing by the second hand doors and stuff place on the right, on the left a bus stationary at a bus stop picking up some one.

person crosses crossing bus floors it rips into the left side of my car no real damage at this stage, almost hits the car in front of me i move over a bit more cause4 this guy is a real redneck cunt.then he does the unthinkable and turns into me even more thistime doing some damage and ripping off my mirror.

i chase the fucker down passhim on the wrong side of the road and slam on the breaks and make him stop.

I walk up to the door he opens it ans is already filling out an incident report ans tells me that he's sorry that he didnt see me... this i would expect if i was on a scooter or pountain bike but no i drive a fucking tank, a big 7 seater 4x4 that was half the leng of the bus.

Then he says fill in your details here and you will hear from stage couches insurance company in the next 2 or 3 days. this happend last wdnesday 10 september and still havent heard from them, even my insurance company hasnt heard from them.

Stage coach insurance company is called Zurich - 0800 zurich havent managed to get through to any one as of yet just keeps ringing or get an answer machine...

next time i'll carry a can or silicone spray and let it rip in front of the fuckers windscreen...

[Drogen Omen]

continuing rant......

also have any of you noticed when driving down the motorway buses are the only ones that close the gap so you cant pass them down the center lane...

had this bastard stage coach bus (again)... just past the petone over bridge close the gap so much the guy in the van next to him was forced to drive in the cycle lane cause he came over that much...

guy in van was pissed swinging his fists out his window and smacking the side of that bus.... yes!!! the bus was that close...

wish i had knives on my hubs like in the movie ben hur.... hehehe ride up next to the cunts and strip a big hole in the side of them..... :mad: :angry2:

[devnull]

This thread clearly shows that handguns should be a licence requirement for bikes...

If common sense doesn't stop bus drivers from trying to kill us, perhaps a healthy fear that we'll return the favour will :2guns:

[CookMySock]

Then he says fill in your details here and you will hear from stage couches insurance company in the next 2 or 3 days.cheque is in the post, yes I slept with ur mrs but nothing happened, the dog ate it, I'll pay you next month, wheres my cluestick ?



next time i'll carry a can or silicone spray and let it rip in front of the fuckers windscreen...ooh a new cool stunt! What does silicone spray do ? I need a new trick for my bag of mean tricks - the old reliable "chuck the plastic tomato sauce bottle at his windscreen" is getting old, and its just getting me laughed at - very frustrating! :angry2:

Steve

[Fatt Max]

Nice one mate. Real shame you had to meet Mr Fuckwit on the road but your safe and well, thats the main thing.

I cringed when I read it because I had similar near misses on my 50CC communting into town and back, nowhere near as serious as yours but it still shakes you all the same. The guys was / is a total bellend.

Rant all you like mate, you deserve it.

Take care, ride safe and eat pies

[madbikeboy]

Bass, would you please read Newby's post again? I've attached it here for your convenience:





Experienced person would never pass a larger vehicle? Who's the moron here? I don't personally hang around in people's blind spots, but neither was MBB here, he was passing the truck at 8 - 9kph speed differential. This statement is doesn't even apply to this situation. Incredibly rich, Mr 23 yr old VL250 newby commenting on expericnced bikers...

Will everyone please screw your brains on and realise that there is no excuse for such ignorance?

Thanks for writing what I was thinking. Nice one.

[madbikeboy]

This thread clearly shows that handguns should be a licence requirement for bikes...

If common sense doesn't stop bus drivers from trying to kill us, perhaps a healthy fear that we'll return the favour will :2guns:

I've heard it said a few hundred times that car drivers don't care because they don't have a healthy fear of us - I know an American old timer that reckons that cars used to treat bikes with huge respect in SoCal because they would assume that all bikers were real bad-asses, and therefore you didn't fuck with them.

[slofox]

Had some dork in a "softwash" van pull a lane change right in front of me this morning.....putting on the indicator as he crossed the lane markings.....but he was generous - he gave me at least two feet to stop in.....so I emailed his company and politely asked them to suggest that drivers take care on the road.....fat chance......

[Tank]

Had some dork in a "softwash" van pull a lane change right in front of me this morning.....putting on the indicator as he crossed the lane markings.....but he was generous - he gave me at least two feet to stop in.....so I emailed his company and politely asked them to suggest that drivers take care on the road.....fat chance......

You never know. There is nothing truckers fear more than a politely worded email.

[Bend-it]

Yeah, but fear isn't the correct motivation... common decency is.

