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Even that is acknowledgement (and much appreciated). When I see you move, even slightly, I know that YOU know I'm there.
The worst is when a bike waits till the last second, the walker is surprised, and they step INTO the path. It happens, which is why I always ring early and often.
I think it’s cute how you have a bell. I tell the kids in my neighborhood to say beep beep when they are behind someone.
I will admit (half-jokingly), that my music choice does matter.
I've found that some good classics like the Beatles, or some happy swing/jazz is much better received than blaring gangster rap and death-metal turned up to "11".
^I don't really listen to either rap or metal, but truth, I find that playing family friendly, happy/uplifting music usually gets a smile out of most trail users. And it absolutely does help to alert my approach. People turn around early to see what's coming, and it creates safety. I use a bell AND call out "on your left". I think people are so immune to both that they often don't even hear or process it.
The other huge factor (for newer trail users info) is to do this early because:
1. If you don't get confirmation that they heard you, you have more chances to alert them
2. THey have more time to process what is going on, and react appropriately
3. You don't scare the bejeepers out of others, they don't appreciate that
4. If they still don't hear you, then you come to stop if you have to. Might suck, but better than hurting someone.
Also, message to others who HEAR the bell, call-out or music: Please acknowledge you heard it. A simple waive of the hand ('thanks') let's the notifier know you're aware, and then everyone (EVERYONE) can pass each other safely. If we all work together, everyone can enjoy the trails.
My uplifting message for the day.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Myghost
Even that is acknowledgement (and much appreciated). When I see you move, even slightly, I know that YOU know I'm there.
The worst is when a bike waits till the last second, the walker is surprised, and they step INTO the path. It happens, which is why I always ring early and often.
Quote:
Originally Posted by zitsky
I think it’s cute how you have a bell. I tell the kids in my neighborhood to say beep beep when they are behind someone.
I wish more people had bells or used them. almost a dozen bikes overtook me over the course of my walk yesterday (mostly in twos or threes) and I don't think any used a bell. Three bikes collectively seem to make enough noise but a single cyclist often doesn't til they're right up on me. And frequently they're the ones going fastest.
The horse people don't get in the way much....it's just what they leave behind.
My dog drops a deuce on the side of the trail and I pick it up in a bag and throw it away in the nearest trash receptacle (I still can't wrap my head around the mindset of folks who bag the poop and then leave the bag on the side of the trail. Why just why?).... meanwhile horses are leaving behind giant piles in the middle of the trail and we've just decided that it's socially acceptable. Hmph.
I think there’s a group that comes around to pick the horse poop up in the evening but yeah it is pretty gross sometimes.
Many ebikes I've seen that are intended for basic cycling, not for motorsport, mountain biking or other specialities, do have bells, (but not all).
I think it's an important safety tool for any cyclist. There are louder bells to be had, digital ones, as well as the ones people think of when they think of a standard old-fashioned bicycle bell.
The most aggressive of cyclists tend to be MAMILs (middle-age men in lycra) or those who ride in packs. Those are not ebike riders.
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Those who tend to be bully-types who might be inclined to call out "cheater," will immediately back off when asked what they have against people who aren't sitting their arses on the couch, but instead are actually outside, getting exercise, getting their heart rates into the proper aerobic zone, recovering from injury or surgery to knees, hips, etc. They're not entering races. They're not winning awards, they're not even beating the diehard MAMILs on their race bikes. Who exactly are they 'cheating?'
The most aggressive of cyclists tend to be MAMILs (middle-age men in lycra) or those who ride in packs. Those are not ebike riders.
You might be surprised. I see ever increasing number of "ebikes" on 50+ mile road group rides. Most use the assist on climbs so they can keep up with friends who have healthier knee's, etc.
You might be surprised. I see ever increasing number of "ebikes" on 50+ mile road group rides. Most use the assist on climbs so they can keep up with friends who have healthier knee's, etc.
And? How does that make the ebikers aggressive?
That's what some are positing here. Their emotional response is there's a problem with ebikes and the people who ride them (or will be) and the fact riders have pedal assist on a bike when they need to use it, is somehow inherently dangerous, unfair, or both.
Reality: that ebiker is usually physically *weaker* than the typical serious cyclists or weekend cyclist warriors. Or, some use ebikes instead of driving. To run errands, to commute to a job.
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any weirder…
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