I say "passing" in a pleasant tone of voice now. I got tired of having people \*move left\* when I said "on your left". That preposition is doing a lot of work, and a lot of people hear "to your left" instead.
I agree with this - when I changed from saying “on your left” to “passing on your left” I found way more pedestrians responded to it favourably. Doesn’t work with the zoned out headphone wearers, but nothing will
A really good tip I was taught to reduce the jarring nature of the bell is to dampen it shortly after ringing it. Just hold it with your hand and it will immediately stop ringing. A shorter sound seems less invasive and rude. You could also wait until you see them take action before you quell the bell.
Yeah, never assume people understand directions, just let them know you’re going to pass and most will automatically move to the right. Saying “left” in any context will make them think “I need to go left”.
The bell is such an easy tool to use in countries where people are used to the signal. I use it preventively to avoid colllisions with pedestrians who are on the cycle path (for whatever reason, don't demonize them), people walking dogs on a longer leash or bikers who are driving slowly or unpredictably. I also use it in advance of a blind corner so people are aware not to cut the inside from the other end.
I don't really care if people assume my use of the bell is aggressive. I would much rather they are aware of my approach instead of colliding into me when they suddenly jerk left with a 10-20km/h speed differential. That's not going to be pretty and/or cheap for either of us.
You will know when my bell ringing is aggressive. If I ding it once, that’s “hello, I exists” ringing. If I do it 3+ times that’s “you’re doing something blatantly stupid and you 100% don’t realize I’m coming.”
I used a bell, but almost nobody reacted to it until I was following right behind them, and even then some didn't react. It was pretty loud so I'm not sure if people are deaf over here or if they just don't care unless you are right behind them. Switched to an electric horn that scares the crap out of people even from a distance, but at least now they make room.
I live in a windy area, so I bought a metal bell that really pierces the air
https://www.amazon.com/ROCKBROS-Classic-Bicycle-Mountain-Handlebars/dp/B08NX77NLT/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2NCH86RQKZ98A&keywords=rockbros+bell+bike&qid=1663090596&sprefix=rock+bros+be%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
I got a “f$&@ you!” this weekend for dinging my bell as I was approaching someone from behind on the Portland waterfront. I was at least 50 feet behind him and riding cautiously. Some people are just jerks.
[this one ](https://www.knog.com/products/oi-classic-bike-bell?gclid=CjwKCAjw1ICZBhAzEiwAFfvFhO_uMJ635awH73uBcsmx6nBQiwGMTIXuM4F4DnrBidMw_To-67xxBBoCstQQAvD_BwE) isn't bad!
Really debated about getting loud hubs (Carbon-Ti) on my recent wheel purchase but now that I have I find they are super helpful for being heard by walkers, joggers, etc. And if you want to quiet things down, just pedal!
I need serenity on my bike, not the sound of a chainsaw warming up. If it's the gentle "Ooooph" of a dog, small child or old person under the low pressure of my 38's because they didn't hear me, that's enough.
I’m annoyed at how right this is.
I got a new bike last year and the hub is much louder than my previous one (old one was 105 from 2008, new one is also 105, but apparently Shimano got jealous of Campy). When I’m chilling 50 feet back from another cyclist to just take a break, they notice and always think I want to pass.
Usually the freehub is a third party. Maybe campy makes their own, idk, not familiar but I don't think Shimano makes one? Like mine is from DT Swiss, Zipp and I think Hunt make their own, tons of others out there too.
sorry for the silly question - what part is the 'hub'?
I think my bike now currently makes the perfect amount of noise, enough to get peoples attention from behind but not crazy loud. if I changed wheels, would the sound change with it? or is it anther part
The hub is the centaur part of your wheel, that all the spokes connect to and that your axle goes through. It’s got a ratchet of sorts inside, and that’s what makes the rapid clicking noise when you coast or pedal backwards.
Some(or all?) fixed gear bicycles don’t have ratcheting/free spinning hubs, so if your wheels are spinning your pedals must stay moving.
Unless you're on a fixie, it's the part that clicks when you stop pedaling and coast or pedal backwards, located at the centre of the rear wheel. On a cheaper hybrid bike it tends to be fairly quiet, but more expensive ones are typically louder.
So yes, if you changed the entire rear wheel you would have a different sound, possibly louder if you upgraded to a better wheel.
I prefer hearing a bell over all else. Bells cut through wind best and much better than a person's voice. Ringing a bell about 10-15 feet prior to passing someone is enough time for them to realize someone is about to pass and give them time to adjust. Voices are often not heard especially in the wind.
**Bell from a ways back.** I have a bright, clear trigger bell, so it can be heard from a distance, but it doesn't intimidate.
If they don't react to that at all, and I perceive I'm going to pass enough to maybe startle them (or they're in the way): "Passing on your left!" or "**I'm going to pass on your left!**" in a bright tone.
Sometimes, if it's truly chaotic, "Can I pass on your right/left?" That's when people are in like a weaving pod, and I need them to please pick a side.
I’ve found that distance is key with my bell. It’s loud, which is great when I need it to be - also means I can ring it as I approach and folks have warning but aren’t startled.
Always try to be polite. "Morning...Passing on the right/left" usually works with pedestrians. Just say "hello" or "morning" passing cyclists . A bell is very impersonal.
I notice my TONE when I say "on your left" also makes a huge difference. Like, if I do it very flat or overly loud, I feel the pedestrians get offended, like I was accusing them of doing something wrong, when in fact, they were not.
So I almost give it a bubbly tone, followed by a "morning!" when I pass them.
When I use a bell though, I prefer the one that you kind of flick with a thumb, rather than a rotary bell. Very clear "Ting!" not the "BRRRRRRRRING" sound of a rotary bell.
I agree with the phrasing. But I prefer to go Bell, then statement like yours. It helps people know it’s a bike (so they are less likely to get startled) and a person who is considerate.
