Ring your bell for pedestrians?

Pkiernan

Hi all.

I've had to stop cycling for a while due to an injury and now walk part of my old cycling route.

I'm surprised at how no cyclists I encounter as a pedestrian ring their bell to let you know they're coming up behind you.

I'm on narrow roads and find it a bit disconcerting when a cyclist approaches quickly from behind. Bit scary to be honest.

I always used to give a quick ring in the same situation.

Is it an Irish thing? On the continent its normal behaviour.

odyssey06

I think a quick ring at a distance that alerts someone without startling them is welcome... but ringing repeatedly as you approach can be seen as a bit passive aggressive by some.

cletus

Are you on a path on the narrow roads? if they are country roads with no path, then it shouldn't be an issue, as you'll be on the right, and cyclists will be on the left

Lux23

It's really weird because in countries where cycling is more commonplace, they always ring their bell but here cyclists won't even do it on a footpath. It is odd, but I feel sort of rude doing it myself as well even though its better than screaming or plowing into someone.

Pkiernan

cletus wrote: »

Are you on a path on the narrow roads? if they are country roads with no path, then it shouldn't be an issue, as you'll be on the right, and cyclists will be on the left

Yes, I'm walking on the right but the roads are narrow and so a polite ring would be nice.

I used to ring my bell about 100 yards from walkers, just to let them know I was there.

Thelonious Monk

It's normal in Germany etc, if you did it to the wrong person in Dublin you could be dragged off the bike and bleedin' battered! I think it boils down to that really, people would take it the wrong way here.

NickNickleby

cletus wrote: »

Are you on a path on the narrow roads? if they are country roads with no path, then it shouldn't be an issue, as you'll be on the right, and cyclists will be on the left

Indeed, and where the person IS walking on the "wrong" side, I would still give them a tinkle. Better than a collision, no matter who is at fault.

I actually think a bell is a good idea, and as others (well, most others) have suggested, a quick tinkle of the bell when coming up on someone's blind side, or from behind, will very likely prevent either an accident or a fright.

I cycled for YEARS across Dublin to and from work. Was always well lit, and had a bell - generally only necessary if I thought someone was going to step off the path without looking. Never had an issue with pedestrians when I used it. I'd usually give a wave or a nod as well - its a great way of diffusing potential bad reactions.

CapnHex

Was this in the pre podcast/Spotify/Netflix smartphone wireless ear bud era?

magicbastarder

i don't have a bell on the bike - most of the roads i'm cycling on, if i encounter a pedestrian i have to pass from behind, i either give a very wide berth to and/or call out a hello. often, they'd have headphones in anyway.
as mentioned above, i've heard a few reports of some pedestrians reacting negatively to bells.

wildwillow

I always give a little tinkle of the bell when coming up behind pedestrians. Usually follow up with a "thank you" or "sorry for disturbing you".

Avoids collisions. The sound is gentle enough not to be rude but loud enough to be heard. I rarely have to ring a second time.

07Lapierre

I don't cycle on the pavement and i don't have a bell. If i come across a pedestrian on the road (usually on rural roads with their back to me) i give them a wide berth and thats it. In most cases though, they usually hear me approaching and move over anyway.

breezy1985

If the pedestrian is on the opposite side of the road no I wouldn't.
If they are walking on my side I move to the other side of the road to pass.
No irish country road I have ever been on is too small for a bike and pedestrian to give each other plenty of room.

I only encounter the the need for my bell in 2 places and one is a stretch of road near UL where families tend to walk side by side along the width of the road and usually ignore the bell until you have stopped right behind them.
The other is on cycle paths where people walk on them despite a path next to it and have headphones in. I have given up on off road cycle paths in Limerick due to this

ted1

Lux23 wrote: »

It's really weird because in countries where cycling is more commonplace, they always ring their bell but here cyclists won't even do it on a footpath. It is odd, but I feel sort of rude doing it myself as well even though its better than screaming or plowing into someone.

