[Closed] People who want to spoil your day, I don’t get it!

I usually reply “you didn’t hear me shouting excuse me from 30m away so you wouldn’t hear a £&:£;&? bell would you”

I've had this before as I do the same as you, a polite hello or morning, rather than an entitled ding on the bell and going past stupidly quick. This is all on about 2 miles of canal tow path at the end of my commute. In over 5 year of commuting I've had one guy moan at me. Saying that I need a bell and it's illegal etc. Anyway just said "ding ding" and told him to have a nice day. He was more annoyed at me for not getting a reaction!

Sadly I went straight to defcon 10 and gave them an absolute round of *****

Sounds like you spoiled your own day to be honest.

I have had exactly this. Virtually carbon copy. I don't have a bell, but do the same. A nice loud 'excuse me' of 'morning/afternoon' and I always take it steady aproaching people. 99% of people are fine. I sonetimes have a ride down route 6 when the trails are soaked and I just fancy a run out. Its always the same. Its always a group of pensioners.

Last time I did the same as you. They're all stood there chatting with their dogs all off the leads, taking up the whole (very wide) trail. They can see me approaching

'Excuse me'
Look at me. Nobody moves
'Excuse me' - on the brakes now
Look at me. Nobody moves
'Excuse me' - now stopped in front of them
Look at me. Nobody moves, then 'wheres your bell? In my day bikes always had a bell

Cue a volley of expletives from me, which I then felt a bit shitty about, but then didn't because what it displays is not just being cantankerous but selfishness and an absolutely ridiculous sense of entitlement!

On a related note, its always those same bitter, miserable old giffers who watch their dogs curl out a huge log in the middle of the trail and would never dream of picking it up in a bag and binning it, despite there being dogshit bins the lenghth of the trail

Why not use a bell? I( ride a lot on shared use paths like you describe abd using a bell smooths the way greatly. The way is to ping it when 50 m or more away. Its puts you in the right, it keeps most folk happy and avoids confrontation and has no downside

FFS guys - I know it seems daft to us but just use a bell!

Some people just can't help themselves. I just expect the worst from people in situations like that so when people do come up with a smart Alec comment I'm not bothered by it and just ignore them or retort with a sarcastic quip. Life is too short to get annoyed over minor things like this. If anyone can't hear my Hope hub coming up behind them from 20 feet away, then they haven't got a chance hearing a little bell.

just don’t get why people would want to spoil their walk and my ride

Ask them. Why do they want to wind you up, so you shout at them and wind them up? might make them actually think about not being dickheads next time.

I have a bell. I also have a toddler in a WeeRide, so he rings the bell. You wouldn't believe the number of people that look like they want to fight him for daring to ring it!

Wobbliscot / others - its what the noises signify. A bell they think "bike" anything else confuses them

I get thanked for using the bell regularly.

Why not use one?

I haven’t got a bell

There's your problem, then.

Sadly I went straight to defcon 10 and gave them an absolute round of *****.

Congratulations on reinforcing the negative stereotypes of cyclists.

I used to think like this but as TJ says why not use a bell?

Since fitting a bell it makes life so much easier, you can bing it from miles away and folk hear you and gladly move out the way. Before I used to say "morning" or whatever and sometimes people would get a fright others annoyed and some would be fine. Since using a bell all the aggro has gone and life is easier and better. The only reason to not fit one is because they aint cool!

P.s, only got it on my Gravel bike as that's the only one that sees regular use on shared paths, no way my MTB is getting one!

I’d have ridden past them, then stopped 10 feet in front and raked in my pocket to check fb.
I know that would make me just as bad as them, but hey ho, it’s the little things that get you through the day eh

EDIT: a bell is probably easier though.

I find people jump out if the way when I use a bell, they are considerably slower when I voice my approach.

A bell is a friendly non-confrontational way of alerting walkers but unfortunately older walkers sometimes can't hear bells.

As Defcon 1 is the most severe I'm assuming that Defcon 10 is a cheery wave and "have a nice day"?

