First Bus in Bath has held a special event where bus drivers and local cyclists were able to trade places to understand the mutual challenges on the road.
The bus drivers and cyclists were able to trade places in a number of exercises intended to improve safety and promote mutual understanding of the challenges each experiences when sharing the roads.
Cyclists from Bath and the surrounding areas were invited to attend the open event on Saturday 5th October at the Odd Down Cycle Circuit.
They were joined by the Sulis Scorpions, a local young persons cycling club from Bath who train regularly on the site, as well as representatives from cycle training organisation Bikeability, who helped run the activities.
Cyclists and bus drivers who work for First in Bath traded places for the morning, with cyclists able to sit in the bus drivers seat and bus drivers given the opportunity to ride bicycles past a stationary bus.
Through the Cycling Swap Me event each group of road users gained an insight into the others perspective. Participants were able to talk, share ideas and experiences, and discuss the things they have learned about the best practises for safer roads.
First is hoping that its plans to roll out a number of other future Cycling Swap Me events across the region will mean that many more of its bus drivers as well as local cyclists will be able to benefit from the invaluable insights that the ‘Swap Me’ exercise can offer.
Richard Lewis, Firsts Business Manager for Bath and Wells, said: “We want to continue to do all that we can to improve our drivers understanding of the habits of other road users. We hope that this event will also give some of Baths cyclists an insight into how best to stay safe and visible on the roads.’
Natacha Tagholm, Regional Customer Services Manager, added: “The Cycling Swap Me event is an excellent way for us to connect with the growing number of people who travel by two wheels in the area.”