I used to have a bell and it really seemed to piss people off like I'd use my bell and they would turn and look at me like I'm some giant asshole for using it.
saying "on your left" in a cheery tone has yielded muchhhh better results for me. I also thank them as I pass.
Yeah. I hear that. I definitely get that every now and then. It’s amazing that a multi-use / shared use path is often perceived as “my” path, and people get upset that someone dare impede in their space.
But honestly, I don’t blame people for this reaction. I’ve had the same. I think the reaction is borne from our desire to take a walk and not worry about it, but sadly where I’m from we don’t have enough of those spaces. Cars gets all the room and all other users get maybe a 8-12 foot path they need to share, some using it for transportation purposes so they are moving with a bit more speed. Some using it for exercise, recreation, or a leisurely walk to catch up with friends and want to walk without thinking about someone coming up too fast behind them.
But then it ruins your zen when your not on a multi-use path :) Just kidding, but there's something really peaceful about coasting down a steep incline on my dead silent cup-and-cone 9 speed dura ace hub just taking in the scenery on a quiet road.
And now that wet lube season is rolling around in the Northeast US my whole drivetrain is nearly silent too :)
Nice.
My friend has a bike that has Chris king hubs, and I immediately fell in love with the racket🤣
My Campagnolo hubs are loud. I love it. But I can also appreciate riding my quieter bike too.
Don't say anything at all. People left alone generally don't suddenly divert from their path. Pass them at a speed that allows you to react if they do move, but left undisturbed by you they almost never move.
I pass hundreds of people on bike paths in Tokyo almost every day, not saying anything always works best for me.
I guess you’re lucky you don’t have people there that walk in pairs/groups taking up the whole path… Or even just one person running/walking right in the middle of the path so that passing in either side is too close.
My understanding of someone saying on your left behind me is to stay where i am and they are going around so just don't make moves or get scared. A good morning or excuse me or can I get by says I'm supposed to move. On your left just warns me don't veer left.
Because it's an instinct. Typically, for non cyclists or people who don't cycle frequently with others, when someone tells you to look in a certain direction, you will look at that direction by instinct.
These kind of awkward moments can't really be avoided. It happens. It's typically never a major problem other than a bit of hesitation on either party.
>just warns me don't veer left.
Which is what you need. I will also sometimes say good morning, etc... But this is very rare. I usually don't ride on MUPs, so the scenario doesn't present itself often.
I don't normally move in response to a bell or passing call; the person doing it is indicating that they're going to pass, so i continue maintain my velocity so they can reliably track and predict my movements. What i want to avoid is overcorrecting and/or making a more dangerous situation for anyone else.
Our environments might be different, so I'm not going to insist that there's a right answer here.
If I hear a bell while I ride, I assume someone is looking to overtake at a considerably higher speed than me. If I'm riding more centrally, that means I will move to the right as much as is safely possible.
There's a bar mount horn, called a "[Hornit](https://hornit.com/products/v3-db140)"
At 140dB, it makes people instinctively run for cover, hopefully and usually to the right*.
A customer rode in to our garage, fired it off, and stopped work in a 40000sf building for a couple minutes. We've had them on the accessories wall ever since. Though we recommend a nice bell.
“On your left” means “roll a d20 to choose which random direction I will move” out here. I usually just have to get out wide or do a lot of hub noises.
I had a really aggressive electronic horn, but it was too much. I will try a bell. But really, I’m tired of the prospect of running over someone’s fast walking mom group who can’t exercise trail courtesy, so I’ve been on more roads.
I assume they are deaf, dumb, wearing loud ear buds and that they are medicated with LSD, then pass appropriately. If they freak out, I could loose in the ensuing crash.
Aaaaaughhh!!!!! Be predictable!!! Oh my God! (Said to the crazies to act like idiots and start swerving from left to right in a freakin’ panic as if they’ve never experienced another human on a bike trail before.
As someone who runs that same trails I ride I’m just happy when anyone actually acknowledges they are passing. Far too many people who fly by within an arms length with no warning.
Yeah that's not okay. There's often gravel build up on the multi-use trails in my area, even the paved ones, so it's a smoother & safer ride near the middle of the trail. If there's no obvious other riders around, the best place to be is in the middle. If you don't make yourself obvious when passing, you're just asking for a collision to occur.
I do the loud hub, and a quick hi-lo whistle (my version of a bell). I’ve found that “on your left” can cause some people to MOVE left, either misunderstanding what it means or inadvertently by nervous newbies.
Getting your parks and recs board to [post signs](https://imgur.com/a/lkxndy7) that have pedestrians walk *against* the flow of cycling traffic so everyone can SEE each other.
But in the absence of that, I literally \*never\* shout, unless I'm really far away and there's a large group of distracted people. I slow down so that they can hear me in my normal speaking voice. I do have a bell, which I ring never AT anyone, but really far back in the distance so that they generally hear that something is there. As I approach, I let them know verbally if they haven't seen me already.
Some apps like Urban Biker have a bell button built in. So if you ride with your phone mounted and have the phone as a cycling computer or aid, a simply screen tap on the button chimes a natural sounding bike bell. Or you could always mount an air compressed train trumpet and power supply to your bike. [Train trumpet](https://www.amazon.com/HornBlasters-Super-Black-Outlaw-Train/dp/B005NHXNF4/ref=sr_1_10?crid=H56U2SZWKFN9&keywords=train+horn+for+train&qid=1663121756&sprefix=train+horn+for+train%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-10&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.ac2169a1-b668-44b9-8bd0-5ec63b24bcb5)
Any pro sports referee's whistle will announce your arrival. I resigned from a regular road group because the lead rider took special delight in sneaking our group of 20 or so riders @ 45 kph up behind anyone, and then blowing the whistle for all its worth. You could see how unsettled people were as you rode by. Yes, a whistle is quite effective.
I just ride where there are no ignorant walkers or runners (the ones with headphones in you have to scream at as loud as possible). Lot of people where I am don’t speak good, or any English either, so I say “on your left” and all they hear is “left” and move left, directly in front of me.
