Shared trail etiquette

[Rahr85]

So time to prod the hornets nest having read pieces dotted about the forum I've noticed recently an increase in hatred towards cyclists from anyone else sharing trails (old railway lines etc) and heard on 5 live a segment where people were complaining about cyclists/runners coming past as if they have full right of way.

First hand i've had this recently twice where old people make comments along the lines of "don't you have a bell?" when slowing down behind and politely letting them know i'm there and going to be going past.

I've had mixed experience with using a bell, firstly for the majority of my riding i'd rather not have something else on the bars that i might come into contact with in the event of a crash, nor the background noises it gives in technical trails. Secondly i have found that when approaching from behind and using a bell many people panic and either freeze in place or step off to one side without any knowledge of where you might be trying to come past.

Simply put i think the problem is purely a lack of respect from those at both ends of the spectrum. I might still fit a bell again when i know i'm doing mostly shared trail riding but subconsicouly i'm feeling guilty using it as if i'm telling them to get out of the way rather than politely warning them of my presence.

 

[Pigin]

Have you lot noticed the number of people who look at their phone when you ring your bell. They think they've got a message of something . Battery powered airhorns playing Colonel Boogey might be an option I will have to explore.

On a more serious note the elderly seem to loose hearing acuity in the higher frequencies first and often dont hear the bell soon enough.

 

[KennyB]

Give way to pedestrians, and horses. It's the law.
Try a Timber bell, akin to a cow bell much more friendly noise and tucks out of the way. I use mine to alert people and then call out which side I'm on. If you engage with people the reaction is usually better.
Get liability and legal assist Insurance in case things go wrong, Cycling UK is excellent value.
Remember that half of the people are stupider than the average.

 

[Rahr85]

Give way to pedestrians, and horses. It's the law.

That's not the issue, i'm aware of the law and will always assume i will need to come to a stop/walking pace if there is no sign of my presence being acknowledged. Between normally just a friendly greeting and the noise of my bike freewheeling i'm fine. The issue seems to be the attitude that we shouldn't be out on the bike where they are or during lockdown.

Self-minded people seem to be on the rise since the lockdown, everyone is a bit pissed off not being able to do what they usually do so find whatever way they can to shift their anger onto others.

 

[steve_sordy]

When I started biking, I used the bell that came with it. But the reaction seemed to me to be mostly negative. People jumped as if severely startled and several reacted to being startled by getting snotty with me. So I removed the bell and relied upon a discrete cough. That seemed to work for a while until folk started walking about with earbuds, so a discrete cough no longer worked. "Why don't get get a bloody bell!" started to become a common response. Then one of the bikes I bought had one of those hubs that sound like a machine gun when I stopped pedalling. That worked until I sold the bike. Back to coughing, same problems as before. So I started calling out "excuse me, passing on your right". But with the ear buds, I had to shout to make myself heard and again people reacted badly.

Now I have one of the "Oi!" bells that is my first attempt to pass; I start pinging it from about 50' away. It is discrete but has a penetrating tone. (Doesn't look like a bell either, which is good). Then comes my request to pass. If none of that works, and by now I'm down to walking speed, I eventually have to raise my voice to power through the earbuds. And I still get some folk jerking in surprise as the real world eventually cuts through. No doubt such people believe that all cyclist's are ignorant speed merchants!

I'm always polite, but there is no pleasing some people. I'm a cyclist, end of!

 

[Zimmerframe]

When I started biking, I used the bell that came with it. But the reaction seemed to me to be mostly negative. People jumped as if severely startled

Keep in mind that Steve is really old and at the time ran 16' (feet) wheels and the bike came with an axle mounted bell ..

 

[R120]

Yeah I have a Knog Oi bell on one of my bikes which is a really good little bell, but I tend to find people treat you the same way as if you where honking a car horn at them - I mostly just tend to shout "just coming by on your left/right" and then a thank you and have a nice day as I go past.

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Mind you at this time of year my squealing brakes tend to do a good job too!

 

[Tubby G]

This old chestnut !

If we use a bell, walkers jump out of their skin in fright as we ding our dong. If we don’t use a bell, walkers shout ‘use a bloody bell’ at us

We have a brand spanking new 1km loop track facility built near us for both runners & cyclists which is quite handy for the recent icy mornings as it must have magic underfloor heating as no ice forms on the track. However, since national lockdown restrictions have been imposed again, half our town are out ‘exercising’ on the track. Walking dogs, children on scooters, toddlers learning to walk. You name it, they’re all on the track and believe they have some collective right to be there instead of the bikers or runners. I have found that taking the circuit at full steam ahead with no bells, shouts or polite slowdowns does indeed get them to move out of the way! Last resort is an acrobatic skid to within an inch of their bodies when they get in the way. I may look and sound like an arse but they have the whole neighbourhood and countryside to be out exercising in so why do they choose to use a purpose built cycling & running track grrrr

 

[R120]

For me a bigger issue is going down the pump track and finding it riddled with kids on scooters just standing about - I am all for them having fun on it, but it makes it impossible to do any decent laps.

