Using a whistle

[PamNY]

Even though the rider who hit that woman in the other thread wasn't cited, it was still their fault. The rider/driver/even runner overtaking always has the responsibility to avoid whatever is in front of them. Would you want the rule to be any different if you were the one being rear-ended?

Of course it's the cyclist's responsibility to avoid hitting who or whatever is in front of them. I didn't say anything to the contrary, I didn't complain that going slowly is a PITA, and I didn't say a word about other path users behaving responsibly. Those are indeed familiar themes in TE discussions, but not one of them was mentioned by me.

I simply pointed out that going slowly, by itself, is not guaranteed to prevent a collision in very crowded situations. I did not say that collisions are inevitable. In extreme cases, cyclists should dismount, and in all cases they should be aware of ambient noise levels.

Cyclists occasionally use whistles in NYC; I had no way of knowing this would be a radical or provocative topic to introduce. I am a slow and careful cyclist; my interest in a signal that can actually be heard should prove that I am particularly concerned with safety.

[PamNY]

Crashes aren't inevitable, but riding such that they are avoidable is frequently boring and annoying and requires full focus and awareness. IMO that's just something one has to deal with, even if that means the only safe way to get through an area of the path is to ride 2mph or get off and walk.

I usually regard having to bike with full focus and awareness as an advantage -- it probably keeps reflexes and skills sharp. Of course, I ride mostly for recreation and am rarely in a hurry -- if I were commuting, it would be different. I do dismount when warranted (and believe me, I'm usually the only walking cyclist).

It's odd that my original question was interpreted as a complaint. In my mind, it was a question about equipment, not very different from inquiring about saddles or brake pads.

[malkin]

Those airzounds air horns are really shockingly loud. Fun as a novelty, but not really something that will build good feelings toward cyclists.

[owlice]

I'd use an air horn in that situation. When I roadbiked in Manhattan, I had one (actually, I had it before I moved to Manhattan). I'd try voice and bell first, but I would NOT hesitate to use an air horn when biking along a highway.

It's tourist season in DC, and my ride on Thursday had several challenging moments, but the most challenging was having a huge pack of teenagers on the path walking toward me and STILL not making room. They SAW me! There was no keeping to the right for them; they took up the entire path. I use a "teacher voice" when I have to: loud and authoritative and demanding. I don't like to do it, but I'd soooo much rather use it than hit one of these kids. One girl actually ran toward me and then in front of me heading right for me, and I don't know which one of us was more scared! Had I had an air horn, I'd have used it.

Generally, tourists are great about giving way; I usually call out, and if I need to, use my bell. The exception are the busloads of teenagers. An air horn *might* work better with them, but an air cannon might be better yet.

I always thank people as I pass them, and if they have shown themselves to be particularly quick or attentive, I praise them, too.