ring my beah; beah; bell, ring my bell

[daddyshambles]

could somebody please tell me the proper etiquette for ringing the bell on cycle tracks (shared use) to alert dog walkers with dogs on extended leads and some running free, day strollers and elderly couples who straddle the path and junkies hitting up under under passes that i am coming from behind (sic). I feel as if i really annoy them when i ring and get some horrid looks and get the same when i dont ring. please help cos i wanna do the right ting

 

[Klaus]

Not sure about general etiquette, but best to ring some distance before reaching whoever. AS for horses, a colleague of mine who has a horse tells me it's best to alert the rider by speaking rather than using the bell as horses tend to be quite nervous. Don't have experience with this or other animals.....

 

[PaulSecteur]

Just my own take on this from experience...

If there is only one or two people in front of you then saying "Excuse me, can I pass to your right (or left)" or just "Passing on your right" is usually ok.

If there are more, or 2 people are in deep conversation then give them the bell.

 

[Becs]

Not sure about general etiquette, but best to ring some distance before reaching whoever. AS for horses, a colleague of mine who has a horse tells me it's best to alert the rider by speaking rather than using the bell as horses tend to be quite nervous. Don't have experience with this or other animals.....

I agree. A lot of horses wouldn't bat an eyelid at a normal bell but they are so unpredictable it's not worth the risk. Also it's worth bearing in mind that if you are cycling up behind them, especially if you are going fairly quickly they will hear a whirring noise from your wheels before they see you and may spook sideways - passing wide and slow after asking the rider if it is ok to pass is the best bet to avoid accidents! Even though I work with horses I still find them quite scary when I'm on a bike!

 

[marinyork]

Bells are a waste of time. It signals impatience and mild aggression. Best off waiting, using your voice or buying an airzound.

 

[Chutzpah]

People - I normally ring from quite far back, and always ensure that I smile and say thank you as I pass. I think generally if people were to think you're being rude by dinging a bell at them, the friendly gesture as you pass should placate them that you meant nothing of the sort. I never really seem to have a problem passing walkers. Maybe it's a countryside thing......

Horses - living in the countryside (and one of my favourite rides goes right past a trekking centre) I see a lot of horses. I generally slow and wait until the rider is aware of me (doesn't usually take long) and then pass when they let me know it's safe to do so. Most riders are also happy to exchange some minor small talk as you pass too ("nice weather for it" etc.) I agree that ringing a bell and coming up too fast is likely to end in tears, much like over-revving your car engine would.

 

[Chutzpah]

Should add that I always ding my bell twice. For some reason it sounds more pleasant and friendly. Reminds people of an old country vicar maybe?

 

[Steve H]

My preference is for two rings of the bell followed by a "Thank you" or "Good morning" on passing

 

[summerdays]

Me - I often feel that if I ring the bell I'm demanding to be let by whereas I often change down gear (may as well slow down anyway), they may hear that small noise, and then I follow it up with a hello/good morning etc - for me it seems more human.

 

[ufkacbln]

Couple of chavettes with prams.... fully abreast a mixed use path

Slow down and ring bell politely - ignored
Ring bell slightly more firmly - One Chavette looks round and give two fingers
Politely ask them to move over - Told by one Chavette to "go away"

In which case the childish and very satisfying use of the full volume of the AirZound is not only justified but effective- Chavette does funky pedestrian and moves over !

 

[jackm]

Me - I often feel that if I ring the bell I'm demanding to be let by whereas I often change down gear (may as well slow down anyway), they may hear that small noise, and then I follow it up with a hello/good morning etc - for me it seems more human.

+1

 

[vernon]

+1

Debrett's have issued advice on the matter.

 

[ufkacbln]

Debrett's have issued advice on the matter.

Sustrans have a Code of Conduct and so do the DfT

 

[sadjack]

Couple of chavettes with prams.... fully abreast a mixed use path

Slow down and ring bell politely - ignored
Ring bell slightly more firmly - One Chavette looks round and give two fingers
Politely ask them to move over - Told by one Chavette to "go away"

In which case the childish and very satisfying use of the full volume of the AirZound is not only justified but effective- Chavette does funky pedestrian and moves over !

LOL this post made me laugh out loud. Must get an AirZound !!

 

[youngoldbloke]

British Waterways have been promoting 'Two Tings' for some time 2 tings