Cyclists shouldn’t be on the footpath. But nonetheless ringing a bell often startled pedestrians and they either freeze , jump forward , backward , of forward then backwards.

So it’s safer the just pass when they are more predictable.

If walking on a road with no path. Pedestrians should walk towards traffic

breezy1985

ted1 wrote: »

Cyclists shouldn’t be on the footpath. But nonetheless ringing a bell often startled pedestrians and they either freeze , jump forward , backward , of forward then backwards.

So it’s safer the just pass when they are more predictable.

If walking on a road with no path. Pedestrians should walk towards traffic

I agree on the startling. It's easier to just give a wide berth or if not possible pass very very slowly

Paddigol

ted1 wrote: »

Cyclists shouldn’t be on the footpath. But nonetheless ringing a bell often startled pedestrians and they either freeze , jump forward , backward , of forward then backwards.

So it’s safer the just pass when they are more predictable.

If walking on a road with no path. Pedestrians should walk towards traffic

I presume what he meant are those cycle lanes that double as footpaths (see N11 around Cornelscourt for example). I hate them. Prefer not to use them for the reasons you mention. But will regularly be impolitely reminded by car drivers that I should "use the f***ing cycle lane". I find a bell, used properly, invaluable for commuting cycling, especially for letting other cyclists know you want to pass. As another poster mentioned, a simple wave and/ or shout of thanks puts everyone in a better frame of mind than simply blasting past.

nak

Tried a bell, found that most people ignored it or gave out about it.

NickNickleby

CapnHex wrote: »

Was this in the pre podcast/Spotify/Netflix smartphone wireless ear bud era?

hahaha, well yes it was before wireless, but in the days of mp3 players etc. So people still heard my bell, even with earphones.

CramCycle

Anywhere else, id ring the bell, in Ireland it could get you a belt for some reason. I usually start freewheeling from a distance with my incredibly loud, and therefore expensive, freehub so the peasants know to move out of my way.

Seriously though, move as far out of the way as possible, slow so even if they do move suddenly its unlikely to cause either of you injury, freewheel or breathe heavily to alert them to you coming. A nice friendly sounding "lovely day for it" or a thank you if they do move always makes things go well. There are a small number of paths I use that are not wide enough for both but its rare and simply sitting up and waiting to be noticed seems to be the most welcomed. If you are in that much of a rush that you can't wait, then you should have left earlier or not went out at all.

rayman1

I cycle regularly on Waterford Greenway and a bell is essential to alert walkers that you are approaching from behind. I very rarely use it on the road however.

Thelonious Monk

rayman1 wrote: »

I cycle regularly on Waterford Greenway and a bell is essential to alert walkers that you are approaching from behind. I very rarely use it on the road however.

That's where you want to be using it, using it when it's dark on the new cycleway from North Strand to Samuel Beckett bridge could get you in trouble though :pac:

Selik

Have always had a bell (Cat-Eye bell - small with a nice sound), use it alot and never afraid to use it either.

Have had some close near misses with folks walking out on the road etc, always a time I didn't use my bell for some reason!

maebee

ted1 wrote: »

Cyclists shouldn’t be on the footpath.

Exactly. I walk 5km every day. I have to walk on a bridge footpath. Every day I'm passed by cyclists, cycling on a foot path. It annoyed me long before Covid but it does my head in now. Which part of 2 metre distance do they not understand?

un5byh7sqpd2x0

maebee wrote: »

Exactly. I walk 5km every day. I have to walk on a bridge footpath. Every day I'm passed by cyclists, cycling on a foot path. It annoyed me long before Covid but it does my head in now. Which part of 2 metre distance do they not understand?

What part of 15 minutes don’t you understand? :pac:

A loud cough seems to be working well recently, people seem more aware of this sound lately for some reason

breezy1985

maebee wrote: »

Exactly. I walk 5km every day. I have to walk on a bridge footpath. Every day I'm passed by cyclists, cycling on a foot path. It annoyed me long before Covid but it does my head in now. Which part of 2 metre distance do they not understand?