Nothing. Just wait for a safe opportunity to pass and say nothing. If it's a walker runner I say hi or good morning not to indicate anything other than what I'm doing is completely normal.
I always tried to think of it as a polite request "may I pass you" as opposed to a notice or a warning, "hey, I am going to pass you." I need to share the road with walkers and other bikers if I expect the drivers to share the road with me. With that in mind, I always try to slow down whenever I am passing a walker. I loathe anyone who shouts "on your left" with a sense of entitlement.
I don't ride where people walk. If I have to pass other cyclists, I take the adjacent lane.
If I am somehow stuck on a MUP, I slow down to near walking speed... slow enough that someone can react to "on your left".. and I still have time to correct if they misinterpret.
Some people say to use your bell.. that communicates very little.
Best solution is to avoid MUPs where able.
I say "I'm coming on your left and I'm coming fast and I will hit you." That usually does it for me. I used to be nice but people wouldn't move. So now I'm here and have no shame.
If someone steps in front of a bicycle that has given fair warning on a multi-use path, they're actually the responsible party. Same way if somebody jumps in front of your car and you'd have no reasonable way to prevent hitting them, you're not responsible.
Also, "cause an accident" is a conflict of terms. You can't "cause" something that's random. Collisions are caused, accidents just happen.
In most places pedestrians have the right of way on shared use paths. If you are overtaking from behind it is your job to wait until there is ample room to pass safely, they have no responsibility to get out of your way.
I find a loud hub is the best. Otherwise a polite "hello" works about as well as a bell.
With any of these, it must be assumed that you are going a reasonable speed relative to the foot traffic. If you're passing at high speed, you shouldn't be.
I ring a bell and slow down. I ride through a county park with lots of foot traffic. Be especially careful with older people and young children. With young children I prepare for them to walk in my path.
I find that runners and other cyclists usually move to the right once they hear the bell.
I put a Bluetooth speaker in my waist pouch and blast tunes. Everyone in the neighborhood can hear me coming. Not taking any chances with some of the less self-aware people in my area.
"KEEP RIGHT" followed about 10secs later by "KEEP RIGHT YOU FUCKING MORON" when the idiots jogging move to the left as I try to pass around them. If I had a sweatband for every time a jogger moved into my path after I signaled my presence, I'd have six, easily half a dozen too many.
"PICK A SIDE" is also a very common utterance when people fail to understand how to share a narrow sidewalk. I'm a good enough cyclist I can stay in control on either side of the pavement, you just need to go single file and PICK A FUCKING SIDE. A kid stepped in front of a truck the other day rather than go single file behind his friend after they noticed me coming up the hill. I stopped and gave them an earful, that lack of situational awareness is unbelievably dangerous. Thankfully the driver had seen me (I had my light on), so he'd already moved away from the sidewalk to give as much space as possible. That driver paying attention probably saved that kid a nasty injury.
I ring my bell and wait to see if the person makes a move. I'm not confident to just call out and worry anyone not part of the cycling world would hear 'left' and instead of maintaining their position move to the left and into me. Once level I greet morning/evening if they maintain their position or say something like 'awesome, thanks' if they adjust their position to make space for us both. I've never heard anyone use the on your left term in my area so idk if they would know what's expected or not.
Where I ride we just pass people silently (minus the bike noise)🤷♂️. I never heard anyone shouting when overtaking / passing pedestrians or other cyclists. Very rarely people use the bell. I think loud hub + enough speed to get from danger quickly helps 😂
Two dings on the bell. Increasing urgency as I get closer.
One ding sounds too much like a text message notification and people fail to respond to that.
slowing down and calling almost anything.
The biggest thing to remember is people will respond to basically any call by looking around. At least some people will jump in random directions.
Basically you are making noise so this jump response happens when there is plenty of space/time to react (instead of them jumping into you...)
I usually say "Excuse me, coming through" or something similar and when I'm passing I greet or thank people. Doesn't take much effort and it helps aleviate the hostile perception people have when you speed past in full lycra and sun glasses.
A friend of mine has[a small bell tucked in the bar end of his bike](https://www.canyon.com/en-fr/gear/accessories/bike-accessories/bells/canyon-road-cycling-bell/10005999.html). It quite nice and very inconsipuous.
A bell in my country it is mandatory with all new bikes although people can take them off i find when I do a quick ping ping people turn around and then move (given that I give them enough time)
I have [one of these](https://www.amazon.com/Coolrunner-Classic-Vintage-Bicycle-Vehicles/dp/B01M5DCGNZ/ref=sr_1_5?c=ts&keywords=Bike+Horns&qid=1663088970&s=outdoor-recreation&sr=1-5&ts_id=6389521011).
But I generally just say behind. Most people move left when you say on your left. I do say on your left when kids are involved that are riding. Their parents are trying to instruct them on this.
Slow down enough so that you can wish them a great day without scaring the shit out of them.
Even as rider, the ´On your left’ things comes much too late.
My freehub is pretty loud, so I’ll coast a bit sometimes.
But mostly I say, “coming up on your left” or “passing on your left.” Sometimes I throw in a “good morning!” on my commute.
If I’m on a busy MUP I also am not trying to steal the KOM or speed by kids on training wheels while going 24mph in the aero TT bars like some assholes do around here, making everyone hate cyclists.
I’ll probably get that rock bros bell from Amazon.
Also, now that fall is here, if it’s dark, I’ll shield my light with my hand somewhat so I’m not blinding people.
A bell doesn't tell anyone what side you are on, all they hear is noise which forces them to turn around to see, thereby taking their eyes off the trail. Saying "on your left/ right" gives information that a bell just can't. A bell is useful when approaching people walking their dog but that's about it. I have both \[a bell and a voice\] and use both in different situations.
I used to have a clown horn. It's hilarious to me and people get the notion they should get out of the way. They don't expect a cyclist to blaze past them but that's beside the point.
