Bell? Or Voice?

[teigyr]

This was mentioned briefly in a previous thread.

When passing, do you prefer a bell or voice? And why?

I am very mixed on it. I used to be offended by bells thinking it was horrible and dismissive to not use ones voice. I also understand, however, that people sometimes don't understand "on your left" and sometimes bells can be heard better over street noise. Though (told you I was mixed!) I've seen people who ding bells while approaching, also. This gets confusing because if you've got a cyclist coming toward you and you hear a "ding", is it coming from in front or from behind? It is difficult to hear exactly where the sound is coming from.

I don't have a bell. I generally say something but what I say depends on the person I'm passing. If it's an unsteady roller-blader or a child, I'll generally say "I'm behind you and passing". I'll also slow down.

What do you do and how does it work for you?

[mimitabby]

I want a bell and don't have one. I have a poor voice and it's a pain sometimes
to yell and yell and not be heard. If you have a bell, at least you have a choice!
Next bike will have a bell.

[Pax]

I use my bell from a further distance and my voice as I get closer. As I pass the pedestrian I always say "thank you"...seems to work quite nicely.

[salsabike]

We have good bells on all our bikes and use them consistently. If I think the person may not have caught on to the bell sound, I will also use my voice. If it's not a cyclist, I'll say, "I'm passing on your left" or "Bike coming up behind you on your left" or something like that. I feel pretty strongly about giving path users good warning. Although the cyclist we passed Sunday who was fiddling with his damn Ipod seriously pissed me off when he got startled, after we'd rung our bell. Jerk.

[LadyinWhite]

Being that I'm consistently slow, I get passed ALLLLLL the time. By far, MOST of the time the rider says "good morning" or "on your left" right as his/her shoulder comes even with mine. Close enough to startle me. I'd much rather have a little more warning.

So - today, I came up on a roadie and passed him. When I was several feet still behind him but gaining, I called out - "Just letting you know I'm back here!" He looked back, smiled, raised a hand in acknowledgement.

And - before you get excited thinking Who hoo, she's got it going on, she passed someone for the first time! Didn't quite go that way, as soon as I passed him, he started drafting off me! He stayed right on my wheel w/out a word for about 3 miles then HE passed ME like I was standing still -

No obvious effort on his part either. But - when HE passed me, he didn't say anything until he was totally passed me then called back "How far are you going?"

Bell or voice? I dunno - find whatever works for you, just give SOME warning, whatever you decide.

[teigyr]

I like MimiT's idea of having a bell so there is always the option to do one or the other. I used to be so against it but am starting to see the value of it.

I had the best guy ever behind me last week! He was riding behind me and I kept waiting for him to pass. We were coming into a curved area and then a semi-sharp turn onto a bridge before going onto a road. I kept looking back and he was still there...he finally said "don't worry, I am not going to pass until we get on the road". I let him know that I corner very slowly sometimes and he said not to worry, he'd leave plenty of room and he corners slowly also.

When we got to the road, he passed me very strongly (corners slowly my backside!) and said hi and asked how I was doing.

I have to say I loved the communication. If someone's behind me too long I wonder because I try to stay as far over as possible but I'd rather not have to worry about it Having someone state their intentions was incredibly nice.

[KnottedYet]

I do what Queen does: Bell when I'm a good distance back. Holler "One bicycle, going to pass on your left!" as I get closer. Holler "One bicycle passing on your left!" as I overtake them. Holler "Thank you" when I'm past.

It's a lot of hollering, but I've had pedestrians shout "thank you" and "how wonderful! Thanks!" And I know that I appreciate that kind of consideration when I'm walking or being passed while riding.

[Popoki_Nui]

Wennie (but loud!) little bells on three of my bikes. On my Gitane and Falcon, I carry the same kind of bell on a lanyard. It makes the bikes look less cluttered , and I can throw it and bean people not paying attention on the back of the head. Just kidding. Not.
Bells really do get *most* peoples' attention, in my experience calling out/yelling is less effective. I just don't have that powerful a voice, and I'm usually puffing too hard anyway. Besides, the bell makes a really neat sound as it bounces off the backs of their heads. Just kidding. Not.