Alternative to a Bell

[currystomper]

I was looking for an alternative to a bell on my bike as they seems to startle pedestrians and cause them to move into your path, when all you want to do is tell them you are coming.

I have tried calling out, but its not always reacted to and just heard as someone talking behind them.

So I'm experimenting with a squeaker out of a soft toy - its light (even lighter than a bell!) and I can put it in a pocket out of the way and squeak it though the material by squeezing the pocket. It seems to be working well, people hear it but are not startled and move smoothly out of the way if necessary.

I'll report back later when I have used it more

 

[boydj]

Try a Hope rear hub. A quick back-pedal has them diving for the bushes - or alerts them to your presence if you do it a bit further back.

 

[gaz71]

An airhorn usually does the trick.

 

[Milkfloat]

A cheery ‘good morning’ usually works for me.

 

[Slick]

Just buy a new bike with discs then when removing the front wheel for the first time, inadvertently touch the rotor and permanently contaminate the rotor with a single tear of a new born baby then gently caress the brake lever as you approach a pedestrian and watch them dive for cover as they think the war of the worlds has finally come true.

 

[Will Spin]

Mavic freehub, unlubricated, does the trick, freewheel and it's the shriek of death.

 

[Mrs M]

Nothing will alert the pedestrian toddling along with a 15 foot dog lead (fully extended) wearing headphones, they are the only one on the “shared” path

 

[Salty seadog]

Just buy a new bike with discs then when removing the front wheel for the first time, inadvertently touch the rotor and permanently contaminate the rotor with a single tear of a new born baby then gently caress the brake lever as you approach a pedestrian and watch them dive for cover as they think the war of the worlds has finally come true.

Not a fan eh?

I use the Queens English in my polite voice.

 

[Slick]

Not a fan eh?

I use the Queens English in my polite voice.

Nah, exaggerated a bit but sometimes it does get a bit frustrating. It reminds me a bit of the old sketch when CD's first came out. You can run it over with a Sherman tank but smudge it with your finger and you are finished.

 

[Jimidh]

Not a fan eh?

I use the Queens English in my polite voice.

Me too , much more polite than ringing a bell or blowing a horn.

 

[rrarider]

I use a Storm whistle. I find that everybody can hear that.

 

[Jenkins]

Nothing will alert the pedestrian toddling along with a 15 foot dog lead (fully extended) wearing headphones, they are the only one on the “shared” path

For these people you need one of these to get their attention...

 

[Randomnerd]

In winter, you could get a couple of Sweep puppets, and squeak while you wave, while staying warm. You’re onto something.

 

[Drago]

A Taser should do the trick.

 

[OneArmedBandit]

Pedestrians here are so oblivious I'm going to pay another cyclist to cycle in front with a bugle.

I did have an air horn which was highly effective but I knew if I persisted the local rag would be filled with complaints of cyclists who jump red lights and cause one to soil oneself on shared paths.