Or is common decency not so common and I'm just being idealistic?

[Bend-it]

Had some dork in a "softwash" van pull a lane change right in front of me this morning.....putting on the indicator as he crossed the lane markings.....but he was generous - he gave me at least two feet to stop in.....so I emailed his company and politely asked them to suggest that drivers take care on the road.....fat chance......

Oi Slo!

http://www.police.govt.nz/service/road/roadwatch.html

[slofox]

Oi Slo!

http://www.police.govt.nz/service/road/roadwatch.html

I am their most regular contributor Bend-it........:innocent:

[Bend-it]

I am their most regular contributor Bend-it........:innocent:

:2thumbsup: GOOD ON YOU :2thumbsup:

Maybe if the cops are chasing down idiot drivers, they won't be out issueing tickets as much... and somebody must be collecting the stats somewhere and figuring out that truck and bus drivers need abit of work...

[Bass]

Thanks for writing what I was thinking. Nice one.

I stand by what I wrote.
I understand that his tone and choice of words is offensive, but he is not justifying or making excuses - simply giving the benefit of experience. In other posts he is explicit in saying that you had the law on your side (and you did), but his main point is that you are dead right and could still be dead.

I completely agree that it is not always easy to stay out of the blind spot of other vehicles in motorway traffic which is one of the reasons why I seldom commute on the bike, but that does not negate what he wrote


I've heard it said a few hundred times that car drivers don't care because they don't have a healthy fear of us - I know an American old timer that reckons that cars used to treat bikes with huge respect in SoCal because they would assume that all bikers were real bad-asses, and therefore you didn't fuck with them.

There is a fair amount of research out there on this topic. The common (though not universal) conclusion arrived at, is that we first see what our subconscious perceives as a threat. So if we accept this then you are correct in your comments above regarding fear, although not quite in the sense that you intended.
What this means is that a car driver will often not see a motorcyclist at first glance because we are too small to be perceived immediately by their subconscious as a threat. Also that the subconscious can have filters in place, which is why you can often easily spot a cop car in a line of traffic or a patched biker on a Harley.

Note that what I have just written is neither an excuse nor a justification for not seeing an oncoming motorcyclist. In learning to drive, we have the obligation to learn observation skills that overcome the subconscious prejudice and so actually see what is happening around us on the road. (Hence my comment that a formal complaint would be a good thing.)
It does however offer some explanation, which is a different thing altogether.

[Bend-it]

I stand by what I wrote.
I understand that his tone and choice of words is offensive, but he is not justifying or making excuses - simply giving the benefit of experience.

I think we'll agree to disagree here.

I agree that it is only wise that bikers don't stay in other vehicles' (bikes included, we all know what hopeless mirrors sportbikes have) blindspots, but
a. I don't think that's all noob was intending with his offensive post
b. it's not even relevent because MBB was passing the bus with a perfectly reasonable 8-9kph speed differential, not just sitting there.


Note that what I have just written is neither an excuse nor a justification for not seeing an oncoming motorcyclist.

Here, we agree.

I'm going for a bike ride and hopefully won't have any experiences as relayed here.

[Bass]

I think we'll agree to disagree here.



Here, we agree.

I'm going for a bike ride and hopefully won't have any experiences as relayed here.


Fairy muff

[Kickaha]

I love truckies, you are less than 10% of the national fleet yet you are involved in 40% of accidents. Sounds like you and the rest of your crew need driving lessons or counselling.

Does that take into account the mileages they do?

[Swoop]

wish i had knives on my hubs like in the movie ben hur.... hehehe ride up next to the cunts and strip a big hole in the side of them..... :mad: :angry2:
Simple. Have a couple of cut-off screws poking out of the heel of your boot. Just drag your heel along the side of the vehicle...:whistle:

I've heard it said a few hundred times that car drivers don't care because they don't have a healthy fear of us - I know an American old timer that reckons that cars used to treat bikes with huge respect in SoCal because they would assume that all bikers were real bad-asses, and therefore you didn't fuck with them.
There's a concept that has eluded katman.

[newby]

Ill put my hand up and admit my first post was a bit quick off the mark. I wrote that straight after reading the first post, and didnt take the time to word it properly.

However as Bass and Patrick have pointed out, keep reading beyond my first post, its pretty clear and simple...

Bend-it, no offense intended here, but you need to re-read the whole thing and put the timeline of posts together....might then make a little bit more sense to you.

