The Power of the Bike Bell

Here's a great video from Japan which showcases the power of the bike bell. In the video a pedestrian walks through the streets, and malls, of Japan ringing his bell to demonstrate the ingrained Pavlovian reaction people have when hearing a bike bell. While I salivate, the Japanese move over to let the bell-ringer pass, even on an escalator!

We here at BikeArlington encourage you to buy a bike bell if you don't already have one. A ring of the bell is a great way to let slower moving trail or bike lane users know you are passing on their left. The pleasant ring of a bell surely beats someone yelling, "Passing on your left!", from behind you.

When purchasing a bell, you'll find ringers, pingers, ding-dongers, honkers, and knockers - these are my descriptions, not those of the industry. The ringers do just that, ring like an old phone. The pingers make a quick ping that resonantes for a few seconds. The ding-dongers make the sounds of a ding-dong when rung. The honkers are usually toy bells that look like a dog's chewable toy, but come in funky shapes like a sumo wrestler, dragon, cow, or fish. Finally, knockers are wooden "bells" that make a quiet knocking sound; not too useful if you want to be heard.

Personally, I have a ringer. It's the funnest sounding type of bell and every time I ring it I think of Queen's song, Bicycle Race. For just a few bucks, there's no easier way to bring a smile to someone's face when cycling.

Sayonara!

Paul DeMaio, BikeArlington

Comments

[Tom]

Even though a bell let's them know you are there, it doesn't let them know what to do.

Unlike Japan, here in the good ol' USA we don't have ingrained traditions on how to behave in these very common situations. I've had pairs pedestrians switch spots in front of me (the left moving right and the right moving left). I've also had peds stare at me like I'm going to give them a popsicle.

If only the WAPA had a confident pedestrian class.

[Melissa Esposito]

I have a pinger because I'm cheap and it was free, but I agree the ringers are the most fun. However, I'm found most people don't care if I holler (in a friendly manner, of course) or use a bell -- they're often just surprised to have a cyclist letting them know they're there. I always try to thank them for scootching over if they look like they made an effort, too.

[Paul DeMaio]

Thanks for mentioning that, Matt. According to p.16 of "Safe Bicycling in the Washington Area", bells are only required in DC. However, regardless of where you live or work in the region, it's a good idea to have one.

Here's the link: http://bikearlington.com/safetips.cfm.

[Matt']

Another advantage of having a bike bell in Arlington is that you can cross the river.

Both DC and Maryland require by law a bell (or other audible device) on any bicycle operated in their jurisdiction.