Addison Lee's people carriers and near death experiences...

[verysideways]

I commute in from Reading to Soho every day, either on a VFR or a Burgman (depending on how inclement the weather is) and by and large it's a reasonable journey.

I come across Volvos and black cabs and BMW X5s and coaches and other bikers and 99% of all of the above are considerate and respectful road users.

But ADDISON LEE with their black Ford people carriers - is every single one of them driven by a total moron? I live in fear of being knocked off the planet by one of these guys. I'm a total wuss and the first one to admit it, i'm constantly looking all over the place to make sure i know what's happening around me and i filter slowly so regularly have to pull over to let other bikes past, but those Addison Lee guys take the mickey!

No use of mirrors, no lane discipline, no use of indicators, they simply weave along in their own lane (which spans the entire width of the road) with no consideration for anyone else. What this means is that other car drivers, lorries, vans, cabs, etc. have to brake or swerve to avoid them, and this has an impact on all following traffic. It also means that, as a biker, if you are anywhere near one of these vehicles you need to get past him/her as quickly and safely as possible because the safest place to be is two or three cars in front of them (they do at least know how to use the brakes).

Ok, rant over, but is it just me or does anyone else find Addison Lee people carriers to be the most dangerous vehicles on the road?

[Bigburd]

Never been in one (or near one) I use Phoenix Class from Northampton to get from DD's to home ... full throw you through the door service!

[Harsh]

i've noticed that too....although i think the normal black cabs seem to be getting worse too....
in fact the general standard of driving is decreasing :(

[Redex R]

I don't have the "pleasure" of London traffic very often nowadays , the biggest danger I encounter on the highways and byways is usually from the dreaded Royal Mail vans that just pull out of side turnings without due care and any brains at all :rant: must be lethal if you are on two wheels.

[Harsh]

Oh god yes! PO vans.....postman pat has a lot to answer for!

[Dan H]

postman pat has a lot to answer for!

Should have gone to specsavers :D


Fortunately my bike is a toy so I'm not exposed to the braindead commuter thing.

But in general I would say that the worst drivers seem to be the professional drivers - taxi / WVM / PO van / etc...

They are also the most agressive if they cut you up and you complain :rolleyes:

[Dizeee]

I used to work near the Addison Lee main outlet and was exposed to their shocking driving on a regular basis for 5 years.

Having now moved jobs, it is amazing how their reputation has extended down to the south of London and the inner counties, they are renowned in most circles as being horrendous drivers.

[verysideways]

Not just me then :D

How's the SV?

[Dizeee]

V good thanks, just need to get it serviced, I seemed to have racked up 3000 miles in just over a month.

Haven't really driven a car much at all other than at work - its a new way of life!

[verysideways]

Hahaha, i know the feeling :)
I barely use the car these days - never during the week any more. Mind you, do 85 miles a day just getting to and from work!

[Dizeee]

Hahaha, i know the feeling :)
I barely use the car these days - never during the week any more. Mind you, do 85 miles a day just getting to and from work!


Goodness, makes my 36 mile round trip look meagre!

[ChrisC]

I agree with HArsh the standard of driving as dropped a lot across the board. Its seems really strange that the people who send the most time on the road and are the worst at driving. They dont seem to care, especially if its not their own vehcile.

Ive been hit twice when on my bike. Once when sombody changed lane into me and once quite fast up the rear! Both times it was if they were blaming me for their stupidity, and its that that really pisses me off!

[verysideways]

Quite fast up the rear? How did that happen?

[Harsh]

Quite fast up the rear? How did that happen?

are you looking for tips Pete?

[Dan H]

Lots of lube :D

[Fiona]

Just saw an Addison Lee people carrier on the way to work. Thought of you guys and cut him up. Merry Christmas xx

[Dan H]

:D Awesome

[verysideways]

You rock! Thanks :)

[Fiona]

Hey, the roads were busy, I was late for work and he was driving like a twat. It was a pleasure. :)

.....Besides, I wanted that bit of road :reddevil:

[Ziggy Parker]

I had a guy try and force me into traffic once, he actually came along side me and pushed my leg with his front wing. Only doing about 10 miles an hour in traffic........ I managed to stay on and move away from him........then back and ripped his mirror off his car . That made me happy. He was not too pleased, well he did try to kill me.