As such I tend to go at the crack of dawn when they aren't there - same goes for my local riding where there is a lot fo shared us to get to the local trails, if you go after 10am its just too rammed with people to make the ride enjoyable, so go first thing.

 

[steve_sordy]

Horses on the designated bike trails are a bit irritating.

 

[The Hodge]

I don't have a bell ...but shout ding ding from a good way out ( I wasn't joking in a previous thread ) ..which mostly gets a good response ..
If folks can't hear because of ear- buds / I don't get a response then I will pass extremely slowly and any grief I get will be returned politely by explaining that its a shared trail and if they didn't want to be startled then they should perhaps consider taking their ear phones out / reduce the volume ( this hasn't happened yet ) ..
If its outright anger then I will just knock them out ? ( I'm only joking here) ...unless of course they are a lot bigger and I will pedal like hell ...

 

[p3eps]

Here's my 2p...

I generally go out really early or go to places away from "people" when on my bike to avoid this. Unfortunately with the lockdown and travelling from home, this isn't possible at the moment.
I have lots of forest paths etc available from about a mile from my front door... and sometimes use these for a quick cycle when I'm short of time. Just now they're all mobbed even at first light with people getting their daily exercise!

I used to have a bell... but as above, people tend to either get startled and freeze... or be startled and get angry.
Most runners and dog walkers are now wearing earphones, and don't hear the bell ringing until you're right up behind them.

My current tactic, which seems to work on most occasions is to drop a few gears and slow down when approaching them. Maybe even a little skid. Usually either the clicking of the gears or the skid noise alerts them to your presence. "Morning", then "Thank you" as they move out of your way.

If they don't respond to the approach noise, its a "Morning, nice day" or something... and they usually say something nice back and get out of the way. Increase the volume of "Morning" as necessary until they hear you.

I had one guy a couple of weeks ago on a very narrow path. He was walking infront of me, and didn't respond at all to the point I was SHOUTING "MORNING" at the top of my voice before he realised. I have in earbuds on a very low volume when I cycle... but I could hear his music above my own!!

The ones that annoy me most are groups of 3+ people, who wait until you're practically ontop of them (even though they've been able to see you coming for about 2 mins)... and then they usually split, and I have to go through the middle of them!!

 

[The Hodge]

Horses on the designated bike trails are a bit irritating.

As are walkers ..

 

[paul-g]

Have you lot noticed the number of people who look at their phone when you ring your bell. They think they've got a message of something . Battery powered airhorns playing Colonel Boogey might be an option I will have to explore.

On a more serious note the elderly seem to loose hearing acuity in the higher frequencies first and often dont hear the bell soon enough.

 

[paul-g]

I don't have a bell ...but shout ding ding from a good way out ( I wasn't joking in a previous thread ) ..which mostly gets a good response ..
If folks can't hear because of ear- buds / I don't get a response then I will pass extremely slowly and any grief I get will be returned politely by explaining that its a shared trail and if they didn't want to be startled then they should perhaps consider taking their ear phones out / reduce the volume ( this hasn't happened yet ) ..
If its outright anger then I will just knock them out ? ( I'm only joking here) ...unless of course they are a lot bigger and I will pedal like hell ...

ding dong

 

[EebStrider]

I have a bell, and start pinging it from quite a way away, to reduce giving anyone a heart attack. It always gets a happy response, people appreciate it. I always slow down to walking speed if they have their back to me, but if they’re walking towards me (and not stuck in a phone), not as slow.

The ones that piss me off are the folk listening to music so loudly, they can’t hear the bell. I’m not going to go round shouting at people. I find those people normally jump out of their skins, and are the ones to get stroppy.

There are some people that don’t like cyclists (me included, when I’m in the car and muppets are riding two abreast, or stuck behind other cars that refuse to overtake unless they have about 500 metres of clear road). I’ve had people telling me that bikes aren’t allowed in certain places I ride, but when I point out that they’re wrong, they seem to have a massive attitude problem. I’m just happy to be out of the house for a few hours, but some folk take their anger with them wherever they go.

 

[Oldcreaky]

I have and use a horn with 4 different tones. It came from ebay and was silly cheap just needed 2 AAA batteries Purchased this as soon as i brought my first hard tail Emtb 4 years ago after having a stroke and not being able to drive. My experience of walking my dog along the Bristol to Bath cycle track and being caught out by near silent roadies passing at speeds of 20mph or more in some cases i vowed to make walkers and joggers aware of my approach, it only takes a couple of toots to have the desired affect and if they move a cheery thanks is called out.

Those who cut them selves off from their environment due to various ear phones etc are the hardest to warn even with prolonged use of the hooter it sometimes only registers when right behind them in fact i was nearly wiped out by a youngster turning right as i was overtaking, he didn't even react to the verbals i launched at his back as he disappeared.

