Megan’s story: How to report bad MBTA behavior

Last week, avid Boston biker Megan and her husband, Kyle, had a very unsettling encounter with an MBTA bus driver in Cambridge. She reached out on the Bike Safe Boston Facebook page to share their story, and I must say, it’s quite a crazy one.

Unfortunately, it may not be a very uncommon one. I’m posting it here as an example of how to properly handle such a situation. Also, Megan and Kyle did what each of us needs to do when something like this happens: they got the driver’s info and filed a report with the MBTA. If none of us takes these steps, there will be no change.

Megan and Kyle, I’m relieved that you’re both okay. I applaud your actions, and salute you for your contributions to the safe cycling triforce!

Here is Megan’s post:

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Doug’s story: How to use a Bicyclist’s Accident Report card

Recently, I got this email from my buddy Doug in British Columbia.

It’s a pretty harrowing account of his bike collision (he’s okay, no worries!) and how a Bicyclist’s Accident Report card helped him handle it.


Doug’s filled-out Bicyclist’s Accident Report card.

Hi JZ,

Well, your card was used in my spectacular collision on my way home tonight.

Picture a street with bumper-bumper traffic, and riding in a designated bike lane on the right side of that traffic.

As I am going by big trucks, SUVs, I can’t see the small grey car being let through by a break in this line of vehicles. I only see it when I slam into it as it is turning into a road to my right. I am launched over the hood, do a roll, and land in the prone position face down on the other side of the car.

Miraculously, I guess I relaxed in the air, because I suffered no major damage other than a scraped knee, and goose egg on my right forearm. The ambulance came within about 5 mins, and checked me out as well.. A police report with the RCMP was filed, and I have also made an insurance claim too.

However, before all of the support arrived on scene, I reached into my backpack, pulled out one of your cards kept in a Ziploc bag, and started filling out the card. You can do this even when under mild shock!

Check out the photos of the bike damage:

I am a very lucky man tonight!! Thanks for your great tool - it will be needed by all cyclists, whether they are in an accident, or see one up close.

BTW, my bike is a 2010 Rocky Mountain RC70 with a nice aluminum frame, and carbon fibre forks.

Cheers,
Doug

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