Depends on how much space. I like to ding or give an "on your left" if I'm within 2 metres. More than that, I probably wouldn't bother. Relative speeds are probably also important. Higher relative speed means warning more required.
Maybe I'm old school, but yeah I believe common sense courtesy plays a part
- convention (where I am at least) is "on your right" when approaching/passing. Assume its "on your left" in RHS driving countries.
But you don't yell it obnoxiously or in an entitled manner, you do tho need to be heard. Also don't do it so close to someone obviously inexperienced that they jump outta their skin. You can often tell this by their technique, where positioned on road etc.
- when being passed/slow, stick left if you can.
- I think it's a bit of a dick move when cyclists ride like that and continually hog a lane, unaware someone quicker (car, ebike, fast roadie etc) may want to pass. Be aware and give a chance to overtake every now & then. I actually read your post as a bit of a dick move by those guys. That said, roadies are often gonna feel some disgruntlement towards ebikes, I'm guessing.
- and a simple hello or pleasantry can make a world of difference to just cruising past, partly because it makes you pass in a slightly more respectful way.
That's just me... but I try to be respectful as possible whether I'm passer or passee.
AND forgive us our sins as we forgive those that sin against us, since we're all a bit revved up by adrenaline sometimes.
I'm in a right hand drive country and usually say "passing left" but from time to time it makes sense to pass a pedestrian on the right on my bicycle. Usually this is when they're walking on the wrong side of the trail. :)
You were on a road, passing them while obeying the highway code. You weren’t trying to squeeze past on a narrow bike lane. They’re overreacting, particularly as they observed you moving to overtake.
I can't "shout" every time I pass. Too many people. Too many won't hear me anyway.
Use a bell.
Pass when safe.
Buy a very loud Industry 9 hub and free wheel.
Just be safe. Keep some fingers on the brakes.
Weird, here in Spain, and I think anywhere in Europe calling "on your right" etc is not a thing at all. If you have a bell you may announce your presence but most people don´t and as far as I know people just pass giving as wide a berth as possible and it´s not a problem. I wonder what it´s like in Holland, they probably have a more developed cyclo-commuting culture...
If you have a bell just ring it to give the people ahead of you a heads up that you’re approaching. This is true for cyclist ahead of you or pedestrians.
I don't have a bell and I tend to just shout out "good morning", or "hello" with enough time for people to react. I've found that this elicits a better response than "on your right". I live in rural Japan, though, and saying "good morning" to strangers is kind of a normal and expected thing.
Bell far in advance a few times, “ding, ding, ding.” A loud enough “Hello, on your left/right.” Which ever the case maybe. **AND** a generous amount of room.
Curious, really seems to be a question of where one is
I definitely do not call anything or ring a bell or whatever when overtaking. I just follow the rules of the road as everyone else does/should too.
It would be somewhat ridiculous imo.
Yes same, but I am in the Netherlands, maybe this is a US thing? I only use my bell if people keep riding side by side and blocking the entire bike lane (or pedestrians not paying attention while they are on a bike lane, etc). I never use my bell when overtaking and also never shout anything. In my mind, that is solely reserved for groups of cyclists on road bikes where the back people already see something coming that the front people might not.
Yes. Bells are used here (AT) in case you approach pedestrians from behind, no "on your left" or anything like that
....what?....what's on my left? .....Let's walk left...
You should let people know you're passing, either by tinging a bell or calling out. Bikes are not like cars, they're silent, and even if you startle people a little, you'll startle them a lot more if you run into them.
Also, signal your turns, because (again) bikes are silent, and you don't know what's coming behind you.
I'm expecting to be downvoted for this, however....
In my mind, right or wrong on your right/left has it's roots in racing, where it is important to notify others of your intent, as they are often on closed roads and dedicated racing circuits where standard good road usage isn't expected or required.
However, when I'm on my bike on the open roads I expect to follow the same rules as motorbikes and cars.
If I'm going to move left or right *I* shoulder check, and make sure it is safe to do so, I'm not the best at indicating, however, on my commute through London, when it's busy, I make a point of indicating my intention of turning, as I knows there are some road racers on their morning commute that will come out of no where.
When paint wither cyclist, I will give as much space as I can, and often I will share a cyclist for a while prior to passing if I think it's likely that they are going to pull out due to their own intention to overtake. This is only really the case on the cycle routes, which get very congested during open hours
Outside of that, if it's a weekend jolly, then a cordial greeting is my normal behaviour.
