What is the best way to alert other cyclists or pedestrians ?

Some have suggested that a bell is better than a shouted warning, partly because it's audible from farther away. What kind of warning is the right one? Do you find that "on your left" actually lead many people to move left instead of watching out to the left?

There seems to be significant differences of opinion on what kind of audible warning a cyclist should give.

In my personal experience "on your left" only works if I am overtaking a cyclist who is traveling just slightly slower me. If the speed difference is more then 5 mph I have to yell "on your left" louder and earlier. This seems to change the interpretation  from a safety warning to a "get out of my way" command.

My commute from Lincoln Square to McCormick place varies by time of day and day of week. Sometimes I use my race bike, or a cx bike while dressed in kit and other days I will ride my cx or single speed dressed in cargo shorts or jeans. I find the perception of "on your left" will vary more to my dress then to my style of riding.

I also use the "on your left" method only to people who I am overtaking and they seem to be drifting left or not holding their line unpredictably. Personally I find no need to announce an intended pass to a jogger or other cyclist who seem to be traveling in predictable manor. I also look to see what they will be encountering during the time I will be passing (road hazards, will they be overtaking another)

All this of course is assuming that they can actually hear you, almost all joggers wear headphones and even though I believe it is illegal in Chicago, too many cyclists also wear them.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David Barish on October 9, 2013 at 7:54am
Permalink Reply by Tom Dworzanski on October 9, 2013 at 8:06am

 

I don't actually own this and have never heard it. I just think the video is hilarious.

Permalink Reply by igz on October 9, 2013 at 8:32am

Permalink Reply by JimmyD on October 9, 2013 at 10:48am

Who needs a horn or a bell?

Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on October 9, 2013 at 10:55am

Biting their legs off.

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on October 9, 2013 at 2:31pm

Sleigh bells.  Or those locomotive chimes.

Permalink Reply by Mike Schwab on October 9, 2013 at 2:32pm

AirZound.  Cars will stop and drivers will try to duck under the semi they think is about to crush them.  You can ride under pedestrians leaping out of their shoes.

Permalink Reply by ilter on October 9, 2013 at 3:36pm

Glad to see someone so considerate!  I think a good bell is the best for alerting other cyclist & most pedestrians.

Permalink Reply by Michael A on October 9, 2013 at 3:48pm

I get passed on the LFT pretty often, especially when my backpack is loaded with close to 50 lbs of gear and such. I have never had anyone pass me with a bell ring, and only a few times with an "on your left" 

Permalink Reply by Gort 12-mile Pinklegneep on October 9, 2013 at 4:57pm

This sound 

Permalink Reply by Chitown_Mike on October 11, 2013 at 7:01am

I'll second the banshie like yowl of Charmander.....that usually gets everything out of my way.  Both in this realm and the spirit realm.

Permalink Reply by Bike Bloke on October 11, 2013 at 9:31am

Of course, your courtesy is all a big waste of time when you close in on the person you're passing only to see they're sporting earbud headphones....

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