Some "older lady" yesterday yelled at me for using my bell when I passed her. As I was passing her, I rang my bell about 100 feet back, and then again as I was just to pass. Her husband moved over after the first ring, but she "stood her ground" and yelled "Say 'on your left!'" as I passed her. I couldn't believe it, so I kept going. [I was on a wide MUP, very few people, and going rather slowly even though there wasn't a speed limit.]

After riding some distance and then back-tracking, I saw the couple again, so I stopped them and asked them why she would have been upset that I used a bell rather than yelled "on your left." She said, "Oh, I heard your bell, but saying 'on your left' is the RIGHT thing do to."

I then explained the state law to her: that an "audible signal" is required while passing on MUPs and that a bell is preferred over "on your left." She said, "I don't care what the law says, you are SUPPOSED to say 'on your left.'"

So, I went on about how several states, unfortunately not our state, require bells on all bikes and bells must be used while passing. I then told her that bells are becoming more commonplace and she had better start getting used to hearing them.

Anyway, we ended up talking for almost 20 minutes about various bike issues, and although she was THE snottiest person I had ever met, I remained pleasant the entire time and used it as a chance to educate someone.

She kept trying to talk politics with me, though, as she made it clear she was a far-right Rebuplican and she assumed I was some liberal extremist bike freak who was just out to harrass her.

So, anyway, I couldn't believe that I not only was following the law, but following the preference within the law, and I got yelled at. I told her that in 1000's of miles, she was the first and only person to yell at me, and she did get pretty embarrassed.

(She was yelling at EVERYONE on the trail, not just me. I had over heard other cyclists talking about her during my ride, also, so I knew not to take it personally.)

Thanks for letting me share!

I wouldn't have even stopped to chat...

misinformed old folk. oh well. a lot of them think we shouldn't be out riding bikes on the roads either.

Smile and wave. Smile and wave.

Smile and wave. Smile and wave.

And just remember: she'll be dead soon. ;)

I would have yelled "get the **** out of my way". People like that are just looking for a reason to be upset and I'm happy to give them one. :D

I can see how she would see it as being harassed or nagged, but her reaction was pretty extreme. I would have kept on riding.

Anyway, we ended up talking for almost 20 minutes about various bike issues, and although she was THE snottiest person I had ever met
I think the only person you did a favor for was her husband: The 20min relief of not being the object of her snottiness.

(I only say this as the way the story was told after the husband 'stepped aside' there was no futher mention of him.)

Al

Mup

I wouldn't have even stopped to chat...

Yup...and give her another couple rings when you pass by.

:D I would have ringed my bell again too.

I usually get thanked for ringing my bell. Sounds like you got a nutter.

Anyway, we ended up talking for almost 20 minutes about various bike issues

Whoa... way to get her back with the filibuster technique. If I have time, I'll try it one day.

MUP should have posted rules and one of them is probably that she should stay on the right side of the trail. Since it is a wide trail it shouldn't matter if you use a bell or voice or whatever..if she was waddling where she should have been she wouldn't have to move. . She should have thanked you

I thought you did a nice job with the "old hen". Much better than I would have. I guess I would have rode off but I may have started ringing my bell like a maniac just to get her more uptight than she already was. She outta stay off the MUP; sounds like it isn't helping her attitude much.

Geesshhhh. I wonder what she would have made of a cyclist using the old Air Zounds at full volume. HONNKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Aegis cruiser passing to port!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Possible signs of dementia (especially the part about being a right-wing Republican).

This thread's the best reading I've seen today. Very funny stuff folks! Wish I could add something. This lady is gettin raked over the coals.

As Nelson suggests, I do own an Air Zound though. Possibly the most obnoxious thing I've ever possessed. There used to be a show, from Japan I think, where people would randomly scare the **** out of people. The reactions were often hysterical.

Simple pleasures for simple minds I guess.

A bell is virtually useless in NYC, although cops from time to time go on ticket blitz looking for bell-less bikes. I don't get how the old lady was so worked-up, though, despite my opinion on bells. You got her attention and caused no harm. BFD, right?

Our local MUP even mentions a bell in the rules...


