Using a whistle

[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.