Having watched with interest the six months worth of road works along
North road as the three lanes was expanded to four and the left-most
lane turned into a peak period "bus lane", I'd written to Vic Roads
asking for clarification on these lanes and whether people are allowed
to cycle in the left-most lane, or should ride in the adjacent lane,
being passed on the right by most of the traffic and on the left by
buses and the 10% or so of motorists who drive in the bus lane.

I have been informed by Vic Roads that it is legal for cyclists to
ride in the left most "bus" lane of North road at all times of the
day.

This morning the driver of the Grenda's 900 bus, rego. 6114-A0 tried
to run me off the road along North road. Blasted on the horn as he
went flying past without pulling out, forced me completely out of the
lane and onto the 15cm wide debris-covered concrete kerb. When I
caught him at the Dandenong road intersection he told me that it was
"bus lane, you not allowed to ride in it". I informed him I had been
told by Vic Roads that I could and was told "You not allowed to ride
after 8:30". I informed him again that Vic Roads had told me that it
was legal for cyclists to use the bus lane at all times and he changed
his words to "I just letting you know I was there". I pointed out that
I was fully aware of his presence and that his actions were
aggressive, dangerous and unnecessary. He told me I should not ride
on the road. At this point I realised it was pointless to continue
attempting to discuss it with him, and as per the recommendations of
the two other cyclists at the intersection, I recorded the details of
his vehicle.

I've written to Grenda bus lines, with Cc to Bike Vic and Vic Roads,
asking for their response to this drivers actions, and what they
intend to do to prevent it recurring. I have asked that they not
introduce specious arguments to the effect that I should use off-road
cycle paths, as under no circumstances do their presence, however
unsuitable they may be for commuter cycling, excuse road rage in other
vehicle operators.

Adrian