Do you use your bell to alert pedestrians of your approach?
I am in the habit of using my bell to warn pedestrians of my approach, particularly on bike paths and when there are people with kids or dogs. Pedestrians on shared bike paths often seem unaware of my approach and kids and dogs can behave quite unpredictably.
Last week, a friend walked to work for 3 days (while her car was being repaired) along the shared bike path that follows the tram tack from Goodwood Rd to King William Rd.
It was interesting to hear her comments as to how few cyclists used their bells to alert her of their presence and how many times she was taken by surprise as cyclists silently approached and passed by at quite high speeds. She also commented that it was females more than males that tended to use their bells to warn of their approach.
I must admit to being ignorant of any rules regarding use of bells to warn of approach but, to me, it just seems like a common sense thing to do.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Doug K on -
My riding friend and I ride often on the linear park to the beach and later come back. We always ring our bells and now are on our second set in two years due to wear. Usually dog owners appreciate being warned as that lead across the path is a potential disaster for us all. I usually go second as his campy freewheel is our backup noise maker, because my bike is eerily silent with SRAM groupset and Fulcrum wheels.
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Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on -
I nearly always use the bell. Sometimes if it's a particularly wide path and the pedestrian is walking well over to the left side I pass on the far right without ringing the bell. Most road cyclists don't have bells. They argue weight, coolness and too many pedestrians with IPods etc. I find that cyclists that are suddenly overtaking you and call on your right are invariably so close it scares the shit out of you. I find 99% of pedestrians hear my bell and act appropriately and 50% thank me.
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Permalink Reply by Simon Lownsborough on -
I have Met and Giro but no bell!
Seriously tho, I use my voice - I think it is better than a bell as I can call out 'on your right' or whatever - something a bell can't do. :-) I do try not to scare them too much…
Leaves my hands on the hoods ready to grab a fistful of brake if I need to.
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Permalink Reply by MARK FERGUSON (SPARTACUS) on -
I use my voice to politely say "on your Right" then thank them as I go past. My voice is quicker, louder and safer than a bell as I can keep both my hands on the brakes if needed. Also I've my bell before and been given the finger as they think I'm having a go at them.
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Permalink Reply by Jilden on -
Sometimes I use the bell, sometimes I shout "ding dong" instead, covers most situations well enough.
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Permalink Reply by Bekster on -
I used to ride up that path and then through the south parklands paths when commuting to work and I thought it was pretty essential to have a bell IMO... used it quite frequently.
Having a bell meant I could alert pedestrians from further out, without having to shout out or slow down as much - which to me is quite preferable compared to loosing some percentage of perceived cool factor for having a bell on my bike (although the bell was attached to my backpack not bike, so less cool factor was indeed lost lol).
I don't need one on my current commute anymore, so I just rely on the loud swarm of bees sound coming outta my Zipp freewheel which seems to do the trick when (very rarely) required:-)
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Permalink Reply by hozozco on -
Yes, often.
I'm usually too busy breathing to call out. I do thank them once I've gone past - if they've heard the bell over the noise of their headphones!
Simon
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Permalink Reply by D-shackle on -
It is worth posting ARR Reg 258 here.
AUSTRALIAN ROAD RULES - REG 258
258—Equipment on a bicycle
A person must not ride a bicycle that does not have:
(a) at least 1 effective brake; and
(b) a bell, horn, or similar warning device, in working order.
I am not sure if the lack of a bell would jeopardise an insurance claim, but I for one will not be taking the risk.
It is only good matters to warn other users of shared paths of your approach. I have found that most users appreciate a single timely 'ding' as you approach, especially from behind. I find that people with dogs shorten leashes and most people will keep to the left.
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Permalink Reply by Dave L on -
Yes, always use a bell if there is any need to warn pedestrians or other riders, and a call of which side.
I have found that a double 'ding' is needed, one 'ding' is never enough ;-)
I always thought it was law to have one and they really don't weigh much compared to everything else on the bike.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Murray on -
I always thought it was law to have one and they really don't weigh much compared to everything else on the bike.
But does Cadel use one in the TDF ? 'nuff said. :-)
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Permalink Reply by Torsten Bunge on -
I don't have a bell on the bike but will slow down & use my voice on shared paths like linear park. Combined With a wave & a pleasant thank you I find this gets a better response than a bell.
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