* Stay to the right. Give others plenty of room to pass on your left.
* Make sure people know when you are about to pass by calling out “on your left”or
ringing a bicycle bell. This is particularly important when approaching a group of
people or when traveling at fast speeds.
* Especially watch out for small children. Slow down, give them plenty of room and
expect the unexpected.
* When stopping, let people behind you know and pull completely off the trail.
* Don’t block the trail at road crossings. Move out of the way so others can safely check
for traffic and maneuver between the barrier posts
* Always wear recommended safety gear (for biking: helmets; for inline skating:
helmets, knee and elbow pads, light gloves, wrist guards

Pere Marquette rail trail Midland MI

Massachusetts law also says that an audible signal must be given by cyclists, before passing pedestrians on a MUP. Whistles and Sirens are prohibited. (Who on earth used a siren, or tried to??) On occasion, I have tried whistling old TV sitcom themes when approaching. The Addams Family theme is easy to carry. It works, unless the peds are listening to their music players.

I always love that "I don't care what the law says" argument. A Boston talk radio host used that one, on one of his annual tirades against cyclists. "I don't care what the law says, you don't belong on the road. You don't. That's it!" was what he said. I was actually tempted to call and say "I don't care what the law says, you have no right to use the public airwaves to broadcast your trash", and use his own logic on him. I decided that such an action would be a waste of time. People should be very careful about how they use that. I could easily be used against them.

I would have asked her to simply tell me, by chapter and section, where exactly it says that saying "on your left" is the "right" thing to do.

It's funny how this entrenched misinformation gets started, isn't it?

(Who on earth used a siren, or tried to??)
Back in the 60's they used to sell bicycle sirens driven by the tire, like a bottle dynamo light. They sounded remarkably similar to the now-vintage police and fire sirens of the time, hence the banning.

A few weeks ago I was on a bike path when some fellow comes charging up the wrong side of the path directly toward me. As our closing speed was in the neighborhood of 35 MPH I had a "moment" before I was sure I could get out of the way. As we passed within a couple of inches of one another (and to the right of each other) I yelled "What the hell are you doing?!?" and he then instructed me to perform a physically impossible sexual act on myself.

I thought about turning around to follow up, as I looked to outweigh him by 50 pounds or so, but then came to my senses.

Moral of my story and of the opening poster's? Some people are idiots. 'Nuff said.

he then instructed me to perform a physically impossible sexual act on myself.
Now you know the secret purpose of yoga.

Back in the 60's they used to sell bicycle sirens driven by the tire, like a bottle dynamo light. They sounded remarkably similar to the now-vintage police and fire sirens of the time, hence the banning.

I don't remember the item, but I might later. (get grey hairs, lose grey cells. That is apparently how this works. )

I do remember a battery powered horn, that looked like a little chrome torpedo. Quite shrill, it was. Not too useful as a warning device, but good to wake up the entire house, Calvin and Hobbes style. :D

Back in the 60's they used to sell bicycle sirens driven by the tire, like a bottle dynamo light. They sounded remarkably similar to the now-vintage police and fire sirens of the time, hence the banning.
Like this?
http://miami.craigslist.org/clt/339761330.html

Like this?
http://miami.craigslist.org/clt/339761330.html
exactly!

I don't see why anyone would complain about bell-ringing, although I guess to some extent it doesn't let the pedestrian know which side the cyclist is on.

I guess to some extent, pedestrians on "paths" (as opposed to regular roads and streets) might regard cyclists much the same way as cyclists on the road regard car drivers.

The usual advice given to pedestrians when walking on the side of a road is that it is better to be walking on the left side, where you are facing oncoming traffic, and are therefore able to better see what is coming (and move farther off to the side when appropriate). The same thing might apply to walking on a mixed-use path, although people on paths seem to gravitate to the "stay on the right" approach.

I think it reasonable to expect cyclists on mixed-use paths to more or less view themselves as the "cars" of the path, with a need to be alert to the safety of pedestrians. (That said, there is also a need for pedestrians to be responsible, much as cyclists need to be responsible on regular roads. Such as, not blocking the way of the faster vehicle unless absolutely necessary.)

You should've busted her hip. :o

I was cycling in the park, and I usually stick to the roads rather than the MUPs because of all the pedestrians and leisure cyclists. However, there is this one path I have to take to make it onto another road. Well, I was about to encounter some old ladies so I rode off the path and onto the grass well in advance (benefits of a mountain bike). One of them said, "Thank you for getting off our path." but it wasn't even in a greatful tone. She said it in a way that suggested she had something against all cyclists.

Now you know the secret purpose of yoga.

It's not that hard...

