No Bell

[phil-b]

A lot of routes I ride are both pedestrian and cycle paths. Sometimes I get the odd pedestrian wondering across my path as the are not paying attention for cycle traffic and have not noticed me. I have no bell so sometimes give a verbal warning. Shouting "coming through" seems a bit rude. So what do you say to warn pedestrians that will not cause offence or should I buy a bell.

Most times I slow just slow down and give way but if im on the main road and a pedestrian starts to wonder into the road because they did not look properly and assumed because they did not hear a car the road is clear I would prefer to politely warm them

 

[Sara_H]

Just shout "ding-a-ling".

 

[uclown2002]

A bell has no place on a bike unless you're a 4 year old.

 

[Ellillowladex]

A lot of routes I ride are both pedestrian and cycle paths. Sometimes I get the odd pedestrian wondering across my path as the are not paying attention for cycle traffic and have not noticed me. I have no bell so sometimes give a verbal warning. Shouting "coming through" seems a bit rude. So what do you say to warn pedestrians that will not cause offence or should I buy a bell.

Most times I slow just slow down and give way but if im on the main road and a pedestrian starts to wonder into the road because they did not look properly and assumed because they did not hear a car the road is clear I would prefer to politely warm them

I always find "excuse me please" is sufficient, as you would generally say if you were on foot.
Probably a good idea to have a bell anyway if often on pedestrian & cycle paths, not all cycle bells look like you've borrowed them from a child's bike, I probably should get one myself!

As for people wondering onto the road unaware, I think being polite would be an afterthought to a few strong words, especially if I had to swerve (thus endangering myself) to miss them.

 

[ianrauk]

God gave you a voice.. one that can be quite polite when used properly.

 

[anothersam]

Hello!

 

[MontyVeda]

a kazoo on a lanyard.. perfect for mimicking a siren as well as any number of popular tunes from Benny Hill or One Direction to Steptoe & Son or Steps

 

[doug]

I cycle a fair bit on the Grand Union Canal towpath from Greenford into Paddington, for a general warning that I am approaching I shout a cheery "Good Morning"/"Afternoon"/"Evening", and this normally suffices. For the more reticent/oblivious I add an "Excuse me please". I always say "Thanks" if anyone has to move for me. I often get thanked by peds for being polite, but there are the occasional "Use a bl**dy bell!", though the thanks out number those about 10 to 1.

 

[MontyVeda]

what? you don't offer them a cup of tea or a cake too... how rude!

 

[young Ed]

i just say loudly or kindly almost shout if they are wearing headphones 'bike' or 'cyclist'
Cheers Ed

 

[Colin B]

Shout yoohoo in my campest Louis spenth voice then tinkle my bell

 

[phil-b]

Shout yoohoo in my campest Louis spenth voice then tinkle my bell

LOL that defiantly would get people to move

 

[slowmotion]

I come up slowly behind them and do a noisy unclip or gear change....and thank them when they move over.

If that fails, I shout "PING!" cheerily.

 

[Colin B]

This one may be just right

View: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gyDdNomVDSA

 

[MontyVeda]

...

... I shout "PING!" cheerily.

i hope satellites don't register that... you could be hampering a major search mission.