Originally Posted by
Miele Man
Anyone who lives in an area where a bicycle bell is effective is very fortunate....
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.