What is the point of having a bell?

[User169]

Here, a polite ding is the accepted convention for warning peds, dog walkers,cyclists you're about to overtake or, if they're blocking the way, a request to move over.

People can get a bit cross if you don't ding them to warn you're coming past.

 

[DaveReading]

It used to be a legal requirement for bike shops to equip all bikes (IIRC) with a bell on the handlebars

Used to be? Is that not still the case?
,

 

[growingvegetables]

I never ufse a bell with people - where it might be useful (on the towpath or shared paths) I slow down and ask to pass.

But for horses? A couple of riders have told me their horses are trained to recognise bells ... so they kinda make sense there.

 

[mjr]

I never ufse a bell with people - where it might be useful (on the towpath or shared paths) I slow down and ask to pass.

I really don't think it would work here. I'd be horse... sorry, hoarse.

But for horses? A couple of riders have told me their horses are trained to recognise bells ... so they kinda make sense there.

Yes, at least two horse groups we met on today's ride were accompanied by outriders on MTBs. I think most horses here are well used to bicycles. I do still change into low and pedal so the ratchets don't click, though.

 

[Brandane]

Because why is your way more important than their way? Is it OK for car drivers to beep whenever they approach a cyclist from behind so the cyclist can move out of their way?

The purpose of giving someone a warning that you are approaching is so that they don't get a fright when the first they know of your presence is when you appear at their side; it is not a request for them to get out of the way!. How many of the non bell users have startled a walker who has then suggested they should get a bell?
The scenario you describe with the car is a totally different kettle of fish, although I don't have a problem with a friendly toot from a driver if for some reason I haven't heard them approaching. I also have no problem getting out of the way for faster moving traffic of whatever type; isn't that common courtesy?

 

[lee1980sim]

So the bus driver knows you want the next stop..

 

[Dayvo]

Used to be? Is that not still the case?
,

If this is in effect or not I don't know: http://road.cc/content/news/49334-bikes-bell-attached-law-be-scrapped-after-dft-red-tape-challenge

 

[Brandane]

This thread cost me an extra few quid today when I was in Dales cycles in Glasgow for tyres. I saw this baby and couldn't resist. It is now mounted proudly on my MTB and will be warning pedestrians for years to come!

 

[mjr]

So the bus driver knows you want the next stop..

Which reminds me... some group rides use bells for messages that need passing forwards (so hand signals can't work) when it's hard to hear shouts... one system I've heard is one ring/ping for go (or OK), two for slow (or danger, like oil up) and more for "oh no!" (probably mechanical or crash, so stop when safe).

 

[Brandane]

[QUOTE 3819876, member: 259"]Goldie looking bell! [/QUOTE]
To go with the orangey looking bike.

 

[400bhp]

Sometimes I find myself riding down the middle of some country lane and haven't heard an approaching car behind me. If there's room for me to move over to the side a bit and allow a safe overtake I've no problem with a car driver using his horn to let me know he's approaching.

Just like when I'm riding on a shared use and there are pedestrians or whatever ahead. Friendly ding of the bell. If they don't hear me I'll wait til a bit closer and then say "excuse me please"....then "thanks" when I go past

It's not about who is more important, it's just letting someone know you are approaching

Try shouting out of a moving car "excuse me". Aint easy.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

The purpose of giving someone a warning that you are approaching is so that they don't get a fright when the first they know of your presence is when you appear at their side; it is not a request for them to get out of the way!. How many of the non bell users have startled a walker who has then suggested they should get a bell?
The scenario you describe with the car is a totally different kettle of fish, although I don't have a problem with a friendly toot from a driver if for some reason I haven't heard them approaching. I also have no problem getting out of the way for faster moving traffic of whatever type; isn't that common courtesy?

I have lost count of the number of times I have encountered walkers and ramblers on the crowded bridleways of the South Downs, have dinged my bell like a good 'un, and been completely ignored, and then, when I've issued a clear "Good morning! Excuse me!" style greeting, which has made people jump, have been castigated for not using the bell I'd been pinging for the last 50 metres...

 

[GrumpyGregry]

It used to be a legal requirement for bike shops to equip all bikes (IIRC) with a bell on the handlebars. It isn't, (IIRC) a legal requirement for cyclists to have a bell on their bike.

Still have to be fitted at the point of sale.

 

[tyred]

I've become a big fan of bells on my bike but it needs to be a proper bell. Those £0.00009 ping things they stick on new bikes are not cycle bells, they're just a decoration.

 

[Tin Pot]

I have a bell on my handlebar and use it all the time but I find that most people don't seem to hear it! My last resort is to shout and that works all the time so, what is the point of having a bell?

To make your mates laugh when you ping it.