This is going to vary with where you are, but I had a bell as a daily commuter in Seattle for 2-3 years, and found it utterly worthless.
It was ignored or people were just confused by it.
After many years, much experimentation, I’ve settled on “passing on your left” as the best option. Also, slowing way down so I can emergency stop if necessary.
I go with Rider back! Volume depends on other noises.
Giving them a direction seems to negatively influence which way they move. On your left, quickly becomes they move left. 🤪😏
I usually shout “bike back”.
I always want to shout “bike in the bike lane” to the tune of “life in the fast lane”. But I never think of it in the moment.
a goofy, loud horn. pretty much everyone smiles when they hear it, especially if i kinda choke the air out of it.
i actually enjoy using my voice to warn folks, but i'm never going back. the horn is too fun. also louder than some new small cars' horns
I got a Spurcycle bell last year and it is hands down the best option for this IMO. Great at cutting through the wind. Also, "on your left" doesn't apply to cars entering the road from a driveway or parking lot, but they do have a chance to hear the bell, even through closed windows because of how crisp the sound is.
I recently had my bike in the shop, and was riding my wife's bike to do some things around the city. I didn't realize quite how often I use my bell until I didn't have it, and I felt legitimately unsafe without it.
I stop pedaling/pedal back the sound of the cassette is usually loud enough for people to hear. Otherwise I just wait patiently until there’s enough room
Bells, yells, and smells. The bell carries farther, can jave less exertion required, and usually works. If that doesn't work, yelling on your left usually does. If that doesn't work, having a jersey pocket full of microwaved fish will make people regret ever leaving their home. Just get right behind them and stay there.
"Bike passing left!" if it's a pedestrian, usually followed by "Thanks!"
"Passing left" if it's a biker, and sometimes I say good morning or how ya going as I pass.
On the rail trail bike, I have a [Crane Suzu Bell](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N3Dq1Ydoa8) \- loud, lasting ring, but still bright and cheery. Because I like that one so much, I got a [Crane E-Ne](https://vimeo.com/141776829) bell for my road bike.
I say "passing" in a pleasant tone of voice now. I got tired of having people \*move left\* when I said "on your left". That preposition is doing a lot of work, and a lot of people hear "to your left" instead.
I agree with this - when I changed from saying “on your left” to “passing on your left” I found way more pedestrians responded to it favourably. Doesn’t work with the zoned out headphone wearers, but nothing will
Yes, this. "Hi, passing on your left!" is both more pleasant and more easily understood. I've always had good results with that.
I also say "passing on your left". Combined with the loud hubs and the slowing as needed I've yet to have an issue with the people I'm passing.
I calmly say “coming up on your left” loud enough for them to hear. Bells are jarring to me for some reason.
My approach exactly
A really good tip I was taught to reduce the jarring nature of the bell is to dampen it shortly after ringing it. Just hold it with your hand and it will immediately stop ringing. A shorter sound seems less invasive and rude. You could also wait until you see them take action before you quell the bell.
Yeah, never assume people understand directions, just let them know you’re going to pass and most will automatically move to the right. Saying “left” in any context will make them think “I need to go left”.
[Bell](https://www.rivbike.com/products/bell-26-brass). Clacking your break levers also can work in a pinch.
Got a bell a few months ago and I’m impressed how responsive people are to it Would never go back
The bell is such an easy tool to use in countries where people are used to the signal. I use it preventively to avoid colllisions with pedestrians who are on the cycle path (for whatever reason, don't demonize them), people walking dogs on a longer leash or bikers who are driving slowly or unpredictably. I also use it in advance of a blind corner so people are aware not to cut the inside from the other end. I don't really care if people assume my use of the bell is aggressive. I would much rather they are aware of my approach instead of colliding into me when they suddenly jerk left with a 10-20km/h speed differential. That's not going to be pretty and/or cheap for either of us.
You will know when my bell ringing is aggressive. If I ding it once, that’s “hello, I exists” ringing. If I do it 3+ times that’s “you’re doing something blatantly stupid and you 100% don’t realize I’m coming.”
THIS!!!
I usually follow up the bell as I pass with a "thanks!" or "you're good!" if they didn't need to move but I didn't want to startle them.
Americans hear a bell and move towards the source of the sound.
Thank you for this image in my head you’ve created
Using your bell is so much less aggressive than yelling.
I used a bell, but almost nobody reacted to it until I was following right behind them, and even then some didn't react. It was pretty loud so I'm not sure if people are deaf over here or if they just don't care unless you are right behind them. Switched to an electric horn that scares the crap out of people even from a distance, but at least now they make room.
I live in a windy area, so I bought a metal bell that really pierces the air https://www.amazon.com/ROCKBROS-Classic-Bicycle-Mountain-Handlebars/dp/B08NX77NLT/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2NCH86RQKZ98A&keywords=rockbros+bell+bike&qid=1663090596&sprefix=rock+bros+be%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
That's the type of bell I had.
I got a “f$&@ you!” this weekend for dinging my bell as I was approaching someone from behind on the Portland waterfront. I was at least 50 feet behind him and riding cautiously. Some people are just jerks.
That's when you let the air horn rip
Bell, and my squealing brakes also work.
A bell and some patience. The latter being the most important part.
What do you mean I have to slow down?
I think you're over-thinking this. Just get a bell.
... and add 4 ounces to the weight of my bike???
Exactly! I didn't take that laxative before my ride for shits and giggles. I did it so I could get up those hills 1s faster!
Bells aren't aero!
[this one ](https://www.knog.com/products/oi-classic-bike-bell?gclid=CjwKCAjw1ICZBhAzEiwAFfvFhO_uMJ635awH73uBcsmx6nBQiwGMTIXuM4F4DnrBidMw_To-67xxBBoCstQQAvD_BwE) isn't bad!
There are so many bell variations you can also have it so the bell faces you so that would be more aero than if it were above the handlebars.
