"coming through" isn't impolite. I adopted it from Richard Ballantine's "City Cycling" who also uses it. It's concise and as courteous as it needs to be.
Who uses a bell on their commute?
- Thread starter J.Primus
- Start date
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SatNavSaysStraightOn
Changed hemispheres!
- Location
- ɐᴉlɐɹʇsn∀ 'ɐɹɹǝquɐƆ
bout which bit? the size of the dog? that he is bigger than a minature shetland pony or that I walk faster... 'shout' is the wrong word mind you... say hello and excuse me politely, but if they are busy in conversation and not paying attention, blocking the route, then sure I will ask if I can came through... this is the dog... http://mypetchat.net/threads/dog-in-disgrace.112/ and that's lying down...
Bromptonaut
Rohan Man
- Location
- Bugbrooke UK
I've also had the odd aggressive response to bell use. A parting shot of 'I can shout obscenities if you prefer' made me feel better.
Maz
Guru
John the Monkey
Frivolous Cyclist
- Location
- Crewe
Me too, although, tbh, I've had agressive responses to *anything*. I chatted to one bloke about it, and he said he'd have preferred me to pass him completely silently - sometimes you just can't win, although to my mind, more communication is better than less.
I ding the Crane from a little way away, and use my voice if the way's not clear when I'm close enough to be heard.
Thanking people when they move (as you pass) goes a long way to taking away the "OI, NOBHEAD" meaning that people (presumably equating the bike bell with a car horn) sometimes assign to it.
Boris Bajic
Guest
I no longer commute regularly, but my former commuter has a bell and always has.
No mudguards in any weather, but I do like to have a bell.
As a pedestrian, motorist and cyclist, I find bells on bicycles a good idea.
I may be wrong on this, but I've always had a bell on my bicycle.
I've done 100km off-road enduros with a bell on my HT MTB.
No mudguards in any weather, but I do like to have a bell.
As a pedestrian, motorist and cyclist, I find bells on bicycles a good idea.
I may be wrong on this, but I've always had a bell on my bicycle.
I've done 100km off-road enduros with a bell on my HT MTB.
biggs682
Touch it up and ride it
- Location
- Northamptonshire
yes to bell , and a loud cough when needed
John the Monkey
Frivolous Cyclist
- Location
- Crewe
Well, you're supposed to drive (ride) carefully around the corner, regardless (first part of the rule). If it's a spot where you *know* people chance crossing, you probably should either be further over in the road (so they can step out & you can avoid them) or ride into it slower - I'd not ride into a potential conflict at a speed where I had to lean my bike over, personally.
I don't want to labour the point too much, because there are times you can't do much about it, but it is worth remembering that pedestrians have priority, that they generally get the sh*tty end of the UK's road system (they're treated appallingly by drivers). A little bit of extra consideration from us with that in mind is no bad thing.
GrumpyGregry
Here for rides.
"(I am) coming through!" certainly isn't polite nor is it courteous.
GrumpyGregry
Here for rides.
about this bit
I find it hard to believe that anyone (sane) walks the streets shouting at other pedestrians when they get in the way in the manner that some apparently feel justified in doing once they are on their bikes.
markharry66
Über Member
No instruction manual with mine so I wouldnt have a clue.
summerdays
Cycling in the sun
- Location
- Bristol
I have a bell on my bike - I never use it, other than to hear the pleasant sound it makes. If I need to get attention then my voice is far easier to use and to alter for different situations. Only last week as a woman pulled away from being parked by a school without looking - a sharp "Excuse Me" shouted loudly managed to stop her with the front of her car about 1 ft in front of me (well that and my brakes and not being in the door zone).
Iainj837
Guru
- Location
- Glastonbury Somerset
My touring bike has a bell but the road bike doesn't, I have been lucky that I haven't had to use it
That's your view. I wouldn't be offended if it was said to me and I haven't had a negative reaction to it so far. It all depends on how its delivered.
