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Old 08-30-11 | 08:37 AM
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mulveyr
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From: In the wilds of NY

Bikes: Specialized Diverge, Box Dog Pelican, 1991 Cannondale tandem

Originally Posted by Phil_gretz
Please help my wife and me understand each other's opinion on this. Is it better to pass a cyclist or pedestrian with a single "ding" of your bell, or to verbalize "passing" or "on your left"?

She believes that words are less upsetting and more effective. She finds the bell offensive. Okay.

I'm partial to the "ding", because I think that it's distinct from the rest of the surrounding sounds. I think that both work fine, but the voice fails me. Especially if I'm working hard or am parched. The result from suddenly trying to speak is, well, underwhelming unless I yell.

Again, there's no animosity between us on this, just a difference of opinion.

What say you?

Phil

I say you should follow the convention in your area. On the major MUP around here, pretty much everyone says "On your left!", and people know what to do. In other places, bells seem more common.

Personally, I don't see what would be "offensive" about a bell. As long as someone isn't just ringing it to be obnoxious, what's wrong with it?
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