10 Jul 2011
Always ask
Was asked to work in Bath yesterday. I had no idea what I was doing and just asked for the duty to be printed out when I signed on. It was only then I discovered it was a 'split shift' I am not a great fan of these as they have a 2/3hr break in the middle. That is fine if you live close or like to sit around, neither of these apply in my case. Any way I won't complain as it was a pleasant duty starting with a 332 out and back, break, then X39 out and back and a 179 out and a 779 back. This goes through Farrington Gurney I have never done this route like this however a quick phone call sorted the problem and we made it round without any problems. Back to Bristol tomorrow and a five day week as Friday is our wedding anniversary so a few beers will be had. And the moral of the tale is always ask what you are signing up for!
5 Jul 2011
Cyclists
Looks like I will be working in Bristol until September. Saw a bendy bus travelling on the 904 route. I assume this was the new operator testing the route. Bit strange as the rumours are rife that no one has the contract. As with most things there are also many other rumours. I will wait until someone tells me to report back to Bath!
Bristol is a Cycling city and encourages the use of cycles. This is great as it is a very green way to travel and has many benefits for the city and for individuals. However, it also seems to create a sense that cycling is a completely safe form of travel and that if you ride a bicycle you have some form of shield that will protect you. The fact that two cyclists have been seriously injured in the last week puts that in doubt. It amazes me that many cyclist do not helmets, gloves, hi vis clothing and assume that others will see them. They also seem to be unaware that rules of the road apply to them (red traffic lights and pedestrian crossing for example) Today one of these people very nearly ended in a box. I was waiting to pull out from a bus stop. Another bus pulled alongside as he wanted to use the stop. We then had one bus indicating right and another indicating left. As I was moving out and the gap was decreasing a cyclist came between us!! we both managed to stop-just. The cyclist then had the cheek to accuse me of not looking in my mirrors. he as of cause wearing a helmet, wearing bright clothing and was using his bell!! At this point many of you will say bus drivers are just as bad. That may be but a bus is fairly visible and most road users with half a brain will, in the most part be able to see what it's intentions are. Cyclist seems completely unaware that even if they are in the right if they get in to a tangle with any vehicle the outcome is in the most part serious injury and sadly to often, death. I ride a motorcycle and most days another road user will be unaware of me on the road. It is up to me to either ensure they do or take action to protect myself. I always remeber a quote given by a Police officer.
Bristol is a Cycling city and encourages the use of cycles. This is great as it is a very green way to travel and has many benefits for the city and for individuals. However, it also seems to create a sense that cycling is a completely safe form of travel and that if you ride a bicycle you have some form of shield that will protect you. The fact that two cyclists have been seriously injured in the last week puts that in doubt. It amazes me that many cyclist do not helmets, gloves, hi vis clothing and assume that others will see them. They also seem to be unaware that rules of the road apply to them (red traffic lights and pedestrian crossing for example) Today one of these people very nearly ended in a box. I was waiting to pull out from a bus stop. Another bus pulled alongside as he wanted to use the stop. We then had one bus indicating right and another indicating left. As I was moving out and the gap was decreasing a cyclist came between us!! we both managed to stop-just. The cyclist then had the cheek to accuse me of not looking in my mirrors. he as of cause wearing a helmet, wearing bright clothing and was using his bell!! At this point many of you will say bus drivers are just as bad. That may be but a bus is fairly visible and most road users with half a brain will, in the most part be able to see what it's intentions are. Cyclist seems completely unaware that even if they are in the right if they get in to a tangle with any vehicle the outcome is in the most part serious injury and sadly to often, death. I ride a motorcycle and most days another road user will be unaware of me on the road. It is up to me to either ensure they do or take action to protect myself. I always remeber a quote given by a Police officer.
'It is no use claiming you were in the right when you are lying in the road with a broken leg'
So if you ride a bicycle please remember you are very small and difficult to see. Always assume other drivers have not seen you and as many of you will be car drivers, think 'will I have seen me??'
I apologise if you are one of the few cyclists who do in the part 'behave' themselves. However, many of your fellow cyclists are tarring you all with same brush.
3 Jul 2011
Bus Passes
Turns out the work at Hengrove ix Monday to Friday so enjoying a weekend at home. Actually takes a bit of getting used to but the grass is cut and garden sorted. Removed the panels off the bike and sorted the paint work. It now looks a little more presentable. Only problem is having to go to the shops, it is much easier to shop during the week, but I can live with that.
Last week went well with no major problems. One thing I noticed is the number of people who try to use their free passes before 0900, also the number of people who are obviously going to work. This is not a problem although in my mind it is not really 'playing the came'. However, what really gets me is when they moan that they cannot use them on the 0830 bus and because the driver is 'being over zealous' that they will miss an appointment. So if you have a bus pass please remember they are a 'concession' and treat them as such and that some times you have to just pay the fare.
Last week went well with no major problems. One thing I noticed is the number of people who try to use their free passes before 0900, also the number of people who are obviously going to work. This is not a problem although in my mind it is not really 'playing the came'. However, what really gets me is when they moan that they cannot use them on the 0830 bus and because the driver is 'being over zealous' that they will miss an appointment. So if you have a bus pass please remember they are a 'concession' and treat them as such and that some times you have to just pay the fare.
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