That's not what I meant, there are pedestrians walking at the bicycle trails that occupy the whole space and are oblivious to their surroundings. Me, coming from behind with my bell wildly ringing, these people totally ignore the sound and continue to block the path.
That's what I meant when I said my bicycle bell gets no respect while the air horn commands some respect.
These people are not considerate to other pedestrians, joggers, or cyclists.
Yeah, but how much of a hurry are you in? Sometimes I need to dismount and say "excuse me." And I've found that there can be issues of hearing loss and disability. I feel I am an ambassador for e-bikes, and sometimes when I dismount to get through pedestrians, folks ask about my bike. It's an opportunity.Pedestrians have the right of way. The bell on the bike is to make them aware of our presence. Most will move to the right when they hear a bell, but some don't and sometimes there is a good reason for that (like hearing loss, developmental disability, mobility problem, difficulty with a pet/child, etc.)
Last week, riding on a shared use path in a local park, I encountered a mixed-age group of children, adults and elderly adults walking together, carrying gifts, and talking to one another. I had just passed a gaily decorated picnic shelter. I stopped, because the slowly walking group completely blocked the path. They were looking around for their destination, chatting with one another, etc. While I stood and waited, an elderly lady who was chatting and walking backwards backed right into me. I showed them the way to the party they were heading toward. And they invited my husband and I to the party. We continued on our way, but it was a nice experience for everyone.
I've also encountered disability in other cyclists. Everyone's behavior will not be what one expects, and that isn't always somebody's fault.
Be patient. Have fun! Spread the ebike love!