Moving on, I would have done one or two of three things.

1. Ignore her and keep riding.
2. Yell out "Eat some!"
3. Circle them for a while ringing my bell incessantly.

I think those are 3 logical choices. Usually #1 for me!

3. Circle them for a while ringing my bell incessantly.



Ok, that would be very funny. Take a video camera.

Az

I would have yelled "get the **** out of my way". People like that are just looking for a reason to be upset and I'm happy to give them one. :D
you, i like.

Some "older lady" yesterday yelled at me for using my bell when I passed her. As I was passing her, I rang my bell about 100 feet back, and then again as I was just to pass. Her husband moved over after the first ring, but she "stood her ground" and yelled "Say 'on your left!'" as I passed her. I couldn't believe it, so I kept going. [I was on a wide MUP, very few people, and going rather slowly even though there wasn't a speed limit.]

After riding some distance and then back-tracking, I saw the couple again, so I stopped them and asked them why she would have been upset that I used a bell rather than yelled "on your left." She said, "Oh, I heard your bell, but saying 'on your left' is the RIGHT thing do to."

I then explained the state law to her: that an "audible signal" is required while passing on MUPs and that a bell is preferred over "on your left." She said, "I don't care what the law says, you are SUPPOSED to say 'on your left.'"

So, I went on about how several states, unfortunately not our state, require bells on all bikes and bells must be used while passing. I then told her that bells are becoming more commonplace and she had better start getting used to hearing them.

Anyway, we ended up talking for almost 20 minutes about various bike issues, and although she was THE snottiest person I had ever met, I remained pleasant the entire time and used it as a chance to educate someone.

She kept trying to talk politics with me, though, as she made it clear she was a far-right Rebuplican and she assumed I was some liberal extremist bike freak who was just out to harrass her.

So, anyway, I couldn't believe that I not only was following the law, but following the preference within the law, and I got yelled at. I told her that in 1000's of miles, she was the first and only person to yell at me, and she did get pretty embarrassed.

(She was yelling at EVERYONE on the trail, not just me. I had over heard other cyclists talking about her during my ride, also, so I knew not to take it personally.)

Thanks for letting me share!

What a monumental waste of 20 minutes

I believe "Bike Bells" are illegal in the state of Arkansas. I can't find the link, and I could be totally wrong about this.

However, I believe I read about it in a local newspaper here a few years ago. If they are illegal, the law is not enforced. A bike bell came standard on my trek 7100 hybrid, and I purchased it in Arkansas. If the bells are illegal. I don't see how any bike manufacturer could sale a new bike with one already installed.

I think the only person you did a favor for was her husband: The 20min relief of not being the object of her snottiness.

(I only say this as the way the story was told after the husband 'stepped aside' there was no futher mention of him.)

Al

:lol:

-G

I would have lied and said that I was a conservative republican as well. I would have then scolded her for giving conservative republicans a bad name, and told her to stop being such a cranky old *****.

although she was THE snottiest person I had ever met, I remained pleasant the entire time and used it as a chance to educate someone.

That is great technique, it either educates them or leaves them bitter, angry and embarrassed. Either way you win.

Pleasantness is a great way to make friends or to spite people.

An air-horn might be a nice alternative.
;-)


Of course in Japan people are much more polite. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtv2_-2mHck)

... I then explained the state law to her: that an "audible signal" is required while passing on MUPs ...
how about a playing card in the spokes?


... liberal extremist bike freak ...
oooo, i like this phrase, will have to use it somewhere. edit: it's too long for 'custom user title' but fits in 'occupation'.

Judging from what I see of people's reactions, most people are a lot less startled when I'm riding my bike that has a bell than when I'm on the one where I have to yell "ON YOUR LEFT!" at them. And when I'm walking on an MUP, I feel the same way.

It's also interesting that a poll in my area showed a preference for crushed limestone as a MUP surface as opposed to asphalt partly due to being able to easily hear approaching bikes (unless they're plugged into an iPod!).

So when I'm on the bike path and I hear "On your left" I think "Someone is about to pass me, and is courteously informing me of his intent", especially if it's a reasonably pleasant tone of voice and not a barked order.

When I hear a bell, OTOH, especially if it's some wild-eyed "DINGDINGDINGDINGDING!" kind of deal, I think to myself "Well THAT'S pretty impersonal, isn't it? Can't even be bothered to speak to me."