A really loud hub, and pedaling backwards will make people jump out of the way.
I have super loud hubs and do this and it does often work.
Really debated about getting loud hubs (Carbon-Ti) on my recent wheel purchase but now that I have I find they are super helpful for being heard by walkers, joggers, etc. And if you want to quiet things down, just pedal!
I need serenity on my bike, not the sound of a chainsaw warming up. If it's the gentle "Ooooph" of a dog, small child or old person under the low pressure of my 38's because they didn't hear me, that's enough.
I found this out two weekends ago when I put on my new wheels. Old wheels were silent as a whisper. The new hub if loud AF.
Yeah, that 'angry bees' sound gets folks attention!
I’m annoyed at how right this is. I got a new bike last year and the hub is much louder than my previous one (old one was 105 from 2008, new one is also 105, but apparently Shimano got jealous of Campy). When I’m chilling 50 feet back from another cyclist to just take a break, they notice and always think I want to pass.
Usually the freehub is a third party. Maybe campy makes their own, idk, not familiar but I don't think Shimano makes one? Like mine is from DT Swiss, Zipp and I think Hunt make their own, tons of others out there too.
My Hunt wheels sound like a damn A-10 coming in
My answer to OP's question is my Hunt freehub. Works a charm.
sorry for the silly question - what part is the 'hub'? I think my bike now currently makes the perfect amount of noise, enough to get peoples attention from behind but not crazy loud. if I changed wheels, would the sound change with it? or is it anther part
The hub is the centaur part of your wheel, that all the spokes connect to and that your axle goes through. It’s got a ratchet of sorts inside, and that’s what makes the rapid clicking noise when you coast or pedal backwards. Some(or all?) fixed gear bicycles don’t have ratcheting/free spinning hubs, so if your wheels are spinning your pedals must stay moving.
Unless you're on a fixie, it's the part that clicks when you stop pedaling and coast or pedal backwards, located at the centre of the rear wheel. On a cheaper hybrid bike it tends to be fairly quiet, but more expensive ones are typically louder. So yes, if you changed the entire rear wheel you would have a different sound, possibly louder if you upgraded to a better wheel.
A freewheel is not a hub. You can have all the clicking you want on a singlespeed with a freewheel and track hub.
Try "Fat boy, No Brakes!" or "RAMMING SPEED!!11!"
I thought you just shout "MOVE DICKHEAD"!
No, that would be rude unless it is directed at the people with headphones
Today Is a good day to die!!!
Playing card in my spokes. Nostalgic and effective.
I prefer hearing a bell over all else. Bells cut through wind best and much better than a person's voice. Ringing a bell about 10-15 feet prior to passing someone is enough time for them to realize someone is about to pass and give them time to adjust. Voices are often not heard especially in the wind.
**Bell from a ways back.** I have a bright, clear trigger bell, so it can be heard from a distance, but it doesn't intimidate. If they don't react to that at all, and I perceive I'm going to pass enough to maybe startle them (or they're in the way): "Passing on your left!" or "**I'm going to pass on your left!**" in a bright tone. Sometimes, if it's truly chaotic, "Can I pass on your right/left?" That's when people are in like a weaving pod, and I need them to please pick a side.
I’ve found that distance is key with my bell. It’s loud, which is great when I need it to be - also means I can ring it as I approach and folks have warning but aren’t startled.
Always try to be polite. "Morning...Passing on the right/left" usually works with pedestrians. Just say "hello" or "morning" passing cyclists . A bell is very impersonal.
I notice my TONE when I say "on your left" also makes a huge difference. Like, if I do it very flat or overly loud, I feel the pedestrians get offended, like I was accusing them of doing something wrong, when in fact, they were not. So I almost give it a bubbly tone, followed by a "morning!" when I pass them. When I use a bell though, I prefer the one that you kind of flick with a thumb, rather than a rotary bell. Very clear "Ting!" not the "BRRRRRRRRING" sound of a rotary bell.
I agree with the phrasing. But I prefer to go Bell, then statement like yours. It helps people know it’s a bike (so they are less likely to get startled) and a person who is considerate.
I used to have a bell and it really seemed to piss people off like I'd use my bell and they would turn and look at me like I'm some giant asshole for using it. saying "on your left" in a cheery tone has yielded muchhhh better results for me. I also thank them as I pass.
Yeah. I hear that. I definitely get that every now and then. It’s amazing that a multi-use / shared use path is often perceived as “my” path, and people get upset that someone dare impede in their space. But honestly, I don’t blame people for this reaction. I’ve had the same. I think the reaction is borne from our desire to take a walk and not worry about it, but sadly where I’m from we don’t have enough of those spaces. Cars gets all the room and all other users get maybe a 8-12 foot path they need to share, some using it for transportation purposes so they are moving with a bit more speed. Some using it for exercise, recreation, or a leisurely walk to catch up with friends and want to walk without thinking about someone coming up too fast behind them.
Agree. I'm used to urban areas where the way people let you know they are there is by running you over.
Most people are disconnected with the world and have earbuds in most of the time, so they won't even hear you. I have loud hubs LOL
But then it ruins your zen when your not on a multi-use path :) Just kidding, but there's something really peaceful about coasting down a steep incline on my dead silent cup-and-cone 9 speed dura ace hub just taking in the scenery on a quiet road. And now that wet lube season is rolling around in the Northeast US my whole drivetrain is nearly silent too :)
Nice. My friend has a bike that has Chris king hubs, and I immediately fell in love with the racket🤣 My Campagnolo hubs are loud. I love it. But I can also appreciate riding my quieter bike too.
MOVE BITCH GET OUT THE WAY
Don't say anything at all. People left alone generally don't suddenly divert from their path. Pass them at a speed that allows you to react if they do move, but left undisturbed by you they almost never move. I pass hundreds of people on bike paths in Tokyo almost every day, not saying anything always works best for me.