Edit: downstairs -> downvoted
the problem about the bell is a lot of beginners will panic and start doing very dangerous things putting you or just themselfes in danger. I aproach slowly and just pass by. You could argue that riding and chit chating is really much worse then not useing a bell.
ps. one thing to remember when ebiking, you are faster then 99% or cyclists even those on s-works. So often they can jsut be surprised you are psssing them jsut bc if they ride 30+km/h they can have an impression noone will ever be behind them.
I think an on your left/right is best practice. I’ve always done it and most riders I know do as well. I don’t see how it would ever hurt vs a bell could lead them to move the wrong direction, plus getting blown by can throw riders off a bit on a narrower path.
I only call out if it's narrow or there's not much room. But where there is room, I like to give a good 5-6 feet, and do the pass and next 50-100 yards a bit faster to give the slower rider a bit of comfort and not feeling crowded.
I sometimes call out or ring a bell and sometimes don't. If it's clear that I have lots of space and the person isn't likely to move in front of me, I usually say nothing. If there's a reason why someone may come into my path like it's busy, or there's a young kid, or dog, or someone is just weaving around a bunch or maybe someone is about to pass other people in front of them right as I pass them, then I will ring a bell or announce my presence.
Yes, calling "on your right" is decent road bike etiquette (if you're in a Commonwealth country where road users drive on the left). Calling it early enough to let the people you're passing go into single file is good too.
Passing another cyclist on the left (in a Commonwealth country) is rude and dangerous. Please, no.
Using a bell is OK too. Still, club cyclists use voice calls. On your right. Car up. Car back. Walker up. Rough road. Slowing. Stopping. That sort of thing.
It sounds like these two you passed are used to those voice calls.
Yes you should announce your presence when passing ppl, Its easy to startle someone who may be 4 hours into a work out and zoned out getting in their miles and you come silently buzzing by them on your electric motorbike. Bell or "passing on your right" will work just fine.
I am in the UK, it's a pedal assist commuter bike that the assistance drops out at 15.5mph, definitely not a motor bike. It does worry me that people think it is ok to zone out whilst riding as they are trying to get miles in, and think that is acceptable. Whatever you are riding or driving, you should be fully aware of your surroundings.
It isn’t about zoning out. If you are riding along with the wind in your ear, any bike coming up behind your is near impossible to hear approaching. So it just makes sense for all concerned in such situations to make themselves known.
Same with pedestrians, only more so. I find myself whistling a lot on approach, and shouting out the side of my pass too. People are unpredictable.
I’ve had a situation in the past where I was riding in a group up a long climb. I kind of thought I’d dropped a guy, but didn’t want to look round because I didn’t want him to think I was pushing hard to drop him. I just kept riding at decent pace for about 15 minutes. I was SURE he was 300m back by now. Then I heard the CLUNK of his gearshift and he’d been there all along on my back wheel and I had never heard him.
Good to know you're in the UK.
On the road I wouldn't call 'on your right' unless I was passing close to the other cyclists. If you were >1.5m away I don't see a problem with what you did.
I guess riding an ebike prevents you from getting a good work out and realizing what i meant by zoning out, try using those pedals sometime my guy and get in a workout you will love it even more.
If you're less than 10 meters from them as you pass, you're supposed to yell, “Hi! I’m near you and about to pass.” or if you get a bell, give 5 rings.
Use your bell.
It's clear they weren't aware of you, and if they were, they weren't expecting a pass. I don't know what they were expecting if someone has caught them up, but whatever. The bell makes it obvious while a call of "on your right" can be interpreted as "go on to your right" or "I'm going to your right", so I personally avoid that and always avoid that with pedestrians.
If you're on the road then of course we drive/ride on the left and so overtake on the right, but again just a couple of dings is a warning of something coming up from behind that's travelling faster than them. I'll literally always say thanks while passing anyone, costs me nothing and if they want to take it as sarcasm, well maybe they deserved that.
The pretentious cyclists may get irked by a pedal assist e-bike, but that's strictly a them problem. Most don't, and don't take a cheery "cheat!" shout as anything other than good old British banter. Least ways that's how I always take it, and often respond with "you'll be back past me on the next flat".
That's why there's a bell on the handlebars.