If it is a footpath that isnt designated for mixed use then its illegal to cycle on.


Mind if I ask what bridge

Macy0161

I've a bell on my commuter and my gravel bike.

I find it very effective on my gravel bike and when I'm on shared trails with the children (where I use my commuter). I wouldn't be without it on the gravel, and would definitely recommend anyone graveling where there's walkers/ hikers too. It's much more effective than a call out - less propensity to freeze the pedestrian in my experience from the few weeks before I fitted it.

When I was commuting on shared paths or where pedestrians were simply ignoring that it was a cycle lane, it generally wasn't that effective as so many had earphones/ headphones/ earbuds. I still wouldn't be without it, and it's actually calmed down a few "startled" earphone wearers when I've pointed out I was ringing my bell!

breezy1985

You should have a bell whether you use it or not just to cover yourself.

I had stripped a fair bit off my bike when I got it but recently learned that it's not just lights at night are mandatory but a rear reflector and a bell are legar requirements to and I don't want crap like that going against me if I am ever in a crash

CramCycle

breezy1985 wrote: »

You should have a bell whether you use it or not just to cover yourself.

I had stripped a fair bit off my bike when I got it but recently learned that it's not just lights at night are mandatory but a rear reflector and a bell are legar requirements to and I don't want crap like that going against me if I am ever in a crash

Not if your bike is adapted for racing, the more you know. What is adapted for racing and what does it mean. It is a statement from the rider since there are no other definitions. My lights also serve as a rear reflector, most lights will. The one you want to watch out for, which I do break (if its still there), is the size of the light. This may have been updated but there used ot be specifications on the size of the light itself if I recall correctly.

dhaughton99

I have a squeaky brake so I use that rather than the bell.

partyguinness

I do a lot of running in parks etc and encounter cyclists everytime.

I think some cyclists are too shy to use their bell for fear of coming across as a bit obnoxious or rude but personally I would prefer they use their bell- that is what is the for. If a cyclist is coming behind me unheard and I suddenly step across their path then it is a collision.

Cyclists on the whole are good and careful co users. Don't get me started on dog walkers.

maebee

breezy1985 wrote: »

If it is a footpath that isnt designated for mixed use then its illegal to cycle on.


Mind if I ask what bridge

On the Corbally Road, leading to St. Munchin's college. There's barely enough room for 2 people to pass on it.

breezy1985

CramCycle wrote: »

Not if your bike is adapted for racing, the more you know. What is adapted for racing and what does it mean. It is a statement from the rider since there are no other definitions. My lights also serve as a rear reflector, most lights will. The one you want to watch out for, which I do break (if its still there), is the size of the light. This may have been updated but there used ot be specifications on the size of the light itself if I recall correctly.

I always thought adapted for racing meant you actually had to be in a race or going to one so that's good to know.
The size of the lights hasn't changed which is daft as size no longer has any relation to output. The rules of the road still size "lamps" in inches too which should be as illegal as road signs in miles but hey.

breezy1985

maebee wrote: »

On the Corbally Road, leading to St. Munchin's college. There's barely enough room for 2 people to pass on it.

Athlunkard bridge is a particularly s****y place for someone to cycle on a path as it has a barrier stopping people from getting out of the way.

Outside of children it's usually scumbags I come across on paths in Limerick and sadly nothing any of us say or do here is gonna stop em

RobertFoster

During the 5km restrictions I ended up cycling slowly behind a woman on her bike on a narrow country lane. She was gently ringing her bell at a couple walking two abreast away from us but for whatever reason the bell did nothing for them. My "On your left!" worked though.

