I like to talk to other people, like “may I have my way please?” Sometimes pedestrians then shout back: “You don’t have a bell? have you?”
But using a bell or honk for me seems like talk like a very early caveman.
I agree… It seems more polite to speak than to honk or tinkle. But I do worry about startling people, maybe a gentle tinkle at 10m is better than a cheery “Mornin'” at 2.5? I’ll have to try it.
The *GENTLE* tinkle is recognised by most pedestrians as a warning of the approach of a stealth vehicle. Most pedestrians move aside to share the path (usually spread across its whole width while happily chatting and strolling). A cheery greeting needs them to think a lot more – they’ll react less predictably and more slowly.
“ting ting” is good 🙂
In Germany I found out that while one ‘Ting’ says ‘I am here- look out for me’ two or more says ‘Get out of the way, or more likely – ‘Danger … look out’
Before I knew that I would give a couple of dings a way off to say ‘I am approaching’ the response to which was always a hasty shuffle out of the way. I know why and offer my apologies to anybody I startled in those days (1992-3?)
Yes in my years saying “passing blabla..” generally creates nasty curses. The bell? What a treat. Always get thanks and waves! I always thought the bell would be annoying, but peds love it. On the side note, I think the cars and smog are always gray in order to signify the lifelessness of it all, while the cyclists are living life thus in color. The peds are black because they are generally just shadows outside of the fray. Around here the peds get to deal with bso salmon runs on the sidewalks.
I use the bell when on pathways shared with pedestrians, if they don’t respond due to earbuds, I will ring again more vigorously, if they still block the path an AirZounds works wonders. It also does well in heavy motor vehicle traffic.
I approached a group of a dozen walking three abreast and 4 deep down the path. I used the AirZounds from a distance and the results were hilarious. Everyone on the left jumped right while everyone on the right jumped left. They formed an honor guard lined up on each side facing the trail as I rode through.
Wish I had the same experience as other folks with bells. I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten some variation of, “An EXCUSE ME would be nice!” Dude, that’s what the bell’s for.
I love how the automobiles are pictured as dark and forbidding,
But the peds are also black…?
I like to talk to other people, like “may I have my way please?” Sometimes pedestrians then shout back: “You don’t have a bell? have you?”
But using a bell or honk for me seems like talk like a very early caveman.
That makes them easy to ink in. It also keeps the focus on Yehuda.
I agree… It seems more polite to speak than to honk or tinkle. But I do worry about startling people, maybe a gentle tinkle at 10m is better than a cheery “Mornin'” at 2.5? I’ll have to try it.
The *GENTLE* tinkle is recognised by most pedestrians as a warning of the approach of a stealth vehicle. Most pedestrians move aside to share the path (usually spread across its whole width while happily chatting and strolling). A cheery greeting needs them to think a lot more – they’ll react less predictably and more slowly.
“ting ting” is good 🙂
In Germany I found out that while one ‘Ting’ says ‘I am here- look out for me’ two or more says ‘Get out of the way, or more likely – ‘Danger … look out’
Before I knew that I would give a couple of dings a way off to say ‘I am approaching’ the response to which was always a hasty shuffle out of the way. I know why and offer my apologies to anybody I startled in those days (1992-3?)
Unfortunately, all this makes little difference when the people in front of you are wearing earphones and don’t pay any attention. 🙂
Yes in my years saying “passing blabla..” generally creates nasty curses. The bell? What a treat. Always get thanks and waves! I always thought the bell would be annoying, but peds love it. On the side note, I think the cars and smog are always gray in order to signify the lifelessness of it all, while the cyclists are living life thus in color. The peds are black because they are generally just shadows outside of the fray. Around here the peds get to deal with bso salmon runs on the sidewalks.
I use the bell when on pathways shared with pedestrians, if they don’t respond due to earbuds, I will ring again more vigorously, if they still block the path an AirZounds works wonders. It also does well in heavy motor vehicle traffic.
I approached a group of a dozen walking three abreast and 4 deep down the path. I used the AirZounds from a distance and the results were hilarious. Everyone on the left jumped right while everyone on the right jumped left. They formed an honor guard lined up on each side facing the trail as I rode through.
Wish I had the same experience as other folks with bells. I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten some variation of, “An EXCUSE ME would be nice!” Dude, that’s what the bell’s for.
Make the car horns just as loud INSIDE the car as outside. This would eliminate a lot of unneeded noise.