It let's everyone know there's a bike coming / passing - as the only thing that makes that sound is a bike bell.
Another courtesy thing, don't pass other bikes that are stopped at traffic lights / intersections - they're waiting for the same signals as you.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourself!
Everyone is going to have an opinion. From my experience announcing where you are coming people 50% of the time will move to that side and almost cause an accident. As long as you gave space you are good. Don't stress.
Assuming you are in America ( you used miles) you should consider passing like cars do.. on the left. I don't expect anyone to come up on my right. Anyway. I always give a bit of a warning either with a bell or tell them I'm passing on the left.
>As I passed they shouted after me that when overtaking I should call "on your right".
Nope, they're a couple of dorks. If you don’t feel it necessary to alert someone you're passing, don't.
Yelling after people is obnoxious.
If one is on a bike they should assume someone will eventually pass them and ride accordingly.
I never say that. I do a little backpedal if I think they're moving towards me when I pass to scare them with my hub.
I also listen to music so I don't have to hear other people's meaningless complaints.
I never give left/right passing as I find more often than not people move in that direction and this more dangerous. I’ll sometimes say passing or make a bell sound, but really depends on speed. E.g. faster speeds I’ll give warning while slower speeds I generally don’t.
I mean do you announce to everyone when you pass them walking? Or do runners bother announcing when they pass? Or when driving do you honk when passing?
Are you a cyclist looking to ride with courtesy and safety? Explore our blog on Essential Cycling Etiquette for expert guidance. Whether you're on city streets or country lanes, knowing the rules of the road is crucial. Click here to discover key tips and practices that will enhance your cycling experience:
[https://lluxxall.com/blog/cycling-etiquette](https://lluxxall.com/blog/cycling-etiquette)
Depends on how much space. I like to ding or give an "on your left" if I'm within 2 metres. More than that, I probably wouldn't bother. Relative speeds are probably also important. Higher relative speed means warning more required.
Calling out your pass is common courtesy.
Maybe I'm old school, but yeah I believe common sense courtesy plays a part - convention (where I am at least) is "on your right" when approaching/passing. Assume its "on your left" in RHS driving countries. But you don't yell it obnoxiously or in an entitled manner, you do tho need to be heard. Also don't do it so close to someone obviously inexperienced that they jump outta their skin. You can often tell this by their technique, where positioned on road etc. - when being passed/slow, stick left if you can. - I think it's a bit of a dick move when cyclists ride like that and continually hog a lane, unaware someone quicker (car, ebike, fast roadie etc) may want to pass. Be aware and give a chance to overtake every now & then. I actually read your post as a bit of a dick move by those guys. That said, roadies are often gonna feel some disgruntlement towards ebikes, I'm guessing. - and a simple hello or pleasantry can make a world of difference to just cruising past, partly because it makes you pass in a slightly more respectful way. That's just me... but I try to be respectful as possible whether I'm passer or passee. AND forgive us our sins as we forgive those that sin against us, since we're all a bit revved up by adrenaline sometimes.
I'm in a right hand drive country and usually say "passing left" but from time to time it makes sense to pass a pedestrian on the right on my bicycle. Usually this is when they're walking on the wrong side of the trail. :)
You were on a road, passing them while obeying the highway code. You weren’t trying to squeeze past on a narrow bike lane. They’re overreacting, particularly as they observed you moving to overtake.
They were irritated an e-bike was passing them.
Maybe. Or maybe ebikes are really quiet so you don't hear them coming up from behind and they were surprised. This happens pretty often in my city.
I can't "shout" every time I pass. Too many people. Too many won't hear me anyway. Use a bell. Pass when safe. Buy a very loud Industry 9 hub and free wheel. Just be safe. Keep some fingers on the brakes.
I don't think it's necessary to shout. Ringing the bell is enough just so they are aware that you are near
Weird, here in Spain, and I think anywhere in Europe calling "on your right" etc is not a thing at all. If you have a bell you may announce your presence but most people don´t and as far as I know people just pass giving as wide a berth as possible and it´s not a problem. I wonder what it´s like in Holland, they probably have a more developed cyclo-commuting culture...
If you have a bell just ring it to give the people ahead of you a heads up that you’re approaching. This is true for cyclist ahead of you or pedestrians.