IOW, a polite voice is a request. A bell is an order. And the fellow who thinks it's appropriate to assault folks with a long series of insistent rings ("Make way! Important cyclist coming through!") deserves to get his bell shoved up his nose.

IMHO, of course. :)

You two are two peas in a pod...both trying to prove their point reguardless of who is right. 'On your left' is far more meaningful to an older person hoping not to get buzzed by a bike than a directionless 'ding'. Just because something is law doesn't mean it's right. I feel there are more poor laws than good ones.

You two are two peas in a pod...both trying to prove their point reguardless of who is right. 'On your left' is far more meaningful to an older person hoping not to get buzzed by a bike than a directionless 'ding'.

Not in my experience. Especially for senior citizens, "on your left" is much more likely to startle them, if they hear it at all.

As for the "directionless" ding - that's just not true. High pitched sounds are easier to locate spatially than lower pitched sounds. The higher pitch of a bell is also easier to hear for many older folks who have lost lower frequency hearing.

And a bell is instantly identifiable as an overtaking bicycle, while "on your left" is not.

When I hear a bell, OTOH, especially if it's some wild-eyed "DINGDINGDINGDINGDING!" kind of deal, I think to myself "Well THAT'S pretty impersonal, isn't it? Can't even be bothered to speak to me."

You must be trigger happy with that bell, my friend!

I do two easy-paced rings when I'm about 5 seconds* from overtaking them, two more when I'm about to overtake them. If they had no response at the 5 second mark, I ring slowly until they do respond.

But then again...I drink decaf.

*Time estimations on Eddie's bell ringing habits are very vague estimations. As his style of riding is organic and dynamic, the frequency of bell ringing isn't set by numbers and measurements, but by feel and intuition.

Why does ringing a bell or yelling "on your left" have to be a "personal experience?" How can ringing a bell be personal or impersonal and why does it even matter? I would rather ring a bell than speak to anyone; maybe I am just not friendly enough. I get the impression that it is a generational thing, but that doesn't mean that everyone has to do it just because that is what the old folks grew up with. My bell ringing isn't an order for anything--it's just to let people know that I exist.

I prefer bells because they are easier to hear, they cut through headphones, they don't startle people (if used appropriately), kids don't move into the direction that someone yells, and bells are almost exclusively associated with bikes.

To make up for the old lady I ran into, a few days ago I was on a 43 mile trip on a rather busy MUP and I rang my bell more than ever; I received so many "thank you's" and thumbs up that I couldn't could them all. :) One other guy had a bell and he rang back and giggled like a kid.

Why does ringing a bell or yelling "on your left" have to be a "personal experience?" How can ringing a bell be personal or impersonal and why does it even matter? I would rather ring a bell than speak to anyone; maybe I am just not friendly enough.
Try it the next time you're in line at the bank and the person in front of you doesn't see the open teller right away. Instead of saying "Excuse me, your turn", just start ringing your bell. :lol:

I can't imagine a more pleasant and nonthreatening sound than a bicycle bell. It makes me think of ice cream wagons, service bells on hotel desks, "order up" calls from short order cooks to waitresses...

Try it the next time you're in line at the bank and the person in front of you doesn't see the open teller right away. Instead of saying "Excuse me, your turn", just start ringing your bell. :lol:

Wow...that's just plain stupid (and a ridiculous analogy).

For 100 years, bike bells have been a standard way of warning pedestrians of an approaching bike. They're universally recognized for what they are, they're reasonably "friendly" (when used properly), and...they just work.

BTW - do you yell out your window at other drivers "I'm turning left now!", instead of using those "impersonal" turn signals? :rolleyes:

That's the kind of post that has earned A&S the reputation of being populated by a bunch of dickheads.

Take a step back, a deep breath, and try to remember that we're talking about bicycle bells and not abortion, war, or who your sister is sleeping with, eh?

That's the kind of post that has earned A&S the reputation of being populated by a bunch of dickheads.

Take a step back, a deep breath, and try to remember that we're talking about bicycle bells and not abortion, war, or who your sister is sleeping with, eh?

Whatever...but if you insist on using inane analogies, you will get called on it.

If you can't stand the heat...

Whatever...but if you insist on using inane analogies, you will get called on it.

Ooh... "You have been warned." LMAO!

If you can't stand the heat...
...don't talk about bicycle bells? :lol:

Lighten up, Francis.