Symox

I recently went from whistling to alert walkers on paths and roads to using a (very cheap) bicycle bell. I'm really surprised how much more effective the bell is. I think people are trained to know what the "ding ding ding" sound means. Several people just move to the side and wave without even looking back.

Now I just need to find a way to install a bell so I can get to it from the hoods or the drops. Currently I put it on my aerobars and it works ok.

If you haven't tried using a bell and often ride on bike paths, you might be surprised how useful it is.

Here is the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RJGWRCQ...roduct_details

datlas 

So nice, you praised it twice?

Symox

Sorry about the double post. Can’t seem to delete it

znomit

One good ding deserves another.

Symox was you accident caused by getting slapped after whistling at the wrong person? We want details.

BobsPoprad

Yep, I have a bell. Works well for the people who are not distracted walkers/runners/cyclists.

Trsnrtr

I took care of it for you.

timdow

I have a bell and use it, but unfortunately, a lot of people on the pathways here wear earbuds.

WhyFi

TL;DR - is this a thread about a male cyclist finally finding the right saddle?

bikehoco

I’ve found people with earbuds hear my bell better than verbal commands such as “on your left”.

raqball 

Most time when you say "on your left" they step to the left...

I don't ride on MUPS much anymore but if I did I'd probably do the ding-ding thing instead of verbal announcing..

tomato coupe

I think it's about Chuck Berry.

Iride01 

Usually the people that step left when you announce passing are noobs to walking the MUP or they are out for one of their bi-annual walks. One in the spring and one in the fall. Regulars on the trail generally get the picture after a few experiences.

What I'm still trying to figure out is why so many runners look over their right shoulder when I say I'm passing them on the left.

The bells that sound like the more traditional brass bicycle bells are more pleasant, noticeable and readily recognized as being a bike coming up on me while I'm walking the MUP with my wife. Electronic bells are weird and I have trouble recognizing them much less am I able to tell what direction they are from me.

datlas 

How about some praise for the humble Ring Ding?

SoSmellyAir

We spend $$$$ on lightweight bikes but keep adding things onto them: computers, phones, lights, bells, etc. At the rate we are going, we are all going to ride 46 cm bars at some point to leave enough space for our hands.

Seattle Forrest

... throw our backs out trying to lift them?

Iride01 

Since I got STI's, I've found little use for my hands on the horizontal part of the bars. Hoods, hooks or drop is the only real places I need for my hands. But still, a out front mount for a cyclometer with a attachment on the bottom for a light or camera really doesn't use up much space. So plenty of room for a small bell as the OP linked and still have plenty of room for your hands.

If you are a purist and don't want stuff other than you and your bike, that's okay. I don't make fun of you for that. Except for maybe when you make fun of us! My bars are only 38cm wide.

msu2001la

Bells are awesome on MUP's. Someone gave me this one as a gift and I like it a lot - takes up very little handlebar space and makes a pleasing ding sound.

Oi Luxe Bike Bell | Style & Tone | Knog

RCMoeur

A while ago, I hypothesized that other path users, especially members of the non-cycling public, react (seemingly subconsciously) primarily to the direction they hear; e.g. "on your left" elicits a move to the left in response, since they heard "left". That's why I use a noisemaking device (bell, oddly-shaped horn, stentorian voice, etc.) about 100-50 feet back and follow it with "Good (insert time of day here)". This seems to greatly reduce the unwanted actions, and is usually good for gaining a successful passing maneuver.

Unless I'm in a pure bike event on a closed course. Then it's "On your ***" for consistency.

Iride01 

I felt that way too in the past, but I've lately just thinking when they hear any noise that startles them they just instinctively jump like a rabbit with the belief they are getting out of the way. But still your hypothesis is a possibility.

Though It takes more effort, I usually say "Passing on your left", "Passing Left", "I'm passing on your left" depending on amount of time and breath I have. Still the noobs jump out of their skin and might do anything. so I always try to announce well in advance so I can avoid any thing they might do wrong.

SoSmellyAir

I wish I could, but I cannot, be a purist. I have my iPhone on a Quadlock out front pro mount and a Cygolite Dice HL-150 on my 42 cm handlebar. I have considered a bell before but the handlebar is getting crowded.

Symox

I just got the Incredibell ring o ring which attaches with o rings. This bell is loud and clear and much better designed (you can rotate the hammer with respect to the mount point) than the cheapie I just replaced. I can reach it now with my thumbs either on the hoods or in the drops. I'm a happy camper

Symox

agreed. something about the bell frequency just cuts through (hey, that's the whole point isn't it?)

LarrySellerz

I wish I could whistle, it looks super effective from videos ive seen of mexican/latin american cyclists who seem to have loud whistles

SoSmellyAir

You can compensate: Amazon.com: Hipat Whistle, 2 Packs Plastic Sports Whistles with Lanyard, Loud Crisp Sound Whistle Ideal for Coaches, Referees, and Officials (Color) : Everything Else

WhyFi

Whenever I see a cyclist, in my area, with a whistle in their mouth, which is (thankfully) infrequent, I immediately assume that they're a dbag. In this area, the only reason you'd need one is if you were making it a habit of bombing the MUPs - if they're in that big of a hurry, they need to be a big boy/girl and take their ass to the road. When I lived in NYC, there were (literally) a few times that one would have come in handy, but... yeah, still a "no, thanks."