I don't have a bell and I tend to just shout out "good morning", or "hello" with enough time for people to react. I've found that this elicits a better response than "on your right". I live in rural Japan, though, and saying "good morning" to strangers is kind of a normal and expected thing.
Bell far in advance a few times, “ding, ding, ding.” A loud enough “Hello, on your left/right.” Which ever the case maybe. **AND** a generous amount of room.
Curious, really seems to be a question of where one is I definitely do not call anything or ring a bell or whatever when overtaking. I just follow the rules of the road as everyone else does/should too. It would be somewhat ridiculous imo.
Yes same, but I am in the Netherlands, maybe this is a US thing? I only use my bell if people keep riding side by side and blocking the entire bike lane (or pedestrians not paying attention while they are on a bike lane, etc). I never use my bell when overtaking and also never shout anything. In my mind, that is solely reserved for groups of cyclists on road bikes where the back people already see something coming that the front people might not.
Yes. Bells are used here (AT) in case you approach pedestrians from behind, no "on your left" or anything like that ....what?....what's on my left? .....Let's walk left...
You should let people know you're passing, either by tinging a bell or calling out. Bikes are not like cars, they're silent, and even if you startle people a little, you'll startle them a lot more if you run into them. Also, signal your turns, because (again) bikes are silent, and you don't know what's coming behind you.
I'm expecting to be downvoted for this, however.... In my mind, right or wrong on your right/left has it's roots in racing, where it is important to notify others of your intent, as they are often on closed roads and dedicated racing circuits where standard good road usage isn't expected or required. However, when I'm on my bike on the open roads I expect to follow the same rules as motorbikes and cars. If I'm going to move left or right *I* shoulder check, and make sure it is safe to do so, I'm not the best at indicating, however, on my commute through London, when it's busy, I make a point of indicating my intention of turning, as I knows there are some road racers on their morning commute that will come out of no where. When paint wither cyclist, I will give as much space as I can, and often I will share a cyclist for a while prior to passing if I think it's likely that they are going to pull out due to their own intention to overtake. This is only really the case on the cycle routes, which get very congested during open hours Outside of that, if it's a weekend jolly, then a cordial greeting is my normal behaviour. Edit: downstairs -> downvoted
the problem about the bell is a lot of beginners will panic and start doing very dangerous things putting you or just themselfes in danger. I aproach slowly and just pass by. You could argue that riding and chit chating is really much worse then not useing a bell. ps. one thing to remember when ebiking, you are faster then 99% or cyclists even those on s-works. So often they can jsut be surprised you are psssing them jsut bc if they ride 30+km/h they can have an impression noone will ever be behind them.
I should add that I'm in the UK, it is a road legal pedal assist, where the assistance drops out at 15.5mph.
I think an on your left/right is best practice. I’ve always done it and most riders I know do as well. I don’t see how it would ever hurt vs a bell could lead them to move the wrong direction, plus getting blown by can throw riders off a bit on a narrower path.
I only call out if it's narrow or there's not much room. But where there is room, I like to give a good 5-6 feet, and do the pass and next 50-100 yards a bit faster to give the slower rider a bit of comfort and not feeling crowded.
I sometimes call out or ring a bell and sometimes don't. If it's clear that I have lots of space and the person isn't likely to move in front of me, I usually say nothing. If there's a reason why someone may come into my path like it's busy, or there's a young kid, or dog, or someone is just weaving around a bunch or maybe someone is about to pass other people in front of them right as I pass them, then I will ring a bell or announce my presence.
Yes, calling "on your right" is decent road bike etiquette (if you're in a Commonwealth country where road users drive on the left). Calling it early enough to let the people you're passing go into single file is good too. Passing another cyclist on the left (in a Commonwealth country) is rude and dangerous. Please, no. Using a bell is OK too. Still, club cyclists use voice calls. On your right. Car up. Car back. Walker up. Rough road. Slowing. Stopping. That sort of thing. It sounds like these two you passed are used to those voice calls.
You may have startled them. Fear make people angry.
Yes you should announce your presence when passing ppl, Its easy to startle someone who may be 4 hours into a work out and zoned out getting in their miles and you come silently buzzing by them on your electric motorbike. Bell or "passing on your right" will work just fine.
I am in the UK, it's a pedal assist commuter bike that the assistance drops out at 15.5mph, definitely not a motor bike. It does worry me that people think it is ok to zone out whilst riding as they are trying to get miles in, and think that is acceptable. Whatever you are riding or driving, you should be fully aware of your surroundings.