I find bells pleasant enough, but I understand how some people hear them as a "get out of my way" rather than "here I come".

magicbastarder

magicbastarder wrote: »

i don't have a bell on the bike - most of the roads i'm cycling on, if i encounter a pedestrian i have to pass from behind, i either give a very wide berth to and/or call out a hello. often, they'd have headphones in anyway.
as mentioned above, i've heard a few reports of some pedestrians reacting negatively to bells.

Most cyclists don't have a bell ....... but it's the law I thought?

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/cycling/cycling_offences.html#:~:text=All%20bikes%20on%20public%20roads,Vehicles)%20Regulations%201963%20as%20amended.&text=In%20addition%20to%20lights%2C%20your,Front%20and%20rear%20brakes

In addition to lights, your bike must also have:

A bell, which can be heard from a reasonable distance
Front and rear brakes
A rear reflector that can be seen from a reasonable distance

partyguinness

RobertFoster wrote: »

During the 5km restrictions I ended up cycling slowly behind a woman on her bike on a narrow country lane. She was gently ringing her bell at a couple walking two abreast away from us but for whatever reason the bell did nothing for them. My "On your left!" worked though.

I find bells pleasant enough, but I understand how some people hear them as a "get out of my way" rather than "here I come".

Other users should appreciate that it is as much for their safety as the cyclist. If a walker does not hear you and walks into your path causing a collision the pedestrian will damn quick to point fingers that you didnt ring your bell or you were too quiet.

The bell should not be seen as a sign of agrgession "Get the eff out of my way" but a polite "Just letting you know I am here and I don't want to hit you".

Tombo2001

In my view, all bikes should have bells on them and they should be used. End of.

breezy1985

RobertFoster wrote: »

During the 5km restrictions I ended up cycling slowly behind a woman on her bike on a narrow country lane. She was gently ringing her bell at a couple walking two abreast away from us but for whatever reason the bell did nothing for them. My "On your left!" worked though.

I find bells pleasant enough, but I understand how some people hear them as a "get out of my way" rather than "here I come".

I used to have a run in with the same 2 clowns every week this summer walking on a cycle lane. First week I stopped behind silently until they moved and once I was passed they made a smart remark about a bell, second time I shout from a distance to give them time and I get an ear full that I shouldnt be cycling on the path (cycle lane) 3rd week I use the bell which they ignore.

There's a path and cycle lane on each side of the road and never did these clowns think to reverse their dog walk and walk into traffic rather than back to traffic. But I suppose you will never win with these entitled morons

ED E

Augeo wrote: »

Most cyclists don't have a bell ....... but it's the law I thought?

Magic's bike is a racing bike, its exempt

km991148

07Lapierre wrote: »

I don't cycle on the pavement and i don't have a bell. If i come across a pedestrian on the road (usually on rural roads with their back to me) i give them a wide berth and thats it. In most cases though, they usually hear me approaching and move over anyway.

I'm the same (no pavement/ no bell) but there are still plenty of times when I encounter a pedestrian (step out on road, country lane, Greenway I use sometimes).
I always try and make a sound (my pawls are loud firy example) but a lot if the to e people are blissfully unaware anyway (headphones/phone etc).

So wide berth and proceed with caution is the only course of action.
If there is a sudden move/immediate danger (stepping off the kerb for example) then a good roar does the trick.

Brian?

Lux23 wrote: »

It's really weird because in countries where cycling is more commonplace, they always ring their bell but here cyclists won't even do it on a footpath. It is odd, but I feel sort of rude doing it myself as well even though its better than screaming or plowing into someone.

I don't think that's true. I live in the Netherlands and No one rings their bell except to alert for danger or to ask room to pass.

partyguinness

breezy1985 wrote: »

I used to have a run in with the same 2 clowns every week this summer walking on a cycle lane. First week I stopped behind silently until they moved and once I was passed they made a smart remark about a bell, second time I shout from a distance to give them time and I get an ear full that I shouldnt be cycling on the path (cycle lane) 3rd week I use the bell which they ignore.

