Comments on: Isabelle (necessary on a bicycle?)

By: Criggie

Criggie — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 23:26:37 +0000

True – the base situation is about the same, but minor changes have occurred.

Cars have become even more sound-tight, the roads have improved slowly but surely. Headphones have grown in popularity and powerful ebiles allow Pedestrians-on-wheels to womble around at speeds they couldn’t hope to achieve on leg-power alone bringing disrepute to good-cyclists everywhere.

By: Michael Simek

Michael Simek — Tue, 24 May 2022 01:55:13 +0000

In reply to Michael Simek. Ha, didn't notice it is 2016 article :)

By: Michael Simek

Michael Simek — Tue, 24 May 2022 01:54:39 +0000

I am not a fan of bells since to me they communicate certain urgency in a similar way a slight toot by car on a road (even the friendliest ones) does the same. If there is no safe room to pass, I match the speed and if there is no obvious room to pass in foreseeable future I will communicate my intentions politely, pretty much the same way I do when I run, but I give people more room and slow down more on a bike than while running.

By: Anthlis

Anthlis — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 21:26:43 +0000

Clearly cycling bells are making a bit of a comeback. This is the latest urban cycling chic to hit Kickstarter that raised a phenomenal $1m AUD. The shiny titanium model does look appealing 😉
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/-oi/oi-the-bike-bell-that-doesnt-look-like-a-bike-bell

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 03:14:29 +0000

As someone who just likes being out on a bike, I’m not sure making bells compulsory is the best answer. Yes, of course on my town bike – I have a bell, and it seems to be appreciated. But if I’m cruising home across the park on a racing bike at the end of a long ride, would I be expected to carry a bell? If I continue to call out politely would that work just as well? Perhaps it’s less the specific mechanism and more that we respect other users of the shared pathways.

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 03:22:26 +0000

They are common place in Europe and obligatory in UK. Most pedestrians seem to appreciate their being used. There are many shared pedestrian/ cycle paths in Europe and it makes everything so much easier when they are used. In NZ many cyclists seem to abhor bells. We should make bike helmets voluntary ( only Oz and NZ require by law they should be worn) and bells compulsory.

By: LennyBoy

LennyBoy — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 04:14:20 +0000

In reply to Bridget B. Perhaps I should clarify: if I was say a hearing-impaired path user (i.e impairment not obvious to other users) I would be walking a fairly consistent line, keeping to one side and not making any sudden crossings. It would be nice if all users took this approach, but at least those with full hearing should be able to get advance warning via a bell.

By: Bridget B

Bridget B — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 02:20:16 +0000

“Hope that they are mostly good at keeping themselves clear” ?? Really? How about “give way to the slower user” as per NZTA recommendations..

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/cyclist-code/about-cycling/cyclist-responsibilities/#shared-paths

Obviously we ultimately aim for separate paths for waking and cycling, but until then I’m fearful that momentum for cycling will render shared paths a feared zone for the most vulnerable people on foot, with guide dogs, hearing challenges, and in wheelchairs.

By: Marty

Marty — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 22:12:56 +0000

The number of times I encounter walkers etc on shared pathways walking right down the middle with their earbuds on full blast is incredible. I always call out “passing” as I approach anyone on the pathway, but I literally have to yell at theses clowns multiple times before they wake from their own little world and act all surprised and indignant that a cyclist wants to pass them.

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 22:01:48 +0000

A bell just works, when people hear a bell ringing they think “bike, move over”, sometimes anyway. I have had a bell malfunction and have been using the “Hello, pardon me” kind of warning and people stop for a second and then just scatter in all directions. It definitely does not work as well, plus the bells high pitch seems to be more audible by the headphone folks. That’s it, I’m ordering another bell right now!