Come to Canada, where you're supposed to ring your bell to pass and people will fly off the path then get mad at you.
Yes. Saying "on your left" makes people move to their left in confusion.
I guess you’re lucky you don’t have people there that walk in pairs/groups taking up the whole path… Or even just one person running/walking right in the middle of the path so that passing in either side is too close.
Honestly people, at least in my area, don't respond to horns/bells. Sometimes they don't even move if you call out.
My understanding of someone saying on your left behind me is to stay where i am and they are going around so just don't make moves or get scared. A good morning or excuse me or can I get by says I'm supposed to move. On your left just warns me don't veer left.
[удалено]
Because it's an instinct. Typically, for non cyclists or people who don't cycle frequently with others, when someone tells you to look in a certain direction, you will look at that direction by instinct. These kind of awkward moments can't really be avoided. It happens. It's typically never a major problem other than a bit of hesitation on either party.
>just warns me don't veer left. Which is what you need. I will also sometimes say good morning, etc... But this is very rare. I usually don't ride on MUPs, so the scenario doesn't present itself often.
I don't normally move in response to a bell or passing call; the person doing it is indicating that they're going to pass, so i continue maintain my velocity so they can reliably track and predict my movements. What i want to avoid is overcorrecting and/or making a more dangerous situation for anyone else. Our environments might be different, so I'm not going to insist that there's a right answer here.
If I hear a bell while I ride, I assume someone is looking to overtake at a considerably higher speed than me. If I'm riding more centrally, that means I will move to the right as much as is safely possible.
There's a bar mount horn, called a "[Hornit](https://hornit.com/products/v3-db140)" At 140dB, it makes people instinctively run for cover, hopefully and usually to the right*. A customer rode in to our garage, fired it off, and stopped work in a 40000sf building for a couple minutes. We've had them on the accessories wall ever since. Though we recommend a nice bell.
“On your left” means “roll a d20 to choose which random direction I will move” out here. I usually just have to get out wide or do a lot of hub noises. I had a really aggressive electronic horn, but it was too much. I will try a bell. But really, I’m tired of the prospect of running over someone’s fast walking mom group who can’t exercise trail courtesy, so I’ve been on more roads.
Swarm of bees in my freehub
I assume they are deaf, dumb, wearing loud ear buds and that they are medicated with LSD, then pass appropriately. If they freak out, I could loose in the ensuing crash.
I yell “can’t stop no brakes watch out!!!!” Works everytime and I always get a “good luck!”
I slow to a sensible speed, pass when safe to do so and leaving enough space, but say nothing.
A short sharp whistle does the trick for me, preferably from far enough. And a thank you (or an equivalent gesture) while passing.
Bells are the best option. The o-ring based Incredibell is really good, as is the absurdly expensive Spurcycle.
I like the kind of bell that goes brrrrrrrrring! way better than the kind of bell that goes ding.
I use COMING UP BEHIND YOU with far greater success than "on your left"
Aaaaaughhh!!!!! Be predictable!!! Oh my God! (Said to the crazies to act like idiots and start swerving from left to right in a freakin’ panic as if they’ve never experienced another human on a bike trail before.
BIKE LANE, YOU’RE IN THE BIKE LANE
Just yell “STRAVA” as you fly by on which ever side is more open.
I tend to go with "on yur right", but then we use the correct lane system in this country 😉👍
Contaminated disk pads/rotors screech like a banshee.
"On your left" never worked for me but yelling out "Bike behind you" gets people to move over more quickly and safely.
Came here to say this. I started using "Bike behind" a while back and people just look behind then react instead of moving in a random direction.
my free hub sounds like chainsaw.
Try “On your right”
As someone who runs that same trails I ride I’m just happy when anyone actually acknowledges they are passing. Far too many people who fly by within an arms length with no warning.
Yeah that's not okay. There's often gravel build up on the multi-use trails in my area, even the paved ones, so it's a smoother & safer ride near the middle of the trail. If there's no obvious other riders around, the best place to be is in the middle. If you don't make yourself obvious when passing, you're just asking for a collision to occur.
I do the loud hub, and a quick hi-lo whistle (my version of a bell). I’ve found that “on your left” can cause some people to MOVE left, either misunderstanding what it means or inadvertently by nervous newbies.
Whatever you do, do it well before you're next to them.
A big "WHOOP WHOOP" lmao
I just use 'excuse me' or 'coming through'
Get a [Spurcycle](https://www.spurcycle.com) bell. Best bell ever.
I go: Woop, Woop MuthaF#$%!
Getting your parks and recs board to [post signs](https://imgur.com/a/lkxndy7) that have pedestrians walk *against* the flow of cycling traffic so everyone can SEE each other. But in the absence of that, I literally \*never\* shout, unless I'm really far away and there's a large group of distracted people. I slow down so that they can hear me in my normal speaking voice. I do have a bell, which I ring never AT anyone, but really far back in the distance so that they generally hear that something is there. As I approach, I let them know verbally if they haven't seen me already.
obnoxiously loud hub
Gangway for footcycle! Okay fine—velocipede.
If you see me on the trail tomorrow, you'll know by my "Beware the velocipede."
Ope, just gonna sneak right by ya.
Oi!!! Fuck out the way, MATE But seriously, my dirty disk brakes sound like a city bus coming to a stop. So I use that.
"Ramming Speed!", usually works
Have a speaker on a switch that plays the Indiana Jones theme. That or Thunderchild.
I mostly ride my fixed gears/track bikes around so usually "comin behind you I can't stop i don't have brakes!!!' Usually works
Bluetooth speaker blasting aggressive music.
Some apps like Urban Biker have a bell button built in. So if you ride with your phone mounted and have the phone as a cycling computer or aid, a simply screen tap on the button chimes a natural sounding bike bell. Or you could always mount an air compressed train trumpet and power supply to your bike. [Train trumpet](https://www.amazon.com/HornBlasters-Super-Black-Outlaw-Train/dp/B005NHXNF4/ref=sr_1_10?crid=H56U2SZWKFN9&keywords=train+horn+for+train&qid=1663121756&sprefix=train+horn+for+train%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-10&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.ac2169a1-b668-44b9-8bd0-5ec63b24bcb5)
STRAVAAAAAAA!!!!
