Stagecoach investigates alleged anti-cycling employee

Bus company Stagecoach says it is investigating an incident involving an alleged employee commenting on social media running over cyclists amounts to a “public service”.

The comment was made on Wednesday in response to a post about safe passing distances for overtaking cyclists by campaign group Bike Cornwall. However, the comment was removed after one user responded he had reported the matter to Stagecoach.

The user, posting as John Burgess, claimed to be a driving instructor for Stagecoach, a detail that was also later removed from Burgess’ profile. The company responded to road.cc saying it will investigate the matter and take appropriate action.

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The Bike Cornwall post depicted different overtaking distances, including a close pass described as “selfish”, and a 1.5m pass described as “nice”, to which the user posting as Burgess said: “Option 4 cyclist under car equals service to the rest of the nations [sic] road users”

A Bike Cornwall member got in touch with road.cc expressing concerns. He said: “We were lost for words when it was pointed out. We simply can't understand how someone in such a position could say this openly.”

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A Stagecoach South West spokesperson called the comments “unacceptable” and said they will look into the matter.

The spokesperson said: "We are unable to confirm the author or authenticity of what is alleged to have appeared on social media. However, the sentiments expressed in the post are completely unacceptable and contrary to our company's values, which prioritise safety and a respect for all road users, including sharing the roads safely with cyclists. We work closely with local authorities and cycling organisations to ensure high standards of consideration are maintained amongst all of our driving staff. 

"Like any other responsible organisation, we will investigate and take action as appropriate." 

In 2014/15 Stagecoach South West, which employs 995 staff, carried 30.1m passengers over 16.35 million miles. In 2015 the company started to offer additional Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) courses for drivers in “cycle awareness and driving within pedestrian zones”.

In 2013 Stagecoach started offering cycle awareness training to around 1500 of its staff. At the time buses in London were involved in two incidents per day with cyclists or pedestrians.