How often do you use your bell?

[PaulSB]

I agree that cyclists in general should be more considerate of pedestrians, and specifically going slower on shared facilities. You can't safely go full pelt, and many seem to try to.

My experience on bells, though, is that you can't win. If you use a bell (I have a loud one), pedestrians often remain totally oblivious. Equally, they often are affronted that you've startled them...

A cheery "coming through" is generally better, though sometimes you get a "where's your bell?" in angry response!

Pedestrians are often amazingly possessive; I was recently approaching a group of half a dozen or so stopped in a crowd on a very popular trail completely blocking the way. I slowed right down and established eye contact; ped moved out of the way at the very last moment before I would have had to stop (I'm going at sub walking pace at this point). I smiled and nodded in acknowledgement and go a sarcastic "No, thank YOU" in response. He was blocking the path!

I find the different experiences fascinating. For me a called out warning often doesn't illicit a response. My bell is nearly always effective, except earphone users, as people know what it is. We often get a smile, wave and even a thank you.

As an aside we always say thank you as we pass or good morning etc. if that's more appropriate. The safety aspect is crucial but even more importantly there is the responsibility to show cyclists in a good and positive light.

 

[esoxlucius]

Dare I say it but there's something very child like about a little bell on your handle bars. A big manly cyclist and a little bell just doesn't seem right. An air horn would be better, though not for the poor pedestrians you're using it on!

 

[Andy in Germany]

Id be deported for being nicht in ordnung by whistling the Great Escape theme.

I doubt anyone would know what that is.

Those who do would probably join in: Germans can have a fun sense of humour.

 

[mustang1]

No bell, polite "move over, speeding past on the left/right" is enough (only joking, of course I'm polite and slow).

But today.... I rode my folder which I haven't done for years and realised it has a bell. I twinged it a couple of times just to see how it sounds and it was fine.

Recently, I was tempted by a cow bell, one that has two modes: constant ringing (cow mode) and solid (like a normal bell) but I didn't bother to buy it.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Rarely.

I use it when approaching pedestrians from behind, but that doesn't happen particularly often.

I don't always use it in those circs. Shared use path in a busy park I'll probably be down to walking pace anyway and I may or may not feel it necessary. Approaching people walking along a narrow lane, I'm much more likely to decide to use it.

I prefer it to speaking as I don't want to give the impression that I'm inviting them to a conversation of some sort.

But most of the time I'm on the road, pedestrians are not on the road and I don't use it.

Approaching horses from behind I call out "bike behind" to the rider and wait to see what they do/say. Someone once said that bells might spook horses. I don't know if that's true but I don't want to take the risk. And anyway, I am entering a conversation of sorts - waiting for the rider to acknowledge/ call me past/ ask me to wait.

 

[Time Waster]

I used to use my bell but pedestrians just ignored it or heard it but did not register it. I then got a bike with BB7 brakes. Ever since then I have had pedestrians always hear me coming and get out of the way! If you do not know what I mean then you have not owned BB7s with sintered pads (with higher metal contact for durability). They squeal when wet, they squeal when dry and they squeal at every moisture level in between!

I just dab my brakes for a split second and the squeal is enough. I put it down to the idea that squealing brakes usually mean they are about to be hit by something that could hurt!! I do not mean to scare the pedestrians but unless I find the money or inclination to change the brake maker and model I have no choice but to use it as my bell is quite loud but never gets a reaction. Of course I could change the pads to something a little less durable that might not squeal so much. I kind of think it is a safety feature to have squealing brakes.

PS there are some pedestrians who will not hear anything. Usually due to being so deep into a conversation with their mate or on the phone. You have to be patient then take your chance to safely pass when you can.

 

[Drago]

Has anyone tried one of those electric fart boxes?

 

[Dogtrousers]

Has anyone tried one of those electric fart boxes?

I don't need one.

 

[palinurus]

Hardly ever except when riding back from somewhere with Ms. P. and we decide to improvise some bell music.

 

[PeteXXX]

I have a horn 📯

 

[roubaixtuesday]

I have a horn 📯

NURSE!

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Of course if there’s a suitable ramp

 

[Bristolian]

Any advocates of the TASER as a pedestrian clearing device hereabouts?

I could have done with one yesterday (Sunday). As I was cycling past a local church the congregation - about 40 people - was milling around on the shared path, chatting, etc. As I approached I rang my bell several times and got absolutely no response, or sign that I had been heard, from any of them so I adopted my back-up policy of shouting rather loudly (I am an ex-Army Sergeant Major and not used to being ignored) "cyclist coming through" followed by "coming through, make way" and finally "excuse me". Eventually, they started to become aware of me and I made it through without impacting any of them. Another cyclist, going in the opposite direction, simply said "nice one" as he prepared to run the gauntlet.

The thing that got me is that the path is 16ft wide and divided equally into pedestrian and cycle zones and they were occupying the full width. Oddly, (considering their unusually young age and ethnicity) no-one shouted at me or tried to stop me either so maybe they're used to it 🤷‍♀️

 

[Drago]

WO1 or WO2?

 

[Mike_P]

Once a pedestrian apologised for not reacting to my bell with "I thought it was my phone!" If its stupidly busy with pedestrians, NCN636 along Waterside Knaresborough for example on a sunnyish weekend afternoon, the bell is absolutely no use, and an excuse me is needed whilst moving very slowly.
Once saw a cyclist stood to one side looking very sheepish and a bit further on a horse going mental trying to kick its rider who had got off and was trying to calm it. Presumed a bell had been rung rather than Good afternoon being said