Ding, Ding! Bell or No?

[Bike Writer]

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.

[emily_in_nc]

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.

[PamNY]

The bell requirement is a New York City law.

[Velocivixen]

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!"

[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.

[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. It cracked up all six of us!

[meganm]

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.........

[PamNY]

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. It cracked up all six of us!

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 Writer]

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 got a big grin out of that Aggie.

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.