As for the experience thing, yeah im a newby to biking, but i have spent more hours and kilometres than nearly anyone else who has never driven for a job.

And it is obvious here that some people will not accept the fact the vehicles have blind spots. Even cars have blindspots, which is why you are supposed to turn your head to check. That is not possible with a truck, simple as that.

As for saying if you cant be sure nothing is in your blindspot then dont change lanes, that is rediculas as your argument against not ever passing a large vehicle.

Usually you 'eye' the traffic moving in your mirror. For example you see red car moving into your line of site, you keep an eye on it, no cars are behind red car, then red car passes you, and still no other cars have entered into the line of site, so road is clear. This is why people who linger next to other vehicles increase their chances of getting hit.

I guess natural selection will always prevail. Bass's statement of being dead right, doesnt make you any less dead, really sums it up though.

Cheers

[Salival]

why is it all bus drivers tend to be fucking awful, pushy, dangerous drivers... i mean, i know they are fucking upset with their lives but surely they can have some care for others... jesus the way they push into the traffic sometimes is rediculously dangerous....
Couldn't agree more - two days into having the new bike I almost got taken out twice in as many seconds whilst going past the bus stop on Dixon Street in Wellington. And they have their own fucking lane!!

[Katman]

There's a concept that has eluded katman.

No concept eludes me.

The only trouble is, if I give any of you fuckers an inch you'll demand a mile.

:msn-wink:

[Big Dave]

Oi Slo!

http://www.police.govt.nz/service/road/roadwatch.html

Fortunately (as I've read on here) it's as toothless as it deserves to be.

[The Stranger]

if I give any of you fuckers an inch

In your dreams Katman.

[Big Dave]

In your dreams Katman.

Glad you're here - it's not BRONZ night then?

[CookMySock]

cough, HID lamps, cough, on fullbeam, hrm, 24/7.

DB

[98tls]

"like sands through an hourglass these are the days of our lives",as long as you ride a bike there will be some fucker out there trying to kill ya.......looking back on 37 years of riding even when theres not you can rely on yourself to have a good crack at it from time to time.

[Patrick]

a. I don't think that's all noob was intending with his offensive post

After reading on, I think he was hasty in his choice of words... clarified it all later.... re-read what was said and what was added, and how it all changed the viewpoint from the original call. I thought it was then clear.... The bus was an arse, thats a given. Being right and being dead right are similar, but with one obvious difference....
b. it's not even relevent because MBB was passing the bus with a perfectly reasonable 8-9kph speed differential, not just sitting there.
This was not clear to begin with... it could have been read as he was riding next to the bus, unseen by the driver, not passing, just sitting there....

The point is, well spotted and avoided by the rider...., the bus driver is an arse.

Make a complaint against the bus driver, or do nothing and get nothing.

[RT527]

You had better tell that to all the other truckies and bus drivers out there. There is some unwritten rule that says that heavy vehicles must stay in the centre lane. I see it all the time around Auckland.
It isn't like any other kiwi driver knows how to keep left though.

Hmmm I stay in the centre lane on most occasions as that is the lane that will get me directly to most of my destinations more safely ie the least amount of times I change lanes then I am less likely to run something over .....no ones perfect, oh by the way Would be nice for some of you Auckland rush hour riders to acknowledge thanks to me when I move over in my lane far enough so you can split past me with out going into the other lane...which most of you seem to do...which is illegal i must point out....getting back to it , I have changed lanes before after making numerous attempts to make sure way is clear , and indicating 3 + secs beforehand only to have some blowhards rush up at a million miles an hour (both bikes and cars), in an attempt to block me from moving out, go figure.

However what this so called proffessional driver did was just plain unprofessional and he should be punished...if MD of company fails to take proper consideration to your complaint the next thing to do is lay a complaint with land Transport NZ or ring up the CVIU branch of the NZ police and tell them your complaint.

[Sellout]

No, I am a professional driver, and I regard it my DUTY on the road, to maintain your safe right of passage. I can and will go out of my way to get you past at my earliest convenience. Be ready, and I will flash or wave you through. Go earlier at your option. Have a nice day bikie!! wish it was me out riding, thanks for the wave! :headbang: Sigh.

Agree & seconded. While I am not employed as a heavy driver, I work for a campervan company and have regular occassion to drive dirty big fridges-on-wheels up and down both islands. I always keep an eye out for bikers (and the odd car who can keep up) getting stuck behind me and give them plenty o' space and a wave to get by!

