SnowJob

I agree, yelling and swearing are the way to go. Failing that, a wet mechanical disk brake makes a dreadful sound that will fill even the most vile motorist with fear.

Notso_fastLane

I tested it once, when there was no one around. A continuous blast at full volume lasted about 40 seconds. Since I never do more than short burst here and there, I find filling it (80 psi) every sunday night when I do my tires works fine for me.

Flying Merkel

Last night walking to the store, a cutie on a beach cruiser came up behind me on the sidewalk and yelled "Onyoleff!" Got my attention. Little further down the road a car pulled out from a driveway. She yelled "NACHOTURN!" Stopped him in his tracks.

jfowler85

Incorrect blanket statement. There are situations wherein it is a huge help to have an attention getter. As an example, in order to make a legal left hand turn to get to my commuting destination every morning, I have to take the sidewalk on the left side of the road (I've already been busted by a cop for hanging a left from the street's center lane, which is apparently illegal in that specific context). I could stay on the right side of the roadway and go down to the next light, but that means going through 2 very busy on/off ramp intersections, on a notoriously dangerous highway. Done it, and it's far more dangerous than taking the sidewalk, because eventually I have to cross over two lanes of high volume traffic. This is not a smart thing to do in a crowded southern CA metropolis. When I take the sidewalk, I have the option of using the signal to my advantage, but that means going against the flow of traffic, and motorists don't look left when zooming out, even when they see the walk signal light up. Even though I have the right-of-way, it would be awesome to get someone's attention with an airhorn. Despite rdtompki's wisdom from above, I notice that most of the drivers in this situation do not have their music blaring so loud that a 100+db horn would not be heard. Some do, and I can hear their music, but most don't.

Ron.Zito

Delta Airzound - just don't use it at another cyclist.

fietsbob

Thinking a suction cup stuck to the window with a 'Thumper' would rattle
a rolled up window, with the car radio on,

now to design a launcher that won't draw small arms fire from a Real Gun,
in response.

The Chemist

I've got an Airzound. Given the nature of Shanghai traffic (chaotic at best) and the length of my commute (24km one way) I use up a full bottle of air on a one-way commute, so I have to fill it up again before I head home. While I wish the reservoir was a little larger, I still can't say enough good things about it - it's made many a motorist take notice of me, which is very difficult to do with Shanghai drivers, most of whom wouldn't even notice a bike if it was right in front of them.

erig007

You shouldn't forget an insurance against lawsuits as it could give people a heart attack

Juggler2

I've found that a vigorous shaking of a good sized rattle will confound and confuse most cagers.

cplager

Or pedestrians.

Except... I was riding in a large ride which was going well for the most part. I was on a path trying to pass a guy riding a bike who was wearing headphones that were loud enough I could name the song to which he was listening . After 30 seconds of talking, then yelling at said individual to move over, a quick toot of my Airzound finally got his attention.

Cheers,
Charles