Reactions vary from thanks for the warning to surly looks that seem to convey that they think bikes should not be on the track this applies mainly to groups of walkers who think being able to walk side by side with 3 people is ok and i have a nerve warning them of my approach.
Joggers seem to be happy to concentrate on their run and need very little warning except in different circumstances.
I never use the hooter for horses and usually ask if i can pass or wait for them to pass if going in the opposite direction.
Being polite and not pushy goes along way with most fellow users although you will always get the odd few who you will never be able to please and that goes for cyclists of all types and that includes those bike riders who seem to go out of their way to antagonize everybody else by riding too fast in the wrong place and pushing past when the room is a bit tight.

 

[Nicho]

I bought had one of those hubs that sound like a machine gun when I stopped pedalling

Have you tried a real machine gun - that should shift them!

 

[paul-g]

Have you tried a real machine gun - that should shift them!

 

[Nicho]

I also use a Timber Bell. I switch it on as soon as I see people ahead, and off again when I have passed them.
I find people notice it more because it is not a sound they are used to hearing on the road so they turn round to see what is making the noise.
They do not find it agressive as it starts quietly and gets louder as you approach, unlike suddenly ringing a normal bell when you are right behind them.
People with headphones will not hear you whastever type of bell you use.

 

[Nicho]

View attachment 52189

Is that the new 'Santacruz Exterminator' carbon and cordite handle bar?

 

[04fuxake]

I'm thinking about getting a Timber Bell. I like the idea that it's kinda always on (unless I silence it) thereby giving other trail users an earlier warning that I'm coming and also perhaps a sense of distance.

Although it still relies on the other user to not be wearing headphones.

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

Then one of the bikes I bought had one of those hubs that sound like a machine gun when I stopped pedalling. That worked until I sold the bike.

Replacement? ? ?

 

[p3eps]

I’ve never seen those Timber Bells, but they look like a good idea. Might be worth investing... especially for the local lockdown rides.

Could always do what we did as kids, and roll over a coke can... then cycle with it jammed between the tyre and the fork creating a ‘motorbike’ sound ?
Probably need to put your bike on boost to cover the extra drag... but everyone would hear you coming!

 

[paul-g]

Replacement? ? ?

used to do something like that in the 60s Gramps
used a iced lolly stick jammed in the brake calliper(rim brakes)
used to annoy everybody but we were only kids

 

[N D]

I gave up with a bell ages ago after being shouted at for scaring a woman, my little ding of a bell was just too much for her delicate ears. Recently I've been shouted at for not using a bell by a set of Ramblers hogging a bridleway as I detoured around them.
Whatever way we try to appease will be wrong, years of trail bike riding proved that.

 

[eddiemac47]

One of my main trails was designed and built by bikers decades ago. But, it resides in the city and is a 'multi-use trail.' It very uncommon for me to NOT run into walkers/runners. I don't use a bell. I find that just as many people are annoyed by the bell as they are happy to hear it. I just slow down and say 'Hi, behind you, can I pass.' 99% of the time, that does the trick. Simply not being a dick. There have been the occasional ass who seems to catch an attitude, but they are so rare, I don't let it get under my skin. About the only thing that really annoys me is when I come up behind a walker/runner and they have ear buds in, jamming away to their music and they don't hear me behind them. Especially considering each trail head specifically tells users not to use them! But, some people just don't think those rules apply to them. Annoying as hell, but it's better to just work past and go on with your day than let them ruin a good ride.

EM

 

[Stihldog]

A night ride with plenty of lights can be fairly tranquil. I don’t usually see anyone and if I do they see me coming.
Met a couple walking towards me at night (last night). I didn’t see them until they came into view of my lights. They had no light. I slowed down and stayed in my lane. The lady, let’s call her someone, made a dramatic movement to cover her eyes from the 1300 lumens I use to see. Anyways I passed safely and made sure to thank them.

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

I used to find it hard to buy into this so called ‘you startled me’ excuse that walkers play out when they full well know that they’re in a shared trail/lane with bicycles.

Until my wife told me that she struggled with the very same thing as a runner when she used to train for Triathlons.

Some people just do not have an ounce of situational awareness. And despite repeated ‘startled’ occurrences, don’t seem to learn it or get better at it. The ‘penny’ never drops.

After a while you can begin to spot them from afar... you see the signs - they’re in a bubble, they have no idea of the keep left (or right) rule, they take up the whole path especially in groups and always stop in the middle of the trail to have a break or a chat with each other. I’ve also seen cyclists do this.

It’s just part of living in human society.

 

[smtkelly]

I have a hope hub, I slow pedal up to people gives them a gentle tick tick reminder I'm there, or if I think they are a startle risk (horses/dogs) I'll pedal enough so there's no clicking with a sniff or a cough to alert them, if they ignore me I loop a few back pedals and if they completely in their own world "Hello! On your right, thanks!" If they are coming the other way and its narrow I'll stop and say hello, because why be a dick? It's a leisure activity.

When I worked in a bike shop the bike mechanic was blind and partially deaf on his right side. I'd needed to ride on his left side, so not everyone might be ignoring you.

I like the idea cow bell bike bells, mainly because I love the idea of screaming "Jesus Christ! There's a bull chasing me" as you approach other cyclists lol. But the reviews say the bells fall apart.