[madbikeboy]

No concept eludes me.

The only trouble is, if I give any of you fuckers an inch you'll demand a mile.

:msn-wink:

Don't pick on KatMan, he serves a purpose in this society of bikers. I may not like the message, or how it's delivered, but I'll listen because his point is that he doesn't like seeing us die or get damaged.

[madbikeboy]

cough, HID lamps, cough, on fullbeam, hrm, 24/7.

DB

Yeah, me too. Get stopped occasionally. My response is usually something like "you mean with my lights on full, numpties in cars can see me?? - excellent!".

[CB ARGH]

Holy crap dude that's some scary shit. Glad you're okay though.

[Big Dave]

Yeah, me too. Get stopped occasionally. My response is usually something like "you mean with my lights on full, numpties in cars can see me?? - excellent!".

Yeah, light dazzled, disoriented old fogies running into you head on is much better.

[madbikeboy]

No, I am a professional driver, and I regard it my DUTY on the road, to maintain your safe right of passage. I can and will go out of my way to get you past at my earliest convenience. Be ready, and I will flash or wave you through. Go earlier at your option. Have a nice day bikie!! wish it was me out riding, thanks for the wave! :headbang: Sigh.

You are well within your rights at this point, but for myself, I stay back, or move on through quickly.

Glad you weren't hurt.

Steve

Steve, we need more of you in Auckland, there are some good truckies here, and they see some stupid shit on the road - but we get some real morons as well. I guess you get morons in all communities and walks of life.

I found myself riding really assertively today, and gassing past anything that I thought might present danger. My licence may not last long, but I'm hoping I'll last longer...

[madbikeboy]

I'm out of bling for the day, will try and bling some more of you for your positive posts. Cheers guys.

[madbikeboy]

Sorry, but as truck driver, you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here. Have a look at your own actions and take care of yourself on the road.

If you are stupid enough to cruise along next to a truck or bus where you are behind the driver, and just stay there not speeding up or slowing down, then it doesnt matter what the road rules say, YOU WILL DIE!

Drive/ride defensively you moron.

I reread some of your other posts, and then I reread this one. How could I not interpret this poorly. I guess an IQ good enough for Mensa, 24 years on two wheels, a goodly number of training sessions, a bit of track time in several countries, and no chicken strips mean nothing in light of your astounding insight.

[The Stranger]

Don't pick on KatMan, he serves a purpose in this society of bikers.

Oh yeah, he sure does.

[The Stranger]

And it is obvious here that some people will not accept the fact the vehicles have blind spots. Even cars have blindspots, which is why you are supposed to turn your head to check. That is not possible with a truck, simple as that.


Not being a truck driver myself, perhaps you would care to explain please why it is not possible to turn your head?

[Bend-it]

not being a truck driver myself, perhaps you would care to explain please why it is not possible to turn your head?

+1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

[Kiwi Graham]

Sorry, but as truck driver, you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here. Have a look at your own actions and take care of yourself on the road.

If you are stupid enough to cruise along next to a truck or bus where you are behind the driver, and just stay there not speeding up or slowing down, then it doesnt matter what the road rules say, YOU WILL DIE!

Drive/ride defensively you moron.


Experienced people wouldnt have put themselves in the situation where this was a possible scenerio in the first place.


The question is, why were you in lane two if there was nothing in lane one? Stay as far left at all times...there is a reason for that rule.


We posted at the same time, but yes your right.

My hope now is that anyone who has read this, when next out on the highway will see a truck/bus and think "hey that fuckwit newby might be driving that truck, and might not see me even though he has mirrors, so i will either follow behind, or get in front, or be anywhere else other than right next to those 25ton of steel so that even if he does move, i wont get hit!

Its not that difficult.



And it is obvious here that some people will not accept the fact the vehicles have blind spots. Even cars have blindspots, which is why you are supposed to turn your head to check. That is not possible with a truck, simple as that.

As for saying if you cant be sure nothing is in your blindspot then dont change lanes, that is rediculas as your argument against not ever passing a large vehicle.


Cheers

Fookin ek, These so called profesional drivers realy are out there to kill us!!!

Cant see so will pull out anyway! :Oops: Its your fault if we hit you! :whistle: Ive driven more K's than you so I'm a better driver! :bleh: I can drive in what ever lane I want because I'm a big fat blind truckie! :yeah:
Its your resposibility to stay out of my way! :finger:

I bet you've witnessed loads of accidents eh! Unless they've happend in your blind spot. :tugger:

Mate you have a shocking attitude towards other road users!? And your a biker too :slap:

[Big Dave]

Not being a truck driver myself, perhaps you would care to explain please why it is not possible to turn your head?

