Transport for London says it has launched an investigation after one of its bus drivers pulled in while overtaking a cyclist, squeezing the rider into the kerb, in a manoeuvre described by TfL’s head of bus operations as “unacceptable and far from the required standard”.

The frightening incident, which took place in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea last Wednesday, was captured by cyclist and road safety campaigner Lauren O’Brien, who nevertheless insisted that the “horrible experience” won’t stop her cycling in London.

“Tonight I got home and bawled my eyes out,” O’Brien wrote on Twitter. “It was a horrendous commute home, with this being the icing on the cake… But you know something? No matter how many times I get bullied off the road, be it bus, car, whoever, it won’t stop me cycling.

“The moment I let these horrible experiences affect my decision to choose to cycle, the vehicles have won. I can’t let that happen. Cycling is a brilliant, eco way to get around the city. And no matter how many bad experiences I have it isn’t going to stop me riding my bike.”

Transport for London’s head of bus operations, Rosie Trew, has told road.cc that the government body and RATP, who operate the route on TfL’s behalf, are currently investigating the incident.

“Driving that endangers cyclists or pedestrians is unacceptable and far from the required standard of our bus drivers,” Trew told us.

“We are working with RATP… to investigate this incident and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

TfL added that all London bus drivers are currently undertaking a Vision Zero training course, which aims to teach them new skills in hazard perception and to provide them with a better understanding of the risks to cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and passengers, along with ways to prevent driver fatigue.

TfL says the course is “designed to create the safety culture and attitudes” that will help the body achieve Vision Zero for London.

https://road.cc/content/news/near-miss-day-851-299345