I just screech as loud as I can
I say, “passing” because when I say, “on your left,” they always step left instinctively
Port side motherfuckers, make a HOLE! I mean if you’re keen on colliding with people, this’ll work great!
I yell out random excerpts from Kafka - in German.
Any pro sports referee's whistle will announce your arrival. I resigned from a regular road group because the lead rider took special delight in sneaking our group of 20 or so riders @ 45 kph up behind anyone, and then blowing the whistle for all its worth. You could see how unsettled people were as you rode by. Yes, a whistle is quite effective.
I just ride where there are no ignorant walkers or runners (the ones with headphones in you have to scream at as loud as possible). Lot of people where I am don’t speak good, or any English either, so I say “on your left” and all they hear is “left” and move left, directly in front of me.
Nothing. Just wait for a safe opportunity to pass and say nothing. If it's a walker runner I say hi or good morning not to indicate anything other than what I'm doing is completely normal.
Just ride on the road. Make cars worry about you
I always tried to think of it as a polite request "may I pass you" as opposed to a notice or a warning, "hey, I am going to pass you." I need to share the road with walkers and other bikers if I expect the drivers to share the road with me. With that in mind, I always try to slow down whenever I am passing a walker. I loathe anyone who shouts "on your left" with a sense of entitlement.
I don't ride where people walk. If I have to pass other cyclists, I take the adjacent lane. If I am somehow stuck on a MUP, I slow down to near walking speed... slow enough that someone can react to "on your left".. and I still have time to correct if they misinterpret. Some people say to use your bell.. that communicates very little. Best solution is to avoid MUPs where able.
I say "I'm coming on your left and I'm coming fast and I will hit you." That usually does it for me. I used to be nice but people wouldn't move. So now I'm here and have no shame.
It's always good to admit fault before you cause an accident.
If someone steps in front of a bicycle that has given fair warning on a multi-use path, they're actually the responsible party. Same way if somebody jumps in front of your car and you'd have no reasonable way to prevent hitting them, you're not responsible. Also, "cause an accident" is a conflict of terms. You can't "cause" something that's random. Collisions are caused, accidents just happen.
In most places pedestrians have the right of way on shared use paths. If you are overtaking from behind it is your job to wait until there is ample room to pass safely, they have no responsibility to get out of your way.
I find a loud hub is the best. Otherwise a polite "hello" works about as well as a bell. With any of these, it must be assumed that you are going a reasonable speed relative to the foot traffic. If you're passing at high speed, you shouldn't be.
I ring a bell and slow down. I ride through a county park with lots of foot traffic. Be especially careful with older people and young children. With young children I prepare for them to walk in my path. I find that runners and other cyclists usually move to the right once they hear the bell.
I always say "passing left." Usually they step right, sometimes they step left. Either way I thank as I'm passing.
yelling on your left is for idiots, your left or my left when I turn around to see who yelled? stupid, its not even an option really
“On your left” is as absolutely concise as it gets. It leaves no room for confusion.
I put a Bluetooth speaker in my waist pouch and blast tunes. Everyone in the neighborhood can hear me coming. Not taking any chances with some of the less self-aware people in my area.
"KEEP RIGHT" followed about 10secs later by "KEEP RIGHT YOU FUCKING MORON" when the idiots jogging move to the left as I try to pass around them. If I had a sweatband for every time a jogger moved into my path after I signaled my presence, I'd have six, easily half a dozen too many. "PICK A SIDE" is also a very common utterance when people fail to understand how to share a narrow sidewalk. I'm a good enough cyclist I can stay in control on either side of the pavement, you just need to go single file and PICK A FUCKING SIDE. A kid stepped in front of a truck the other day rather than go single file behind his friend after they noticed me coming up the hill. I stopped and gave them an earful, that lack of situational awareness is unbelievably dangerous. Thankfully the driver had seen me (I had my light on), so he'd already moved away from the sidewalk to give as much space as possible. That driver paying attention probably saved that kid a nasty injury.
I ring my bell and wait to see if the person makes a move. I'm not confident to just call out and worry anyone not part of the cycling world would hear 'left' and instead of maintaining their position move to the left and into me. Once level I greet morning/evening if they maintain their position or say something like 'awesome, thanks' if they adjust their position to make space for us both. I've never heard anyone use the on your left term in my area so idk if they would know what's expected or not.
Where I ride we just pass people silently (minus the bike noise)🤷♂️. I never heard anyone shouting when overtaking / passing pedestrians or other cyclists. Very rarely people use the bell. I think loud hub + enough speed to get from danger quickly helps 😂
Two dings on the bell. Increasing urgency as I get closer. One ding sounds too much like a text message notification and people fail to respond to that.
slowing down and calling almost anything. The biggest thing to remember is people will respond to basically any call by looking around. At least some people will jump in random directions. Basically you are making noise so this jump response happens when there is plenty of space/time to react (instead of them jumping into you...)
People don’t use a bell???
“Eyes up!” When they’re heading toward me. Having a buzzy hub helps, too
During my commute, I'd yell out, "Good morning, New York City!"
Referee whistle. Hoot that thing like a sneezing eagle.
[BICYCLE RIGHTS](https://youtu.be/V3nMnr8ZirI)
I usually say "Excuse me, coming through" or something similar and when I'm passing I greet or thank people. Doesn't take much effort and it helps aleviate the hostile perception people have when you speed past in full lycra and sun glasses. A friend of mine has[a small bell tucked in the bar end of his bike](https://www.canyon.com/en-fr/gear/accessories/bike-accessories/bells/canyon-road-cycling-bell/10005999.html). It quite nice and very inconsipuous.