The cargo blocks the view.

[Bend-it]

on the right? where's the driver sitting? Can't reach the window where his elbow's hanging out and he's chucking ciggie butts out of?

In that case, it would be an overloaded vehicle...

[Bass]

Not being a truck driver myself, perhaps you would care to explain please why it is not possible to turn your head?


You can turn your head but it doesn't do you any good. It's not so bad in a bus, but in a truck, the load is typically a lot wider than the cab and so obscures your rearward view.

See if you can arrange to sit in the driver's seat of a B-train sometime and check it out. You will immediately see what I mean.

Years ago I drove a 9 tonne van on town-delivery for a holiday job.
The driving public just don't understand. Remember that in a vehicle of this type there is no way to see what is immediately close behind you.
I would get the van angled across the road at about 45 degrees so that I could back down a right-of-way. I quickly learned that I had to get out of the truck and take a look because about 20% of the time, some little old lady was stopped right under the tailgate.
It's really easy to make life difficult for a heavy vehicle driver in a metropolitan area. You don't have to be deliberate about it - all that is required is that you don't understand what they are trying to achieve. I think this explains why so many bus drivers are really agressive about their driving.

As before, it does not justify or excuse it however.

[Patrick]

Fookin ek, These so called profesional drivers realy are out there to kill us!!!

Cant see so will pull out anyway! :Oops: Its your fault if we hit you! :whistle: Ive driven more K's than you so I'm a better driver! :bleh: I can drive in what ever lane I want because I'm a big fat blind truckie! :yeah:
Its your resposibility to stay out of my way! :finger:

I bet you've witnessed loads of accidents eh! Unless they've happend in your blind spot. :tugger:

Mate you have a shocking attitude towards other road users!? And your a biker too :slap:

They were shite calls, and I can see how these were interpreted. Might be wrong here, but I got the impression he launched into print without much of a thought. Lucky that doesn't happen in KB ay?


You can turn your head but it doesn't do you any good. It's not so bad in a bus, but in a truck, the load is typically a lot wider than the cab and so obscures your rearward view.

Fair call, but then the mirrors do their part further back along the truck. A head turn will show ya what is next to you, such as a motorbike MBB passing along, in your blind spot, perhaps?????:niceone:

[Bass]

Fair call, but then the mirrors do their part further back along the truck. A head turn will show ya what is next to you, such as a motorbike MBB passing along, in your blind spot, perhaps?????:niceone:

There's still a bit of a blind spot where, if you are far enough forward and far enough away from the truck, that the mirror doesn't pick you up (same as a car), but you can still be far enough back so that the load hides you from a head turn too (unlike a car).

You will have seen quite a few trucks around with a small convex (wide angle) mirror usually mounted just below the flat one. This helps, but doesn't totally cure the problem.

As Newby pointed out, it's worse to the left because the head-turn view is even more restricted.

These signs on the back of trucks "if you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you" are a bit misleading. You have to be able to see the driver's face in his mirror to be sure that you can be seen. That doesn't guarantee that you will be however.

[Drogen Omen]

oh by the way Would be nice for some of you Auckland rush hour riders to acknowledge thanks to me when I move over in my lane far enough so you can split past me with out going into the other lane...which most of you seem to do...which is illegal i must point out...

Lane splitting i not illegal, it is frowned upon. Australia is the only country that has made it illegal... but they are Ausies... enough said. :crazy:

[madbikeboy]

Since we're on the mirror and blind spot discussion, can I point out that I could see him in his mirror. I watched him look across, then when I blipped the Scoot, he turned again to look at me - he looked at me, his head stopping for a moment looking directly to where I was, and then he looked forward again.

Now, I'm just a humble biker, but assuming the laws of physics are still the same - if I can see him, and light waves passing in straight lines, then surely he could see me?

Now, my brain has a reasonably fast processor, and despite the decline of of my boyish good looks into the pre-middle age spread, I saw all of this in detail, while still having enough brain power left to work out my options in terms of possible escape plans (brake, swerve, gas, is it clear in any of those directions), and then to execute said escape.

I've read newby's self righteous bullshit, and I understand the limitation of sight and mirrors for a Semi/18 wheeler/container truck - but his assumptions based on his experience (or lack thereof) are wrong in this case.

