SaladShooter

I forgot to post this, but a while ago I was riding home on some of the bike trails that run throughout Columbia. I came up behind a guy walking a little dog that was trotting all over the path on one of those long Flexi leashes. I slowed down considerably (I was doing a brisk 17mph or so) to a walking pace,maybe 4 mph, and calmly said, "coming around on your left" loud enough for him to hear me. He whips around like I tazed him and quips "You know if you would slow down and buy a bell you wouldn't have this kind of problem!"

I quit goat thinkin' and whipped back with "What, and miss your glowing personality?" and powered off.

He yelled something after me but I didn't hear it, I was too busy chuckling to myself. This kind of problem? Would you rather just have a random ding that gives you no indication of where in the hell I am? Love me some holier than thou d-bags and their yappy little dogs.

Bekologist

bells rule on the MUP. survey says.. "Bell"

SaladShooter

Eh, they're so impersonal. I'd rather talk to people instead of 'honking' at them. It makes sense on a car because of higher speeds and the fact that you're enclosed, but on a bike, good old fashioned personal contact is still an option. Hell, that's part of the reason I like them so much.

I'd rather peter along talking to someone than ding a tiny bell at them and blow by without a word.

Juggler2

The sound of your unexpected voice probably startled him. A bell might have been a better solution. I don't find any fault with your action/reaction. However the "d-bag" comment is a little harsh, considering you don't know the man at all. (Yappy little dog's not withstanding).

Square & Compas

I prefer one of these; https://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/...ory=1015625493

Next time blast one of these at him, from at least 100' away, to get his attention.

SaladShooter

I forgot to mention the dirty look, the fact he was on a cellphone at the time, and the fake tan. That and the tone of voice should make the d-bag comment a bit more justified.

That and I tend to be a little harsh.

Juggler2

Who didn't see a response like that coming?

Juggler2

And immature, obviously.

SaladShooter

Either that or an uncanny judge of character.

Denny Koll

Sometimes they get mad at you no matter what you do.

San Rensho 

Just avoid the MUP at all cost, they are worthless. But if you must ride on one, then definitely use a bell. The "ring ring" bell is actually very pleasant, and universally announces you as a cyclist. People instantly recognize it, they don't need to process the words that they are hearing when you say "on your left" or some such thing.

On many occasions I'll be coming up on pedestrians, ring the bell from a distance, and without even looking back the pedestrians will simply move over to let me through.

SaladShooter

The paths through Columbia are actually pretty interesting and a nice change to the roads during rush hour. They're usually fairly empty during week days so it's usually not a problem.

I 'get' bells and that people accept them as being handy, but I'd rather slow down for a second, say hi to someone, let them know I'm coming by, give them a smile, maybe even throw out a comment about the weather. I know I could do all of that with a ding but eh, I dunno, just seems impersonal.

Guess it's just my immaturity Hi from another Ducati owner, I ride an '07 Monster.

genec

Bells are trumped by ipods.

cudak888 

Now that's what I like to hear in an A&S thread!

-Kurt

Just_Ryan

I agree, but you can ring the bell and still exchange a pleasant "hello" or whatever as you're passing. People often turn and smile when a grown man is riding past them on a bike ringing a ridiculous little bell. That's my experience, anyway

SaladShooter

I find that if someone can look at me in stretchy pants and keep a straight face, they can't be trusted.

My typical riding kit:

StrangeWill

Brilliant.

CB HI

I do not like bells.

When a few of the peds became a problem on the “Bike Path” (as in illegal for peds to be on), I adjusted my V-brakes such that a very light touch (no real braking power) would cause them to squeal. As I approached the rude peds that were taking up both sides of the “Bike Path”, I would squeal my brakes, watch the peds jump off the path and as I passed at speed would say “thank you”.

Now for those that think it is hard to adjust brakes so they will not squeal at all, try adjusting them so they only squeal without any braking power.

FLBandit

I heard the same thing from a ped the other day. I've always thought I could yell much louder than a bell. Besides, it just doesn't look "Cool" on my roadie!

dingster1

In MD they are required I believe.

Mr Danw

And if you used a bell the little yapper would have expressed a Pavlovian Response and the owner would have had to stop to feed him. Some people exist forthe sole purpose of being miserable.

gcottay

This seems a such a small problem that one wonders why it is even mentioned. But then, here I am typing away.

Commando303

On the bike or on foot in front of the biker, I do prefer a bell to "On your left!"

Commando303

Which do you guys prefer: the "ring-ring" bell, or the "ding"? The latter seems to be more common nowadays.

Heifzilla

I have the monster hamburger sized "ring-ring" bell. It is *the* bell noise. There is no mistaking it for some wussy little dainty ding. Those types of bells are for meditating to in a zen garden or something