shared cycle paths

[Dogtrousers]

The only bit of shared use path that I use with any regularity is near where I live. I use it at the end of long rides, to relax a bit. It has loads other people using it ... in a shared manner. Dogs, children, pushchairs. I just roll along slowly. I often get off and walk for a bit. I'm ever vigilant for children and dogs wandering in and out of the bushes. It can be slow progress. For faster progress there is the nearby road network.

 

[Tim Hall]

Some walkers definitely take offense at bells on shared paths but I find most of the time they are grateful for being given notice that I am approaching. I'm considering one of the 'it doesn't look like a bell bells' that Knog are making. They claim it plays a chord rather than a single note.

I recommend the "Lesley Phillips" bell.

 

[Markymark]

In London everyone has right of way.

 

[The Mighty News]

We cycled a C2C shared path in the NE at the weekend (Washington to Consett) and I was amazed by how well we all mingled along, the dog walkers knew what to do when we approached from the front, one of us had a bell when we approached from behind. The other cyclists going opposite way were all very friendly, hell even the local kids on their BMX bikes moved aside for us!. Really enjoyed it.

 

[Sara_H]

I have a standard bell which, maybe I am being paranoid, but sometimes sounds a bit impatient (like: 'out my way' sort of ring). There is a fellow commuter that has some really quirky bell with a ring tone which is quite comical/slapstick/cartoon like - don't want one of them. I am no clown. However, would perhaps like a bell which is more of a friendly ringer but then what if it really is urgent. There's probably a two tone ringer out there.

I had a horn which I enjoyed using quite a bit, but it broke and that was the end of that!

 

[cisamcgu]

I had a horn which I enjoyed using quite a bit, but it broke and that was the end of that!

Calling @Fnaar

 

[sheffgirl]

I don't have a bell, I just say 'excuse me' loudly as politely as possible, it usually works, and I always smile and say thank you as I pass
Had to yell at the top of my voice at two cyclists riding side by side in the woods, they didn't hear me the first two times I called out.

 

[mybike]

I ride canal towpaths much of the time and mostly they are very narrow. I use my (single ping) bell quite a lot and generally from a distance which gives people time to react. Where there is room to pass and the people seem to be following a consistent path I tell them which side I will pass, which seems to go down well. When folk have a dog on a long lead I wait until the dog is under control before passing. Where the dog is off the lead most of the time they seem more intent on their own business. Where the path is very narrow I wait for people to pass me. Most people are very considerate.