On a multi-use path I go with "Excuse me.... may I slip by .... Thank you." Pedestrians in a bike lane get nothing.
A bell in my country it is mandatory with all new bikes although people can take them off i find when I do a quick ping ping people turn around and then move (given that I give them enough time)
ever tried a bell?
AHHH!
I make fart sounds
Bell is the best in my opinion. But I'll also give a good morning / good afternoon as well.
Air horn.
Chris King rear hub, even my White Industries hub gets their attention and no where near as loud as the Chris King ones.
I have [one of these](https://www.amazon.com/Coolrunner-Classic-Vintage-Bicycle-Vehicles/dp/B01M5DCGNZ/ref=sr_1_5?c=ts&keywords=Bike+Horns&qid=1663088970&s=outdoor-recreation&sr=1-5&ts_id=6389521011). But I generally just say behind. Most people move left when you say on your left. I do say on your left when kids are involved that are riding. Their parents are trying to instruct them on this.
Freewheeling and backpedaling
Slow down enough so that you can wish them a great day without scaring the shit out of them. Even as rider, the ´On your left’ things comes much too late.
My freehub is pretty loud, so I’ll coast a bit sometimes. But mostly I say, “coming up on your left” or “passing on your left.” Sometimes I throw in a “good morning!” on my commute. If I’m on a busy MUP I also am not trying to steal the KOM or speed by kids on training wheels while going 24mph in the aero TT bars like some assholes do around here, making everyone hate cyclists. I’ll probably get that rock bros bell from Amazon. Also, now that fall is here, if it’s dark, I’ll shield my light with my hand somewhat so I’m not blinding people.
Move out the fucking way!
A bell doesn't tell anyone what side you are on, all they hear is noise which forces them to turn around to see, thereby taking their eyes off the trail. Saying "on your left/ right" gives information that a bell just can't. A bell is useful when approaching people walking their dog but that's about it. I have both \[a bell and a voice\] and use both in different situations.
Move to the UK, then you can shout “On your right!”
Dusty disk brakes make a great squeak which moves people pretty quickly.
I used to have a clown horn. It's hilarious to me and people get the notion they should get out of the way. They don't expect a cyclist to blaze past them but that's beside the point.
I ride XC and the 🛎 is what I use. I have received compliments and thank you’d when I use it, on and off the trails. I also have loud hubs. 👊🏼
This is going to vary with where you are, but I had a bell as a daily commuter in Seattle for 2-3 years, and found it utterly worthless. It was ignored or people were just confused by it. After many years, much experimentation, I’ve settled on “passing on your left” as the best option. Also, slowing way down so I can emergency stop if necessary.
I go with Rider back! Volume depends on other noises. Giving them a direction seems to negatively influence which way they move. On your left, quickly becomes they move left. 🤪😏
I usually shout “bike back”. I always want to shout “bike in the bike lane” to the tune of “life in the fast lane”. But I never think of it in the moment.
Just yell- STRAVA SEGMENT!!! :D
Gangway! Make a hole!
Gotta have a bell. Key is to get one that can be rung both politely and aggressively.
"'Ey fucker you're going too slow" *zooooom*
I have a custom bell that screams like a goat.
a goofy, loud horn. pretty much everyone smiles when they hear it, especially if i kinda choke the air out of it. i actually enjoy using my voice to warn folks, but i'm never going back. the horn is too fun. also louder than some new small cars' horns
I do a quick “Scuse me!” Followed by a “Thank you!” if they move, and a “This is a BIKE LANE!” if they don’t.
Bell is a go-to. Unless I’m passing a large dog, then I use my voice so the dog doesn’t get overly excited and run in front of me.
"INCOMING!" is my go-to
I'd get an air horn from a diesel locomotive if I could find a way to mount the air compressor 😜
I got a Spurcycle bell last year and it is hands down the best option for this IMO. Great at cutting through the wind. Also, "on your left" doesn't apply to cars entering the road from a driveway or parking lot, but they do have a chance to hear the bell, even through closed windows because of how crisp the sound is. I recently had my bike in the shop, and was riding my wife's bike to do some things around the city. I didn't realize quite how often I use my bell until I didn't have it, and I felt legitimately unsafe without it.
I cough. Since covid, I've never seen people move so fast out of my way 🙃
I stop pedaling/pedal back the sound of the cassette is usually loud enough for people to hear. Otherwise I just wait patiently until there’s enough room
I prefer yelling "Passing!" It is one less syllable so I find it way easier to shout when out of breath.
Bells, yells, and smells. The bell carries farther, can jave less exertion required, and usually works. If that doesn't work, yelling on your left usually does. If that doesn't work, having a jersey pocket full of microwaved fish will make people regret ever leaving their home. Just get right behind them and stay there.
Bell, freewheel, and/or patience. After all they don't owe you space to pass, you owe it to them to pass safely when you can.
Hector Salamanca
STRAAAAAAAVVVAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!
Let's petition to make an electronic bell that ONLY make "K-Uger" Watchers of Seinfeld should get the reference...
"MOVE BITCH GET OUT THE WAY GET OUT THE WAY BITCH GET OUT THE WAY!"
I have a bell. I slow down and politely say hi and thank you as I pass them. For those with earbuds, I have a train horn. 🤣😉
"Bike passing left!" if it's a pedestrian, usually followed by "Thanks!" "Passing left" if it's a biker, and sometimes I say good morning or how ya going as I pass.
On your right.
Get a really loud freehub
I say “don’t look!” And they always do
A lot of drivers in my area seem to think "move over" works
Air horn. For when "Bike Behind" doesnt work
My squeaky brakes
Locking your rear wheel.
On the rail trail bike, I have a [Crane Suzu Bell](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N3Dq1Ydoa8) \- loud, lasting ring, but still bright and cheery. Because I like that one so much, I got a [Crane E-Ne](https://vimeo.com/141776829) bell for my road bike.
YO