[Bass]

Since we're on the mirror and blind spot discussion, can I point out that I could see him in his mirror. I watched him look across, then when I blipped the Scoot, he turned again to look at me - he looked at me, his head stopping for a moment looking directly to where I was, and then he looked forward again.

Now, I'm just a humble biker, but assuming the laws of physics are still the same - if I can see him, and light waves passing in straight lines, then surely he could see me?


I've read newby's self righteous bullshit, and I understand the limitation of sight and mirrors for a Semi/18 wheeler/container truck - but his assumptions based on his experience (or lack thereof) are wrong in this case.

You said all this right at the start and in the physics bit, you are of course quite correct. However, no-one (including Newby) has said that the "blind spot discussion" applied in your case, only that it's another good reason not to linger alongside heavy vehicles, which as has also been pointed out, did not apply in your case either (i.e. not lingering).

[Badjelly]

Sorry, but as truck driver, you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here. Have a look at your own actions and take care of yourself on the road.

If you are stupid enough to cruise along next to a truck or bus where you are behind the driver, and just stay there not speeding up or slowing down, then it doesnt matter what the road rules say, YOU WILL DIE!

Drive/ride defensively you moron.


However, no-one (including Newby) has said that the "blind spot discussion" applied in your case,...

Possibly Madbikeboy felt the words, "you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here" implied some degree of fault on his part. Can't think why. :jerry:

Seriously, Newby's original post was unnecessarily rude and misdirected. End of story as far as I'm concerned.

[The Stranger]

There's still a bit of a blind spot where, if you are far enough forward and far enough away from the truck, that the mirror doesn't pick you up (same as a car), but you can still be far enough back so that the load hides you from a head turn too (unlike a car).

You will have seen quite a few trucks around with a small convex (wide angle) mirror usually mounted just below the flat one. This helps, but doesn't totally cure the problem.



Yes, it's not at all hard to imagine that a wide load would obscure the view to one degree or another and still leave a blind spot. I was sincerely hoping that this wasn't going to be the excuse put forward for not even trying to minimise the size of a blind spot.
I would imagine you would get at least 90 degrees minimum view and in many cases a lot more.
Whilst the "if I you can't see me in the mirror I can't see you" is a good reminder to other motorists, it should not be an excuse for not even trying to look, as would very often appear to be the case.

[madbikeboy]

Possibly Madbikeboy felt the words, "you are the total stupid FUCKTARD here" implied some degree of fault on his part. Can't think why. :jerry:

Seriously, Newby's original post was unnecessarily rude and misdirected. End of story as far as I'm concerned.

Yes, and totally agree.

[martybabe]

Yes, and totally agree.


Seconded. :msn-wink:

[dipshit]

It isn't just lane changes. Big vehicles may cut corners when turning. Trailers can get a weave going. I just don't feel safe riding alongside these bigins.

There was just such a case on Crash Investigation Unit on TV the other week. A guy on a VTR (i think?) was knocked off and ran over by a large truck making a (edit) left-hand turn into another street. The truck only just touched the bike... enough to put the rider off balance, and he fell with his head going under the rear wheels of the truck.

[Bass]

Yes, and totally agree.

We have already been here - see post #83

Incidentally, since it was fine yesterday I brought the Trumpy into work and had a similar episode on the way home. A clown in a Commode wagon tried to sandwich me into the median barrier. He finally saw me and gave me a wave and a silly grin BUT HE KEPT ON COMING! He had my full attention for a moment or two.

Perhaps I'm being punished for my views here.

[madbikeboy]

It isn't just lane changes. Big vehicles may cut corners when turning. Trailers can get a weave going. I just don't feel safe riding alongside these bigins.

There was just such a case on Crash Investigation Unit on TV the other week. A guy on a VTR (i think?) was knocked off and ran over by a large truck making a right-hand turn into another street. The truck only just touched the bike... enough to put the rider off balance, and he fell with his head going under the rear wheels of the truck.

Yeah, I saw that too. I kind of imagined the same happening to me, hence getting so frigging mad about the bus driver...

[MarkH]

I have been driving/riding for a while now (got my car license over 25 years ago) and have seen some stupid shit! Overall I must say that most truck drivers are good professional drivers and I have seen a much worse standard of driving from buses and taxis.

