nickm001

This is almost comical story. Last week I was biking on a nearby mountain road, when I got jumped by this creature - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_serow . They are harmless unless one of them decides to cross the road in front of a biker. What happened, as I was riding around a turn I surprise this creature. It got scared and try to cross the road, hit my front wheel, change the direction where the bike was going and knocked me over. Bike went to the right, I continue to go straight and hit the ground with my left arm/shoulder. Luckily nothing serious.

Question I have is what do you guys use to make your approach known to wild life? Is there any device that would make sound and worn animal(s) as biker is approaching and give them time to get out of the way.?

Darth Lefty 

In the USA people use “bear bells” but they’re really for warning hikers and horseback riders TBH. Essentially like sleigh bells but more cowbell shaped. A local bike club worked with a kid to make these for his Eagle Scout project - a box of bells at popular trail heads. Take one and return it or keep it and send a donation.

billyymc

Last year in upstate New York State, my buddy and I were simultaneously hit broadside by two deer that came bursting out of the roadside brush on a dirt road we were riding. Fortunately we weren't going fast (start of ride, softish dirt, up a grade) so while all four of us went down we weren't badly hurt (nor were the deer or the bikes).

I've had many close encounters before and since with deer - they are everywhere here. My fear is hitting one while descending at 40+mph. I've had to yell at them while riding to try and freeze them in their tracks or get them to divert their course.

Really not sure what would work for deer, or for the animal that hit you.

c_m_shooter

I have hit 2 deer with motorcycles. Don't do that. At bicycle speeds, I am not worried. I have almost hit deer and pigs on the trail, it wouldn't be any worse than any other mountain bike crash.

thehammerdog

I use a bell. bears are everywhere where I ride. crazy. saw many snakes last week. deer as well.

nickm001

thanks everyone for advice. I have been riding this trail/road for over 10 years before this incident. Local mountains have only small animals, few Japanese serows and few wild pigs. Until about 10 years ago serow was on the list of protected species, so they aren't too many of them (lucky me to find one ). I will look for hiker's bell. On the last ride I used my phone and played music to make some noise and warn them of me coming.

nickm001

I know what you mean. I was going downhill at about 15mph, not too fast because of the turn on the road and occasional car that may come. So not as fast as one would go on the straight section ...

nickm001

Thanks, will do the same. I like wild trails for it's peaceful and quiet environment, small bell should not be too bad .