Pedantry aside, I always go for a "excuse me" rather than a bell as well

I had this once in the Lakes. My reply was 'I think good morning is more polite'
but if I was regularly using busy paths I'd get a bell (or an air horn)

Hope hubs do the trick for me, not out as much as most on here but dont think ive ever had a problem.

It's a no win situation, some people expect a bell some people jump out of their skins on hearing one. I use a bell, starting some distance back and repeating as I get closer. But the oddest folk are those walking towards you. You can ride straight towards them, slowly, they stare at you and some how don't understand the link between "see bike" and "move to one side".

I have cool bell that has a compass on top. Just sayin.

unfortunately older walkers sometimes can’t hear bells.

Not can they identify where a sound is coming from as easily as younger people can. Lower toned bells work better, as does "behind you on you're right/left (depending which side you intend to pass).

Can we not move past this constant us/them stuff and start appreciating that maybe people are not trying to be a$$holes all the time. Ascribing more generous explanations as to why people do what they do is a great way to not let them ruin your day.

Calling out is perfectly reasonable.

Plenty of the "why don't you have a bell" brigade on here and the paths it seems!

I’ve had: “Thank you for ringing your bell. Quite a lot of people don’t” Followed by someone else literally 200 yards later : “Ting Ting yerself pal”. You can’t win. If someone wants to take offence, they will find a way.

I have a timber bell - seems to get a less grumpy reaction from ramblers.

Still grumpy sods though, I guess it's got something to do with them having to walk everywhere.

gives them time to sort themselves out and I don’t lose much momentum

Or, perhaps, consider slowing down when coming across other path users rather than assume they will immediately move out of your way just because you shouted 'morning' at them and you have assumed a priority of right of way?

Trouble is Al it doesn't work as well and upsets dafties. so why not use a bell?

I find people jump out if the way when I use a bell, they are considerably slower when I voice my approach.

YOu need to ring the bell from further back.

This is one of the common complaints about cyclists that they don't have bells. There is no downside to having one so why not?

Anyway just said “ding ding”

I don't think that they've set out on their walk with the intention of spoiling anyone's day. Going all 'defcon 10' at them has certainly ruined yours though and with absolutely no benefit except to those who appreciate the reinforcement of the lycra hoodlum alluded to elsewhere here today.

Perhaps you should just shout 'STRAAAAAAAAAVVVVAAAAAA' at the top of your voice all the way down the track? That way everyone will instantly jump out of your way as they won't want to spoil your ride. 😉

I ride an NCN to work and I use a bell.

I deliberately picked a nice small one that makes a single polite high-pitched ping. I ping it from a reasonable distance and then usually stop pedalling to get the hub clicking as well. I also cover the brakes and slow down as required. As I pass I give a nice cheery "Morning" plus a "Thanks" if they've brought a dog under control or had to move out the way.

This polite approach rarely gets me anything beyond a tut and often results in thanks.

My ride is enjoyable. My day unspoiled.

Basically, it's nice to be nice.

Why do some of you insist on not having a bell?

+1 on the Timber bell, it's great. Although i do have to wiggle the bike around sometimes of the path is not bumpy enough.

Sadly I went straight to defcon 10 and gave them an absolute round of *****.

I have a bell and the groups of pensioners with dogs are the only people to ignore it. They may be deaf.

russl - I also don't have a bell because, frankly, it seems a bit rude to ring a bell in a "get out of my way" sense (and there is zero intonation in a mechanical sound). But here is a translation of what happened to you today:

I chose not to use the accepted standard equipment [for potentially valid reasons]. All going well until I come across 3 other shared path users who were entitled to be there. I shout morning, they stop, turn around to look at me surprised by my stealth-like presence and had the audacity not to move out of the way of the faster path user. I went straight to defcon 10 and gave them an absolute round of *****. I just don’t get why other people would are on my path.

You are effectively the cycling equivalent of the car driver who expects cyclists to get out his way.

