Uploaded July 2014 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Approaching a series of pinchpoints, with no room for a safe overtake (see rule 163 of the highway code), at around 20mph (in a 20mph zone), this bus driver decided to tailgate me at around 2 metres away from my back wheel.
The stopping distance at 20mph is 12 metres (6 metres thinking distance, 6 metres stopping distance).
Despite two attempts to get the driver to stay back (palm backwards in the pushing motion), he still continued to tailgate me, so I stopped to try and explain why he shouldn't tailgate...
Unfortunately, he was too busy screaming obscenities at me to listen to the reasons!
I count no less than 11 swearwords aimed at me... a very bad example to children, from a 'professional driver' in charge of a school bus.
Today I phoned a complaint to Firstbus.
Playing the audio over the phone, the operator was appalled at this behaviour, and has promised me a letter, and action if they feel it is necessary.
Last time I made a complaint to Firstbus, I recieved a positive outcome (the driver was required to have some extra training), so I have no doubt a positive outcome.
Perhaps forcing the driver to observe his behaviour might make him change his attitude to vulnerable road users who have as much right to use the road as anybody else.
Sorry about the angle on the rear footage.
I'm limited by the camera mount on my bike.
Approaching a series of pinchpoints, with no room for a safe overtake (see rule 163 of the highway code), at around 20mph (in a 20mph zone), this bus driver decided to tailgate me at around 2 metres away from my back wheel.
The stopping distance at 20mph is 12 metres (6 metres thinking distance, 6 metres stopping distance).
Despite two attempts to get the driver to stay back (palm backwards in the pushing motion), he still continued to tailgate me, so I stopped to try and explain why he shouldn't tailgate...
Unfortunately, he was too busy screaming obscenities at me to listen to the reasons!
I count no less than 11 swearwords aimed at me... a very bad example to children, from a 'professional driver' in charge of a school bus.
Today I phoned a complaint to Firstbus.
Playing the audio over the phone, the operator was appalled at this behaviour, and has promised me a letter, and action if they feel it is necessary.
Last time I made a complaint to Firstbus, I recieved a positive outcome (the driver was required to have some extra training), so I have no doubt a positive outcome.
Perhaps forcing the driver to observe his behaviour might make him change his attitude to vulnerable road users who have as much right to use the road as anybody else.
Sorry about the angle on the rear footage.
I'm limited by the camera mount on my bike.
