Originally Posted by
Phantoj
How about:
#1: Don't be a jerk
Put away the whistles and Airzound and accept that the path is for ALL users, including slow walkers and squirrely kids. Look ahead, anticipate risky situations and - gasp - slow down. Make sure you have plenty of room when passing. If you want to go fast, wait until you have a clear section of trail or - heavens - ride on the road.
I agree with the title and very rarely use it on the trails.
That being said, you'll sometimes run into real idiots who suddenly jump into your path with no warning because they're in their own little world wearing ear buds. In these cases, I gladly toot my Air Zound (or Hornit). I don't consider that being a jerk.
(I also have a bell that I use a lot on MUPs just to let people know that I'm coming up behind them.)