Etiquette when over taking in Bike Lane

On the bell issue - I do find it amusing that on the one hand "why don't you have a bell - I can't hear you warning me?!!" but also "no you can't have a horn on your bike - it's too loud!!".

As usual, where common sense should be able to regulate almost all interactions on a bike, arguments for new, more oppressive regulation are rarely put forward with genuine pedestrian/ cyclist safety in mind. Pettiness is usually (not always, tbf) the order of the day. "Where's your bell??" … "Why, would you not have tried to run me off the road if I had politely rung it?"

its exempt

Yes, it should be changed. All reference to a requirement for a bell on a bicycle should be removed from legislation. While they're doing that, they can update the requirements for lights on a bike as well.

Generally be considered by whom?

Maybe you can source where the law says "generally considered"? It's clear what the 1963 intent is

That's my point. It doesn't matter about "generally considered". The law doesn't even say you have to be actively using the bike to race or train. Simply, if it has been constructed or adapted for use as a "racing cycle", it doesn't need a bell

Exactly,

Bike to race or train can literally be any bike.

I've changed the wheels and a few bits and bobs on mine (your average commuter hybrid) to make it just a bit better and not have run of the bill crappy parts. Does that mean that its now modified and I can take off my bell?

That is one of, if not the most open to interpretation laws we have.

I used to have no bell. I used to and still do cough or call out if passing someone.

I found the high frequency of a bell actually cut through better so I added a bell to my commuter bike. Must add one to the folding bike that doesn't have one.

Bells were invented for a reason they work well. These days people have earphones in so can't hear anything.

There are electric horns but they tend to be obnoxious. Subjective opinion.

I'm aware of that. But it wasn't the point I was making. As Cletus says above, the regulations need to be modernised so that the ridiculous requirement for a bell (but definitely not a horn… don't want to be startling people now) is removed and people allowed to exercise common sense on a common sense mode of transport. Lighting regs (again as mentioned by Cletus) could also do with being brought into line with modern standards and regularised.

But my point - again - was simply that the above won't happen because the bleating on about bells has nothing to do with wanting safer cycling, but everything to do with putting cyclists back in their boxes.

Edit: just saw Cram's post - Mods feel free to delete

What ever about the legislation. A lot of cyclists don't obey any of the rules and laws. The best majority often aren't enforced by the cops either. So I reckon the legislation is the least of the issues.

When they tried to up date the legislation with cyclists staying in the cycle lane it was a disaster for cyclists. Then there there's passing legislation. Is that enforced…

I wouldn't be in a rush to push for change unless it serves a purpose.

I'd be fairly confident that updating the laws/ regs around lights on bikes would serve a valuable purpose. Unfortunately the obsession seems to be around builders vests.

Would also agree with your sentiment around the pointlessness of amending laws if they don't serve a purpose (and I'd add, aren't going to be enforced). That's something that should apply across the board generally.

We seem to have an "ah, shur it'll be grand, no need to change things" attitude to progress in this country at every level. We need to be dragged kicking and screaming for meaningful change to be brought about. Of course there are exceptions, but if you look at anything from housing to health, transport, energy, environment, sport, childcare… the pace of change in the face of the obvious is pathetic. I wouldn't mind if say cycling was neglected but public transport was excellent. Or if housing was poor but healthcare gold standard. But it's across the board, a general consensus of "careful now, don't rock the boat".

End of somewhat-cycling-related rant!