Originally Posted by
seeker333
True. Here in the SE USA, bicycling on a MUP shared with walkers and dogs will generally prove to you that bike bells are highly ineffective in their intended purpose. A shouted warning works better, if pedestrians can hear it. Many can hear the bell chimes and shouted warnings and simply choose to ignore them. The best solution I've found is to not ride on MUPs unless there is no alternative.
Timing can obviate the bike bell. Most MUP pedestrians are casual weekend walkers and they usually walk 2-4 abreast, ignore warnings and block the path. However, I have found MUPs to be almost completely empty on weekdays before 2PM, and at these times they can be a joy to bicycle, with no bells or shouts required.
I too avoid the rail-trails here as much as possible. One trail is becoming pretty narrow due to plant growth encroaching from either side. In sections it's almost too narrow for even one bicycle.
I'm lucky though because a nice country road runs pretty close to either of the rial-trails I used to frequent. I don't know how busy those trails are now. I don't think I've been on either of them yet this year.
Cheers