Ding, Ding! Bell or No?

I have a brrrrinnng bell. It's chrome and fairly old school. I love my bell! I too will ring it sometimes just for the lovely sound of it and also as a friendly "hello" when I see friends in their yards or driving by in cars and I always get a big smile and wave in return.

When I take my bike into the LBS I have had the person who is wheeling it into the back room give it a few brrrrings just for the heck of it. When I had it on the trainer over the winter and family or friends came over most people will give it a little ring when they hop on it or pass by it. It's just fun and makes a person feel like a kid again (except for those who really dislike bells).

It serves a purpose and I've learned to control whether it makes a big BRRRRRIIIINNNNG or just a little ping. I make a soft sound with it when approaching people from a ways back to give a heads up and a little more as I get near, most people thank me.

I have absolutely never heard or been told that a bell is required by law in the USA, but could that be a state-specific law? I've been riding since the 1980's and only got my first bell (the one with the compass on it - also useful) a few years ago when I started riding a mtb in a park with a lot of pedestrians on MUTs. On the road, I can't imagine using a bell, since it's cars you're dealing with, not peds. If there are peds, they should be walking/running towards you (if they are on the correct side of the road) and thus see you. And I'm out of real estate on my narrow drop bars anyway.

I do have an Air Zound air horn on my Bike Friday for dogs and even for cars, but I rarely have to use it. It is seriously LOUD, so I would only use it in pretty severe conditions and never on a pedestrian. :D

The bell requirement is a New York City law.

Yes, as I have called out "passing on your left" the pedestrian then moves TO their left and then I shout out, "no-your other left!"

Bike Writer - Every time I have my mountain bike serviced I catch at least one of the wrenches having to try out the bell. Either when wheeling it back, wheeling it to me or test riding. I think it provides a little fun for them. When I do big group rides in the summer we start a little chorus for the heck of it. I think they are fun myself. :)

I'm remembering one time my bell made me happy. DH and I were stopped at an intersection on our commuters when a convertible full of kids came around the corner, just having a good time. The driver tapped out the "Shave and a haircut" cadence on his horn ... and I dinged "Two Bits" on my bell. :D It cracked up all six of us!

I put a bell on my bike if I'm going to be riding on a path or trail. Most of my riding is in the Washington DC area on the Washington & Old Dominion trail which gets very busy in nice weather.

Often a bell is the only way to get the attention of someone with headphones on, or (my pet peeve) mothers who insist on walking with strollers 2-and-3-abreast on the trail who don't seem to understand "on your left" even after it is yelled 3 times at them.........

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

I'm remembering one time my bell made me happy. DH and I were stopped at an intersection on our commuters when a convertible full of kids came around the corner, just having a good time. The driver tapped out the "Shave and a haircut" cadence on his horn ... and I dinged "Two Bits" on my bell. :D It cracked up all six of us!

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Oh, that makes me giggle.

Last night I was passed by a guy singing at the top of his lungs -- good strategy for a crowded area, and he had a good voice.

Bike bells are such a lovely tradition. What a happy sound! Makes others want to get on their dusty old bikes. I think of a bike bell as sort of a biking 'ambassador of good will'.

I've always loved this video on 'the power of the bike bell'- cracks me up every time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtv2_-2mHck

I have bells on all of my bikes except my road bike and Specialized Sirrus hybrid. I use the small Incredibell types that are about an inch in diameter. On one of my adult trikes I have a Brass Solo. It's still small, but has a nicer tone to it.

I have a problem with people who do have bells & insist on ringing them 5-6 times when they do want to pass. ONCE is enough :mad:. If you see me move out of your way after one ring, figure it out :mad:

Bells are so annoying.

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Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama

Bike Writer - Every time I have my mountain bike serviced I catch at least one of the wrenches having to try out the bell. Either when wheeling it back, wheeling it to me or test riding. I think it provides a little fun for them. When I do big group rides in the summer we start a little chorus for the heck of it. I think they are fun myself. :)

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I got a big grin out of that Aggie.:D

Oakleaf I loved your story about being stopped at a light, what a precious moment!

For some people bells elicit happy memories and good times, for others...not so much.

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Originally Posted by crazycanuck

I have a problem with people who do have bells & insist on ringing them 5-6 times when they do want to pass. ONCE is enough :mad:. If you see me move out of your way after one ring, figure it out :mad:

Bells are so annoying.

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I do three rings at an intersection but only one if I am coming on someone. This is because I tend to have trouble placing sounds and I prefer more than one ring to orientate myself. To each her own? :o Oh and I don't use my bell in a race, people out there are attentive and know someone might be passing.

I love that video, BleekerStGirl! I wish bells had that effect here.

I really want a dingdong bell now :easilyled: Small Girl would adore it too, she thinks that bells are the best part of a bike after the pedals.

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

- I think the words for "right" and "left" are some of the first words anyone learns in any language, and I think it's safe to assume that even a tourist would understand those words.

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Oak, I live in lower Manhattan and I have a dog. That means I give directions to tourists a lot. Many people know "left" and "right," but certainly not all.

"On your left" is confusing to native speakers sometimes; it certainly might be confusing to visitors. In my case, using the bell is simple courtesy.