IT WAS interesting to read about the cyclist stopping a bus in Piccadilly (The Press, January 15).

Normally something occurs to upset people before they stage a one-man protest.

Research from Bath University found the average car passed 1.33 metres (4.4 feet) away from the bicycle, whereas the average truck got 19 centimetres (7.5 inches) closer and the average bus 23 centimetres (nine inches) closer.

For buses the average would be about 1.1 metres and in lower speed zones probably somewhat less. With the Park&Ride buses being quite long, this may add to problems in safely passing.

According to this data, you can expect buses to be passing at less than one metre on occasions, when anyone on a bicycle may have concerns.

Passing too close to the cyclist were judged by the police to be key contributory factors in some accidents.

In London, accident data found buses to be about five times the risk compared to cars for passing cyclists, in proportion to traffic levels.

A minimum passing clearance for cyclists of 1.2 metres in 30mph (or lower speed zones) and 1.4 metres for zones above 30mph should be introduced.

Colin Clarke, The Crescent, Stamford Bridge.