FYI - Update MCPS Bus Hit and Run

[Doug Scott]

Here is an update.

I did not particularly appreciate the tone of my communication from the Risk Management Group at MCPS.  It seemed to place all the burden on me to fill out their forms, provide complete disclosure of my story against zero commitment to do anything or disclose anything they discover.

This battle was fought and lost by government institutions decades ago and resulted in the Freedom of Information Act.  Fortunately, Maryland has a similar law at the State level.  So, I asked for all the information they received from the driver of bus 18432 relative to an incident with a cyclist at the 600 block of Old Bucklodge Ln on 13 May 2024 at just after 3:30pm.  

Today, the communications office responded in what I regard an appropriate manner.  They indicated that while it will take more than the statutory 10-days they would be back with a complete disclosure.  I then responded with the time stamp I had for the 911 call and the police incident number.

I have an outcome in mind, not sure how to get there.  My list:

- A few roads in the Ag Reserve are both narrow and have important blind curves, Old Bucklodge Ln is one example.

• Drivers do not always see cyclists at an appropriate time as they see cars.  This is for others to figure out, but I am certain the driver in this instance did not see me approaching on the ridge line.
• Busses must always be able to leave 1/3 of the oncoming lane open to traffic at all times.
• The largest of busses which IME can’t negotiate curves like on Old Bucklodge Ln and leave any room, should not use those roads.  Shorty’s should be deployed instead.
• The bus that hit me was empty and traverses Old Bucklodge Ln empty a couple of times daily.  On the smallest roads School Bus access should be limited to picking up and dropping off students.

Perhaps I live in a dream world, but I think given the cycling traffic on those roads, it would be nice to deconflict the most dangerous areas.

It is also worth noting that a legislative aide in Councilmember Balcombe’s office is familiar with the road and what in her words are the “unsafe” behaviors.  

Best,

Doug