In Dublin, the “new” and never-properly-applied QBC concept is called BRT (“Bus Rapid Transit”) elsewhere on this lovely globe of ours. Really, with BRT/QBC bus lanes, the only vehicles permitted to use the lanes are buses and emergency vehicles (police, ambulances, fire brigade) and that’s it. Since taxi-cabs are not “mass transportation” nor emergency vehicles, they should be kept out of the bus lanes, bottom line.
And undertakers?? Now that is one of the most absurd proposals I have ever come across. I agree with the article—the people will not get “deader” due to delays in traffic, and besides, traditionally, a funeral procession is one of the slowest-moving columns of traffic.
And car pools? Let them get their own lanes on the motorways. There is no such thing as car-pool lanes on local roads that I know of—once you are off the motorway, it’s back to the old grind. Besides, what with all the cars on the road now, it seems to me that the motorways within the Dublin area that exist now do not have enough lanes anyhow.
Back to QBCs: Is the much-touted traffic-signal pre-emption in force yet or has that been abandoned? If it has been abandoned, it merely makes for yet another instance (like the “Métro”) that the Irish public has been lied to. And it seems like Fine Gael is just playing the old political football game yet again, pandering to everyone just to get in and subsequently do nothing once back in…
BUSRAGE Discussions » Buslanes and QBCs
Bus Lane Misuse
(21 posts)-
Posted 4 years ago #
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I take it your a bus driver? What do you think of cyclists in the bus lanes? I don't like the way people who cycle are given the bus lane and its called a cycle lane too. theres many roads with bus/cycle lanes that could be made separate. But laziness doesn't allow for it.
[posted by: EC]Posted 4 years ago # -
As a (biased) cyclist I love the bus/cycle lanes. I feel much safer knowing there is a nice wide buffer between me and cars.
I cycle down Navan Road between Ashtown and Phibsborough and it's even better - there is a cycle lane (with grippy surface) in addition to the bus lane for a nice portion.
I could go on a rant about motorists and attitudes to cyclists (and I would agree that many cyclists deserve the treatment they get) but that would be off-topic.Posted 4 years ago # -
I think that both Busdrivers and Cyclists alike are getting a raw deal with the present arrangements.
On the most basic of safety grounds I do NOT want a cyclist anywhere near me bus as I approach a Stop.
Any Roads and Traffic Engineer who designs and Impliments such a cycle lane design is IMO NEGLIGENT.Full Stop !!
Dublin has already witnessed TWO high profile Cycling deaths at the O Connell Bridge crossing.
Both of these Deaths were directly related to the absence of ANY safe method of using this junction under the present system.
I was astounded at the ease with which Dublin City Council,The Director of Traffic and the City Manager simply shrugged their shoulders and walked away from the situation leaving in their wake a Cycle/Traffic situation every bit as dangerous and awaiting its next innocent victim.
There is more to Corruption in Ireland than simply Money,for many of us it is manifest by the corruption of Ideals which much of Dublin City`s Transport and Traffic policy is about.Posted 4 years ago # -
I'm comfortable with buses passing me. Multiple drivers have slowed before a bus stop to let me get ahead. I always acknowledge with an appreciative wave.
When a bus approaches me I make a consious effort to keep my direction of travel very stable and straight. My mirrors help prepare for this.
A lot of cyclists act dangerously with no regard for their own safety. They are lucky that drivers a good with their brakes! I'm suited up with lights and bright yellow clothing and I yield my right of way if I doubt my safety.
I'd love to know the details of the two untimely deaths. If it was the left turn from Westmoreland St onto Aston Quay I pity any bus driver that has to take that turn. Pedestrians jaywalking doesn't help cyclists who are turning or heading across O'Connell Bridge.
Last week I wrote to DCC about the timing of pedestrian lights in the city centre and how they encourage jaywalking. No answer yet.
Aside: I rang the Gardai TrafficWatch number recently. Unfortunately I'd noted the wrong reg number but they are very interested in knowing about bad driving.Posted 4 years ago # -
I wasn't coming at this issue as a motorist or someone with an axe to grind against cyclists. I am getting a bicycle for Christmas and hope to start cycling a lot then. My concern was that cyclists shouldn't have to put up with buses in the same lane. I'd like to see proper wide cycle lanes where there is space to provide them. Is 3/4 of a metre enough for the separate ones though? If thats what the average cycle lane is...
I must say I'm still unsure of the bus and cycle combination. Can you reassure me Damien? Would I be happy with it when I get some practise cycling first? I even hit a wing mirror this Sept in Amsterdam while cycling due to a narrow lane. Is practise the answer to wobbly cycling?!!
