I usually try ringing the bell pretty far in advance of my passing. The Spurcycle is a bit shrill and can be heard even by the harder of hearing (I know personally) and so is more a light tingling as an advance warning. But occasionally, I do use it again on closer approach a bit more insistently. I will also use "on your left" when appropriate. If I see wires dangling from the ears then all bets are off and I will slow and provide good passing distance. I slow for erratic kids and leashed dogs. I use roads and paths. Although, in Seattle some roads are now pedestrian corridors and there are more pedestrians in the roadway.