Dumb shit I have seen:
Driving along the main street in Hamilton in a car, the car in the lane next too me starts to change into my lane, I use my horn and that car swerves back into their own lane, then tries again to change into my lane while I am STILL there right beside her! WTF!

Riding a bicycle in hamilton, coming around a roundabout keeping to the left so cars can pass me, car comes past and off the roundabout almost knocking me off - it was a police car!

Waiting at a set of lights in lane 2, beside me in lane 1 is a truck. Lights turn green, I start to move when a car goes past my front bumper from left to right - the guy was running a red light and I almost T-Boned the idiot. I didn't see him till he was right in front of me due to a truck on my left blocking my view. A little quicker on the gas and I would have scored a direct hit, glad I wasn't on a bike at the time.

Waiting at a set of lights in the left lane, only car there. Lights turn green and I drive into the side of a van, I was a bit surprised by this. Where did it come from? It came up from behind, changed into the right lane, tried to drive around me to turn left. He wasn't expecting me to move, it was just unlucky that the light changed to green (he was attempting to drive through a red light and around my car). He admitted fault and my insurance company sorted everything out with his insurance company.

This is just a small sample off the top of my head.



I agree somewhat with the gist of what newbie has posted - take care not to linger in a bad position relative to a large vehicle that could knock you off your bike and kill you. Don't trust the other driver to be sensible and law abiding.

I also agree with madbikeboy that some bus drivers and homicidal maniacs with severe anger issues and they definitely need to be reported to the cops. Personally I would have broken the law a little and sped up to get away from the bus, I'd rather risk a ticket than risk death and my faith in bus drivers being sensible is a little low.

I have seen news articles in the past about bus drivers - like the one that drove off with a school boy dragging behind the bus, the kids on the bus saw it happen and tried to get the driver to stop but he ignored them. Then there was the more recent one where a bus hit a pedestrian and kept going, the driver claimed to have not seen anything. Wouldn't it be great if the person in charge of something as big and heavy as a bus was sane & sensible?

[The Stranger]

Dumb shit I have seen:
Driving along the main street in Hamilton in a car, the car in the lane next too me starts to change into my lane, I use my horn and that car swerves back into their own lane, then tries again to change into my lane while I am STILL there right beside her! WTF!


I've said it before, a horn is the second most useless thing to have on a motorcycle. Drivers are bad enough when they aren't dazed and confused.

[slofox]

Waiting at a set of lights in lane 2, beside me in lane 1 is a truck. Lights turn green, I start to move when a car goes past my front bumper from left to right - the guy was running a red light and I almost T-Boned the idiot. I didn't see him till he was right in front of me due to a truck on my left blocking my view. A little quicker on the gas and I would have scored a direct hit, glad I wasn't on a bike at the time.

Also in Hamilton - watched a dude in a car turn left onto Claudelands Bridge from Vic St, against the red light and drive straight into a bunch of pedestrians on the crossing - who scattered for their lives chopchop.....

Many years ago, riding (pedal) bike from Vic street onto Vic bridge (bridge st),....down a curve to the left...bus comes past and with the curve of the road, my bike gets squeezed into the (deep) gutter. Had to leap off bike as it got mashed into the curve and reduced to scrap....bus didn't even stop. Phoned the company and they said "tough luck sonny"...bastards....:mad:

[MarkH]

Many years ago, riding (pedal) bike from Vic street onto Vic bridge (bridge st),....down a curve to the left...bus comes past and with the curve of the road, my bike gets squeezed into the (deep) gutter. Had to leap off bike as it got mashed into the curve and reduced to scrap....bus didn't even stop. Phoned the company and they said "tough luck sonny"...bastards....:mad:

Definitely worth making an official complaint to the police on an incident like that!

It also adds weight to my proposition that many bus drivers are homicidal maniacs.

[RT527]

Lane splitting i not illegal, it is frowned upon. Australia is the only country that has made it illegal... but they are Ausies... enough said. :crazy:

it is illegal to pass someone on their left in the same lane...however if you pass on the right hand side and remain in the same lane you can do it...please correct me if im wrong...I see heaps of bikes on the way into town and a fair majority are passing cars in the same lane and on the left hand side of the car, this is not only dangerous but really really stoopid, as most drivers have a huge blind spot , yes even in cars , on the left with pillars and passengers well and truly in the way !.

I have seen the odd car move over on a bike , and I bet they all told there mates about the stoopid farkin car that tried to take them out.

[Big Dave]

>>Australia is the only country that has made it illegal... but they are Ausies... enough said. :crazy:<<

Ironic that you can't spell it.

