You ever notice how pedestrians seem to think a bell means "get out of the way!" and will move left on a pathway even when you're just giving a courtesy ring to let them know you're trying to pass them? Instead, simply make sure they know you're there by giving off an air of dominance.
by Vandorbelt
11 Comments
Skyrim battle music would be perfect for this
I play Neil Young. People know you are approaching and no one seems pissed. Keep on biking in the free world
I know the [perfect song ](https://youtu.be/tw429JGL5zo?si=MjehePmtHJgVM537) for this
I just ring my bell much farther back, like 20 feet, than i used to. Most people can tell I’m far away so it removes the sense of “urgently do something” and they usually slightly move over. It also means if they do jump someway unexpectedly I have plenty of time to slow down.
Those obnoxious hubs work too.
I like your style.
I always go with the classic, “ON YOUR LEFT” at +90dbs
Do any of you try using your voice? I just give a “PASSING ON YOUR LEFT” about 20′ back and usually have good luck
When I was in university I had a looped track of the [bicycle music](https://youtu.be/nxU2UjAjN24?si=TEJa2CAkNL2NzXXe) from Pokémon Red/Blue that I’d play while I was riding around.
I suppose if I wanted something really obnoxious though, an edited bit of Queen’s [Bicycle Race](https://youtu.be/xt0V0_1MS0Q?si=oFCLBW4W-7_RiH5j) could work. Like maybe just the parts where it goes “bicycle, Bicycle, BICYCLE” because the increased intensity with each one kind of represents how I feel when I try to let a pedestrian know I’m there and they still don’t hear me/let me pass.
Always be in the passing position before you ring your bell. This way there’s no confusion between “I’m meant to keep right” and “but this cyclist ringing their bell is also on the right”.
Just use your voice
“biker left”
“biker right”
I think as well a lot of cyclists don’t realise that bells are simply not audible for most elderly humans. So yelling or music are likely to bring better awareness.
I have a patient in her 70s who started taking her daily walks with a little “Deaf” sign pinned to the back of her jacket and she noted so many more cyclists spoke to her and gave better notice which made her feel a lot safer!