I’ve had this before as I do the same as you, a polite hello or morning, rather than an entitled ding on the bell and going past stupidly quick.

I was cycling through a car park a while back and like you I feel a bell is a bit "ding ding, get outta my way" so I just do the coughing, back-pedalling, slowing to a track-stand thing. On this occasion I got the, "oh, he doesn't have a bell .... oh, he does" because I do, but don't like to use it (see above). Hey ho. I've tried the US-style "coming through on your right" but with the oldsters that just induces rabbit/headlight syndrome. I think all this stuff only ruins your day if it was on its last legs already.

Why do some of you insist on not having a bell?

Because some people (both cyclists & pedestrians ) interpret a bell as being aggressive & entitled. A voice is seen as being polite and engaging in personal contact. I don’t personally see it that way, but it seems a pretty common attitude

Poly - I know its daft and ringing a bell seems rude to us but it really does smooth the way. so why not?

I used to have a timber bell but found the reactions were very mixed and I get on much better with a friendly “morning”. Johndoh did you not read the bit where I said I was going for a bimble? I’m not riding anywhere fast on this route, it’s a shared use path, I’m happy to share and don’t expect people to jump out of my way but then I don’t expect to be blocked from going on my way either.

You cant win. I've had hassle with and without bell ringing at people, some hear it, some dont know what the noise is, some think its rude, some people are hard of hearing, some (thankfully a minority) are just twits.

Agree with TJ on this one. Just get a bell. And for those that say 'dont need a bell, i just call out'...well i can do that too so i have that as a second option if the bell doesn't do the job.

It’s a no win situation, some people expect a bell some people jump out of their skins on hearing one.

This. Or the third reaction which is to either completely ignore it or start looking up in the sky trying to work out where the dinging is coming from. Granted, some folk might not have great hearing, but low flying cyclists aren't all that common are they?

the (scottish) canal code of conduct suggests either use a bell or shout ahead, but also bikes give way to pedestrians.

Why do some of you insist on not having a bell?

I do use a bell but some people still insist on blocking the way/shared pedstrian cycle routes, and then either pretend they didn't hear it or feign deafness, especially the older ones. Some people just like to stand in the way of cyclists, it must do something for them inside, like give them a little tingle of excitement.

have bell, use bell - "ooooh, that really scared me"

don't have bell, say hello, hiya, good morning, excuse me - "where's your bell?"

on a shared path yesterday i had an old couple deliberately walk towards me and then brush past, i was right on the edge of the path going 1mph, there was plenty of room to pass

i have got used to the fact that i'll encounter at least one person on a ride that wants to be miserable and confrontational just so they can chunter about something for the rest of the day to a chorus of "oooh, i know"s and tutting over tea and custard creams

Trouble is Al it doesn’t work as well and upsets dafties. so why not use a bell?

In your experience...others, including mine, are different.

You are effectively the cycling equivalent of the car driver who expects cyclists to get out his way.

Not even remotely similar.

Cynic al - have you ever used a bell on the shared use paths?

You are wasted here Cougar.
Edit where did your joke go? It was one of your best

Congratulations on reinforcing the negative stereotypes of cyclists.

Does the OP win the No-bell Prize?

You are wasted here Cougar

Not least for the ninja editing. Sorry!

Asks bikes to give pedestrians priority, ting-ting your bell or a friendly voice and say thank you. Always cycle slow enough that you can stop if necessary.

I prefer to have a bell on NCN and shared routes. However I have several bikes and tried various bells, and I'm yet to find one that works consistently well. And while I'm in the bell camp, I've still had the same experience as the OP, after politely slowing down to walking pace and saying excuse me... It's just completely unnecessary. Makes no difference to them whether you ring a bell or not. The main advantage is to you.

I ride a lot on narrow roads and tracks with no separation between pedestrians and cyclists.

I used to shout a warning but that wasn't always received well. Joe Public sees that as being aggressive.