[posted by: EC]Posted 4 years ago # -
Is practise the answer to wobbly cycling?
No, actually—a better bike is the answer to that. If the bike is OK, then steady steering ought not result in wobbling.Posted 4 years ago # -
If wobbling is caused by nervousness or being surprised by passing vehicles, then mirrors might help wobbling. You'd be prepared.
Get a helmet, Sam Brown reflective belt. You'll probably need lights too. Flashing LED ones (front and back) are good.
Don't be afraid to go slow if the space between vehicles is tight. You don't want to endanger yourself (first priority) or enrage a driver by scratching their car.
Do practice, to get used to your bike and roads.
Finally, on my trip down Navan Road I don't encounter more than 2 or 3 buses over a 3 or so mile stretch.
[posted by: Damien]Posted 4 years ago # -
There is a bus lane from liffey valley under the N4 for the 2 service a day 51D towards city. No other route uses this lane. Anyone beat that?
[posted by: phil]Posted 4 years ago # -
No other route? You never heard of the 25A I take it? That was the route that the N4 bus lane was created for, not the 51D.
Not to mention that the other routes 25, 25X, 26, 66, 66A, 66B, 67, 67A, 67X and provincial buses are free to use that long-standing bus lane. You ever poke your head outside the front door, Phil…? I’m over 1,200 leagues west of Dublin and I’m telling you this stuff.Posted 4 years ago # -
Phil is actually right - he's talking about the very northern tip of Fonthill Road as it passes underneath the N4 at the interchange.
There IS a stretch of bus lane there - all of about 50 metres.
I contacted the County Council some months ago to enquire about it - and was told that it is to from part of the Orbital QBC when it opens in 2004.
[posted by: Barry]Posted 4 years ago # -
Yes indeed Barry the Orbital Bus Corridor is progressing apace along the Belgard Road.
Presently the Buzz is that BAC are in the process of investigating the purchase of 20 Mercedes Citaro artics for a "New Super Orbital Airport Route" probably numbered 749.
My pricked ears are listening to hear if the Citaros will be 3 door a la Londres OR will our present "Cross the Jarvey`s palm with silver" system continue.
If we persist with the present cash to driver arrangement then BAC might as well order plaid rugs and whips as well as a seat on the top of the bus for the driver to sit on and whip the horses in the true Dickensian style....Posted 4 years ago # -
Thank you Barry. What part of UNDER the N4 did'nt you understand Al? Its obvious to me how many leagues away you actually are. It pays to be in possesion of the correct facts before you make a limp attempt at sarcasm.
[posted by: Phil]Posted 4 years ago # -
Alek,
When you say Mercedes Citaro artic, are you talking about a bendi-bus?
I don't know where to begin on this but...
Weren't bendi-buses foisted on Dublin Bus by Mary O'Rourke without any consultation [apart from perhaps an SMS from the Manchester Bus Fair to No. 59 along the lines of "hve bght us massive bendibuses!!LOL,ded cheep!OMG!!dere kule!ROFLOL!!"]?
Didn't they sit in mothballs until somebody could find a permenant use for them (the 10A)?
Won't these buses require a different inventory of spare parts etc... than the current bendi-buses (Volvo B7LA artics)? If we are set on bendi-buses, why not buy more Volvos?
Is money not wasted on training the engineers in how to repair yet another type of bus?
Is the whole point of artics not being used on the 747 route not because there is *no room* at the airport for them, since the bus/taxi area is regularly clogged with 747s,748s, a host of regular DB services, not to mention the many (and it sometimes seems more than there should be) Aircoachs parked all over the place, not to mention the through traffic of taxis and airport police?
And finally...
How long before people start climbing onto the bus for the long-term carpark, throwing some change at the driver and asking him to let them know when they get to the spike?Posted 4 years ago # -
What part of UNDER the N4 did'nt you understand Al? Its obvious to me how many leagues away you actually are. It pays to be in possesion of the correct facts before you make a limp attempt at sarcasm
Very well, very well…I promise not to confuse QBC with mere “bus lane” (no matter the length) in the future.Posted 4 years ago # -
has anyone ever being on the 46A when it stops for a long period of time at donnybrook church. whats that about if the "take over" bus driver is late for his shift we are all late, whats that about??Posted 3 years ago #
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posting deleted by adminPosted 3 years ago #
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hey gigo . .. whats with your new languagePosted 3 years ago #
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let the garda do something
[posted by: robert tedders]Posted 3 years ago # -
Garda do something?????
What on earth could that be? Hurry home for their dinner maybe.Posted 3 years ago # -
Garda do something?????
What on earth could that be? Hurry home for their dinner maybe.Posted 3 years ago #
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