To think that cyclists should ring the bell when they coming at you from behind?

[DogCalledRudis]

Dont count how many times i've been nearly hit by a silent cyclist...

I love cyclists who ring a bell to warn me they are behind me and always say Thanks For The Warning. I find the sound of the bell cheery rather than imperious (IYSWIM)

But as so many people have said they hate them, I guess there is no way to please everyone.

In an ideal world everyone would merely need to have consideration for everyone else in their vicinity and perhaps then everyone would benefit.

Fat chance, huh.

Cats of course your dog should be able to roam free. But if this is happening on a shared-use path that cyclists are using, you are obliged to keep it under close control.

People seem to see cycling as just a hobby whereas in fact for many it is a method of transport. I commute 14km to work by bike every day, much of which is on a shared-use path with no delineation between pedestrians and cyclists. If I were to stop, slow right down or have a conversation with every pedestrian I see, it would be completely unviable as a means of transportation. So I ring my bell whenever I see anyone and keep a good awareness of specific situations when I need to slow down (e.g., children or poorly controlled dogs around). The alternative is to cycle on a pot-hole-ridden road with several dangerous roundabouts - or to jump in my car and cause pollution and increased traffic as well as reducing my health.

Also, there is far more chance of accident if a fast adult is using a poorly-maintained cycle path full of children and tourists than if they are on the road and slightly delaying a few cars. As has been explained above, cycle paths are not meant for these users!

iismum yes. We have no car. Our bikes are what get us EVERYWHERE. School, the shops, the doctors, the dentist...everywhere.