I bought a Hornet handlebar buzzer/alarm. The loudest on the market. That was roundly ignored because folk always assumed that I was a car so I would stop in plenty of time. (The worst of the lot are joggers with earphones in.)

So I went back to a bell. It works. Very few ignore it. It seems the public is just wedded to the conception that bikes have to have bells and they simply don't register any other noise.

Get a bell. They cost buttons and save an awful lot of aggro. May not be "kul" but who gives a xxx?

In my experience I've always found the more traditional 'dring, dring' type bell (sorry, no idea what they're actually called) is far more effective than a ping bell when there are lots of people about, and in most cases the elderly seem to react better and even smile when they hear them.

I think it's sounds less aggressive that a single hurried ping to some people.

I don't get how a bell is entitled or aggressive. Honestly can't remember the last time someone objected to a polite ding, (sure it probably has happened, because people...) but it's very rare.

Just bear in mind that coffin dodgers loose their high frequencies hearing first, so may not actually hear a high pitched bell very well at all, The smaller they are the worse the effect, (generally).

edit - reading back,

...feign deafness, especially the older ones.

Genuinely might not have heard you.

I have a small cow bell souvenir thing I bought on holiday in the Alps. It's permanently dinging so less aggressive. Or that's my idea, anyway !!

Poly – I know its daft and ringing a bell seems rude to us but it really does smooth the way. so why not?

My experience (c. 12 yrs living on an NCN) is that a bell is no more effective than a polite hello, is just as likely to startle or cause panic. Not all bell users are rude, but some certainly treat it as a "get out of my way" and I prefer to use my soft tones to make it clear that I am in no great rush.

I have a bell on all my bikes, but it makes little difference if they're wearing Beats by Dr Dre or such like. I just use a rolled up Sunday Times on the back of aforementioned head.

Maybe chilling out and researching DEFCON levels would restore your day.

Why do some of you insist on not having a bell?

It's simple... it upsets some people. A much higher percentage of people than simply saying hello or good morning. In my experience.

And judging by the posters above, I'm not alone in this.

Fit an airhorn for next time? If all else fails at least you can self moderate the tirade 🙂

Poly – I know its daft and ringing a bell seems rude to us but it really does smooth the way. so why not?

Why no helmet or a no kicking dogs policy? Madness I say, madness!

I don’t have a bell, mainly because I only have the one bike. I’m never in a rush though and will simply slow to a stop if needed. Always give way and I’m always polite. Only ever had two “Where’s your bell” incidents. Both from miserable looking bastards. In both instances I politely informed them I’d shoved my bell right up the arse of the last person who asked.

Fit an airhorn for next time? If all else fails at least you can self moderate the tirade 🙂

In all honesty, I've considered one of those squeezy-bulb horns as a secondary alarm. There seems to be a small subset of people who seemingly wilfully ignore bells.

I don’t have a bell, mainly because I only have the one bike.

I'm not sure as I follow that logic...?

OP has outed himself as a bell. End.

I don’t have a bell, mainly because I only have the one bike.

I’m not sure as I follow that logic…?

Didn’t ask you to 😉

Mountain bike, mainly used for thrashing about on. The less crap on the bars that might stick in me or bash me, the better. Not going to lose sleep over the chance somebody, somewhere might cry as a result. Don’t have reflectors either. I’m basically a monster.

I’d have a bell if I had another bike (which I used to) that was for pootling, commuting etc.

It’s permanently dinging so less aggressive.

My pedal clicks a tiny bit and I hate it. A constantly tinging bell would drive me absolutely potty.

No bell here either, I've thought about it as I use the Taff trail a lot (389 times according to Strava). But I've only had one or two grumps. Smiling and being polite works wonders, couldn't care less about who's right or wrong just that I enjoy my ride and de-stress.

I always use a bell, then say a thank you after if/when they move over.

The other day an elderly couple wandering down a wide trail, I ring bell, she steps aside, he shouts where's your bell, I stop, she says, I heard the bell, he says, next time try ringing a bell, she says, she (me) has a bell. Ha ha ha, cyclists can't win.
However ranting off at walkers is a no no in my book.