It is virtually impossible to split lanes legally here too.

[Big Dave]

it is illegal to pass someone on their left in the same lane...however if you pass on the right hand side and remain in the same lane you can do it...please correct me if im wrong....

Correctomondo.

[Ixion]

It is specifically illegal in some US states.

[The Stranger]

I see heaps of bikes on the way into town and a fair majority are passing cars in the same lane and on the left hand side of the car, this is not only dangerous but really really stoopid, as most drivers have a huge blind spot , yes even in cars , on the left with pillars and passengers well and truly in the way !.


So being 100mm further to the left (i.e. in the RHS of the left lane) is really much safer is it?

[RT527]

So being 100mm further to the left (i.e. in the RHS of the left lane) is really much safer is it?

well no of course not...but lets not split hairs on this ....i didnt think i`d have to spell it out, only split in lane three that way you are only passing cars on the right of them.
look to be honest i dont really care what you do as long as you do it safely , i want/need to go home safely and so should you all.

all i was really saying was ffs slow down a little while splitting and if someone in a truck moves over so you can get your pissy little selves to work faster , be a man/women and be courteous and wave to the fella/ felless , or are you all to arrogant to give the time of day to someone else?.

[The Stranger]

well no of course not...but lets not split hairs on this ....i didnt think i`d have to spell it out, only split in lane three that way you are only passing cars on the right of them.
look to be honest i dont really care what you do as long as you do it safely , i want/need to go home safely and so should you all.

all i was really saying was ffs slow down a little while splitting and if someone in a truck moves over so you can get your pissy little selves to work faster , be a man/women and be courteous and wave to the fella/ felless , or are you all to arrogant to give the time of day to someone else?.

Fuck who’s got sand in their vagina?

[RT527]

Fuck who’s got sand in their vagina?

Where where let me at them Ill investigate...the Dr is in.:Playnice:

[Street Gerbil]

And there's another thing, you had the sense/skill/ savvy to accelerate yourself outta dodge, scares me to think how the less experienced peeps amongst us would have fared. :no:
Or underpowered (like my most esteemed self)...

[Whoosh]

but I got in front & slowlly pulled to a stop, a mate who was riding with me at the time reckons its the only time he's seen a bike pull a bus over, same story except the dude wouldnt open the doors... I love the way the give you the finger then start saying sorry, sorry, sorry as soon as youre in front of them!

[The Stranger]

but I got in front & slowlly pulled to a stop, a mate who was riding with me at the time reckons its the only time he's seen a bike pull a bus over, same story except the dude wouldnt open the doors... I love the way the give you the finger then start saying sorry, sorry, sorry as soon as youre in front of them!

One of the funniest things I have seen was a bus driver cutting off a logging truck. The logging truck was a truck and trailer unit with a trailer and was laden.
The truck followed the bus to the next stop then came up behind the bus and parked his back trailer diagonally behind the bus and front trailer diagonally in front pinning the bus at the stop.
The truck driver took his time, wandered up to the bus drivers window, made him open it and ripped into him. He then strolled back and sat in his cab for ages before departing.
I was on the bus and laughing like fuck. It's not every day someone get one of these cunts, made it sooo sweet.

[slofox]

Had some dork in a "softwash" van pull a lane change right in front of me this morning.....putting on the indicator as he crossed the lane markings.....but he was generous - he gave me at least two feet to stop in.....so I emailed his company and politely asked them to suggest that drivers take care on the road.....fat chance......

Well, hey how wrong I was - got a reply to my email today from the Big Boss of softwash acknowledging my point and promising to bring it up with all drivers....so top marks to Softwash.....:yes:

[Littleman]

One of the funniest things I have seen was a bus driver cutting off a logging truck. The logging truck was a truck and trailer unit with a trailer and was laden.
The truck followed the bus to the next stop then came up behind the bus and parked his back trailer diagonally behind the bus and front trailer diagonally in front pinning the bus at the stop.
The truck driver took his time, wandered up to the bus drivers window, made him open it and ripped into him. He then strolled back and sat in his cab for ages before departing.
I was on the bus and laughing like fuck. It's not every day someone get one of these cunts, made it sooo sweet.

I'd be laughing like fuck if I saw you on a bus too.

Surely you mean a Busa?

[The Stranger]

I'd be laughing like fuck if I saw you on a bus too.


Was a sad day - well up to that point anyway.