There's a path and cycle lane on each side of the road and never did these clowns think to reverse their dog walk and walk into traffic rather than back to traffic. But I suppose you will never win with these entitled morons

This does my head in while I am running (cyclsts will have the same problem).

Especially during lockdown, middle aged/elderly couples out strolling 3-4 abreast without even the remotest concern or awarness of other users. Or the ones that just stop and stand there chatting bang in the middle of the path- 5-6 of them and everyone else having to go around them.

I recall a few years back running along what is a designated national cycle path through a small park. A middle aged couple sauntering along side by side. Path at that point is only wide enough for two people. Grand.

So a good bit back I purposively scuffed my shoe on the gravel so they would hear me. Sure enough they did hear me as she glanced back. Did they move? No chance.

So as luck would have it as I veered around them onto the grass there happened to a large water puddle which I gleefully jumped right into splashing water everywhere. The couple would have got a good load of dirty rainwater on the legs of their trousers.

Petty- yes. Worth it- absolutely...:D

breezy1985

Thing about the bell is it's fine for pedestrians who are at a distance but if they fail to move when you ring at a distance you then need both hands on the brakes as you get close.

Same for a pedestrian who steps out in front of you a shout is the only option as both hands are again required on the brakes.

So between lack of compliance until you are right up the pedestrians arse and lack of 3 arms in a crisis they are mostly useless

Seamai

From my pedestrian view point a bell is a no brainer but I get the impression that some may not see them as cool or they are only for kids.
If I'm on a shared walkway I religiously walk on the left though plenty don't even though signs (certainly around Cork) tell people to do so.
If someone shouts at me to move out of the way it's likely to get my back up whereas a bell wont.

breezy1985

partyguinness wrote: »

I recall a few years back running along what is a designated national cycle path through a small park. A middle aged couple sauntering along side by side. Path at that point is only wide enough for two people. Grand.

I assume you mean a shared path.
Please do not run on a cycle path that is no better than walking on them

Seamai

Seamai wrote: »

From my pedestrian view point a bell is a no brainer but I get the impression that some may not see them as cool or they are only for kids...........

Indeed, the racer brigade on their commute to work :rolleyes:

breezy1985

Seamai wrote: »

From my pedestrian view point a bell is a no brainer but I get the impression that some may not see them as cool or they are only for kids.
If I'm on a shared walkway I religiously walk on the left though plenty don't even though signs (certainly around Cork) tell people to do so.
If someone shouts at me to move out of the way it's likely to get my back up whereas a bell wont.

Most people just ignore the bell or react so late you have stopped by then anyway. I would still use it rather than shout but neither seem to have any effect as the shouting just makes people freeze

whisky_galore

breezy1985 wrote: »

Thing about the bell is it's fine for pedestrians who are at a distance but if they fail to move when you ring at a distance you then need both hands on the brakes as you get close.

Same for a pedestrian who steps out in front of you a shout is the only option as both hands are again required on the brakes.

So between lack of compliance until you are right up the pedestrians arse and lack of 3 arms in a crisis they are mostly useless

If you need both hands on brakes in dry conditions to stop you're going far too fast anyway in close quarters to pedestrians. Or your brakes are half shagged.

breezy1985

Augeo wrote: »

Indeed, the racer brigade on their commute to work :rolleyes:

"Racer brigade" :rolleyes:

sasal

I use mine on the shared cycle lanes/foothpaths near me or when people have to walk on the road because there's a vehicle parked on the path.
Sometimes I get a dirty look or ignored but I'd rather I'd use it than not.

partyguinness

breezy1985 wrote: »

I assume you mean a shared path.
Please do not run on a cycle path that is no better than walking on them

It is a shared path through a quiet country (albeit small) park closed to traffic and cars. This is not along a main road. While is part of a national cycle path it is also designated for other users- benches, dog litter bins etc. Strangely in parts you are not allowed to cycle and there are signs to that effect.