The less crap on the bars that might stick in me or bash me, the better.

Fair enough.

I have a tiny bell on my MTB bars, the likelihood of it 'sticking in me' is pretty low but if that were a concern I'd maybe just twist it upside-down under the bar when not in use.

I have a tiny bell on my MTB bars, the likelihood of it ‘sticking in me’ is pretty low

That’s cos you is a bimbler!

Or just don’t fit one maybe?

*no puppies or old people walking were harmed by my decision not to have a bell

have bell, use bell – “ooooh, that really scared me”

don’t have bell, say hello, hiya, good morning, excuse me – “where’s your bell?”

Or, ding bell, ped jumps in hedge.

My mtb doesnt have a bell anymore but I only really ride it on shared paths with my boy who is 8 and uses his bell. Its amazing how many turn and look like they are about to rant and then see an 8 year old!

My commute generally isn't a problem unless I do a Friday afternoon extension through the local country park. Have so far dealt with that by the friendly hello option. Generally riding either fixed or Alfine hub which makes things a bit worse as both are annoyingly silent

For MTB in busy bits of Lake District I've found Timber bell or Hope freewheel seem to be the most effective at gently announcing your presence from a decent distance away.

Worst commute problem for Mrs is oblivious people with headphones on - never feel guilty about making them jump 🙂

In all honesty, I’ve considered one of those squeezy-bulb horns as a secondary alarm.

That’s cos you is a bimbler!

This is true, at any rate.

Perhaps it depends on the type of path that is being shared. I had a bell on my bike whilst riding bridleways on the Malverns a few years ago but gave up using it as I got more abuse and negative behaviour with a 'ding' than a simple polite "good morning/afternoon". Local walkers seem to regard a bell as aggressive.
I do very occasionally get the 'where is your bell" comments and I simply explain the above, politely.but to be honest I find the vast majority of encounters to be positive and amicable

Sometimes though you can never win. I had a bell and rang it as i approached a reclined three wheeled bike. Path is a canal path and about 1.5 mtr wide. As the recline bike was mostly on the right and the left was the better line choice i also shouted 'on your left mate'. To which he replied by moving to the left and shouting 'You're only meant to pass on the right'. Thought about a sarky reply but was in too good a mood.

New one on me but just shows you cant please all the people all the time!

Why do some of you insist on not having a bell?

Because some people (both cyclists & pedestrians ) interpret a bell as being aggressive & entitled. A voice is seen as being polite and engaging in personal contact. I don’t personally see it that way, but it seems a pretty common attitude

+1

I used to have a timber bell but found the reactions were very mixed and I get on much better with a friendly “morning”.

+1

You cant win. I’ve had hassle with and without bell ringing at people, some hear it, some dont know what the noise is, some think its rude

+1

have bell, use bell – “ooooh, that really scared me”

+1

It’s simple… it upsets some people. A much higher percentage of people than simply saying hello or good morning. In my experience.

+1

I had a bell on my bike whilst riding bridleways on the Malverns a few years ago but gave up using it as I got more abuse and negative behaviour with a ‘ding’ than a simple polite “good morning/afternoon”. Local walkers seem to regard a bell as aggressive.

+1

Reflects pretty much my experience when cycling in and out of Edinburgh. It was about 50:50 on whinging about ringing a bell or whinging about not ringing a bell.

I’m thinking of fitting a Bluetooth speaker to my bike  and an app that plays leopard sounds.

If reason won’t get them moving then the primal fear of an apex predator might.

Or the sound of a runaway train.

I've had exactly the same but off road on a bridleway. I just gave a big smile and said 'or I could just be polite and say hello and have a nice day instead!'

It's so annoying that people want to bring you down but don't let them. They will come out feeling a bit shit about themselves if you are nothing but nice and no I'm not putting a bell on my bike. I've got a lovely tidy cockpit with only 2 clamps and it would unbalance it.