Page 88 - Linkline Yearbook 2017

Dublin Bus and Cyclist Safety
A new driver training video by Dublin Bus addresses the challenges faced by bus drivers as tThey learn to co-exist with increased volumes of cyclists on the city streets.
he culture of cycling in Dublin has grown opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat, watch the Dublin substantially over recent years and this has Bus driver training video and learn all about blind spots presented new challenges for all road users, around buses. Speaking about the positive feedback on
particularly given the levels of cycling infrastructure, including the distinct lack of segregated cycle lanes in many parts of the city.
As the capital’s largest public transport service provider, Dublin Bus shares the streets of the city
with many vulnerable road users on a daily basis, with approximately 900 buses and 8,500 cyclists now co- existing during the morning and evening peak times.
Dublin Bus Safety, Health & Environmental Manager, James McHugh explains; “While the company has always been extremely mindful of cyclist safety as an important aspect of its bus driver training programme, we are always keen to explore new and innovative methods to further improve driver awareness in relation to cyclists, but also to promote the importance of cyclist safety to a wider audience.”
In this context, Dublin Bus recently launched a new driver training video entitled The Urban Jungle. Inspired by the esteemed broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough, the video depicts an ‘urban jungle’ where the bus and cyclist must co-exist as one. The video looks at the important safety considerations for drivers when sharing the road with cyclists, and puts a particular emphasis on the key scenarios that can potentially result in conflict. James explains; “The video now forms an integral part of continuous driver refresher training in Dublin Bus, and the content is also being released
on social media to further heighten the public’s overall awareness of the subject.”
Recently, as part of Trinity College’s annual Green
Week, Dublin Bus teamed up with Healthy Trinity: Smarter Travel and Dublin Cycling Campaign to host a cyclist safety event on the grounds of the college. The objective of the initiative was to raise people’s awareness when it comes to sharing the road with buses, and particularly to educate those that are new to cycling or less experienced when it comes to navigating the streets of Dublin by bike.
The initiative afforded employees and students the
the initiative James said; “We now plan to continue the initiative into 2017 by visiting a number of other large third level colleges in the capital.
An excerpt from the Dublin Bus video can be viewed on the Dublin Bus channel on YouTube, Dublin Bus News: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ABecwtLmUI
How to stay safe when sharing the road with buses
1. Buses turning left
You should never attempt to pass a Bus on the inside when the Bus is intending to turn left. Always wait for the bus to make the turn before advancing. This is also important in the case of trucks and other large vehicles.
2. Buses turning right
Do not attempt to pass a bus on the outside when the bus is attempting to make a right turn.
3. Tra c lights and Junctions
When stopped at tra c lights or junctions, always position yourself so that you’re in full view of the bus driver. It’s also a good idea to try and make eye contact with the driver.
4. Bus lanes
As a cyclist, you can legally use the same lanes as buses, even where a parallel cycle track is provided. However, you should always be mindful of buses pulling into and out of bus stops.
5. Safety around Bus stops
Do not attempt to undertake a bus if the bus has already started pulling into a bus stop. Equally, do not attempt to overtake a
bus on the outside if the bus has already started to move away from its stop.
6. Blind spots
Bus drivers must constantly look out for pedestrians, motorists and their passengers as well as cyclists. Like all vehicles, Buses have blind spots and the driver may not always be able to see you. These blind spots can be to the front, rear or sides of the bus.
Always remember - If you can’t see the bus driver in his or her side mirror, then he or she can’t see you!
Help and Contact
(01) 873 4222 www.dublinbus.ie #dublinbusnews
Phone lines open 08:30 - 18:00 hrs Mon-Sat (Excluding Public Holidays). Social media monitored from 07:00 – 19:00 Mon-Fri and out of hours during periods of severe disruption.
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