I use a bell and had a few "thank you's" . A lot of the times I see ear buds and know I need to be cautious. Sometimes I can hear the music as I pass so I know they didn't hear my bell. This is why I avoid MUP's if at all possible. People walking dogs with retractable leashes or no leash at all, people walking 3 abreast with strollers forcing me off the path, etc. I don't need the drama. Joe