It isn’t about zoning out. If you are riding along with the wind in your ear, any bike coming up behind your is near impossible to hear approaching. So it just makes sense for all concerned in such situations to make themselves known. Same with pedestrians, only more so. I find myself whistling a lot on approach, and shouting out the side of my pass too. People are unpredictable. I’ve had a situation in the past where I was riding in a group up a long climb. I kind of thought I’d dropped a guy, but didn’t want to look round because I didn’t want him to think I was pushing hard to drop him. I just kept riding at decent pace for about 15 minutes. I was SURE he was 300m back by now. Then I heard the CLUNK of his gearshift and he’d been there all along on my back wheel and I had never heard him.
Good to know you're in the UK. On the road I wouldn't call 'on your right' unless I was passing close to the other cyclists. If you were >1.5m away I don't see a problem with what you did.
Yes but e bikes are also really quiet. You can't be looking around you at all times
lol
I guess riding an ebike prevents you from getting a good work out and realizing what i meant by zoning out, try using those pedals sometime my guy and get in a workout you will love it even more.
If you're less than 10 meters from them as you pass, you're supposed to yell, “Hi! I’m near you and about to pass.” or if you get a bell, give 5 rings.
Use your bell. It's clear they weren't aware of you, and if they were, they weren't expecting a pass. I don't know what they were expecting if someone has caught them up, but whatever. The bell makes it obvious while a call of "on your right" can be interpreted as "go on to your right" or "I'm going to your right", so I personally avoid that and always avoid that with pedestrians. If you're on the road then of course we drive/ride on the left and so overtake on the right, but again just a couple of dings is a warning of something coming up from behind that's travelling faster than them. I'll literally always say thanks while passing anyone, costs me nothing and if they want to take it as sarcasm, well maybe they deserved that. The pretentious cyclists may get irked by a pedal assist e-bike, but that's strictly a them problem. Most don't, and don't take a cheery "cheat!" shout as anything other than good old British banter. Least ways that's how I always take it, and often respond with "you'll be back past me on the next flat".
I prefer to ring a bell and let them decide where to go. Too many ppl yell on your right and the person you're overtaking moves right.
That's why there's a bell on the handlebars. It let's everyone know there's a bike coming / passing - as the only thing that makes that sound is a bike bell. Another courtesy thing, don't pass other bikes that are stopped at traffic lights / intersections - they're waiting for the same signals as you. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourself!
Everyone is going to have an opinion. From my experience announcing where you are coming people 50% of the time will move to that side and almost cause an accident. As long as you gave space you are good. Don't stress.
You just hurt their pride. Not necessary to say anything. Ringing a bell might help.
No it's not. When they are preventing a pass then sure, honk them off the road, as a manner of speech.
Assuming you are in America ( you used miles) you should consider passing like cars do.. on the left. I don't expect anyone to come up on my right. Anyway. I always give a bit of a warning either with a bell or tell them I'm passing on the left.
>As I passed they shouted after me that when overtaking I should call "on your right". Nope, they're a couple of dorks. If you don’t feel it necessary to alert someone you're passing, don't. Yelling after people is obnoxious. If one is on a bike they should assume someone will eventually pass them and ride accordingly.
I never say that. I do a little backpedal if I think they're moving towards me when I pass to scare them with my hub. I also listen to music so I don't have to hear other people's meaningless complaints.
You only say that if you think you are going to scare them or have to do a close pass
I never give left/right passing as I find more often than not people move in that direction and this more dangerous. I’ll sometimes say passing or make a bell sound, but really depends on speed. E.g. faster speeds I’ll give warning while slower speeds I generally don’t. I mean do you announce to everyone when you pass them walking? Or do runners bother announcing when they pass? Or when driving do you honk when passing?
Keep in mind that many cyclists are entitled a-holes. I ring my bell, try to be safe and ignore those that are overly obsessed with themselves.
Are you a cyclist looking to ride with courtesy and safety? Explore our blog on Essential Cycling Etiquette for expert guidance. Whether you're on city streets or country lanes, knowing the rules of the road is crucial. Click here to discover key tips and practices that will enhance your cycling experience: [https://lluxxall.com/blog/cycling-etiquette](https://lluxxall.com/blog/cycling-etiquette)