Should it be made law that Cyclists have a Bell or hooter fitted on their Cycles?

There has been many a time I have walked along the winding pathways that interconnect Martlesham Heath Hamlets and suddenly....whoosh....I have been overtaken by a fast cyclist who seems to think I am in the way! I never hear them coming and they really startle me.

I appreciate it is nice for these people to use the pathways to cycle on but what I feel they should be made to do is warn us with a sound such as ringing a Bell or sounding a hooter, to make us aware they are approaching. I have never seen a cycle with this fitted.

When I have been walking my pet dog on a lead, and we both have been startled by a fast cyclist
overtaking us, I have commented to them it is a footpath, and they should ride more slowly, all I receive is abusive comment's and a Victory V salute!

I feel very strongly that 1, They should have to have a Bell fitted/Hooter on every Bicycle by Law and 2, They should all have to have DayGlo outerwear so they can be seen as well as lights.
Am I the only pedestrian that has this problem?

Comments

Showing 4 of 4

Meg G 6 months ago

Yes, I am entirely in agreement with the remarks made. I have on several occasions had very near misses from young cyclists, particularly as they enter the pathway via the main road where there is an incline. They come down the slope amazingly quickly.

I am temporarily disabled at the moment and get about on a mobility scooter to enable me to do my shopping etc. and therefore I use the path to get to
Tescos. I get startled quite often by a cyclist as I do not hear the approach from behind.

Michael L 6 months ago

Behavour like this gives all cyclists a bad name. I am sure that years ago bells had to be fitted by law. As a club cyclist and timetrialist I would not have been allowed to race if my bike did'nt have a bell, we used to fit small ones. If only motorists respected cyclists and cyclists respected pedestrans - What a wonderful would is would be.

Kathie J 6 months ago

I think it is still law that bells are fitted, I cycle (and use the footpaths where allowed) but I always give pedestrians priority.

I'm with Historic Ipswich (UK)

Steve W 6 months ago

I know this won't be popular but as cycling becomes more dominant on the road. Cyclists need to be accountable and I think this is what annoys motorists.. In Holland (the capital of cycling).. Cyclists are given the right of way. But there are rules.. If a cycle path exist. it is used and the bikes are fitted with bell, a stand, number plates and insurance is paid
As a kid, my byclicle was my freedom.. so I understand the joy of having one.. I did also colide with a parked car and took the paint off down the door.. did i report it? no.. comparing todays prices and cars were 1 per family at the time.. That would have been a 50 grand vehicle in todays money.. i do understand why motorists get angry, especially when adults give the finger to the rest of society.. think if this was a teenager in a hot hatch acting with the same attitude.. would you be so forgiving.
There is a place for cyclists.. and it will be cyclists who change the attitude towards them.. by thinking through their vunrability to be seen, their actions and attitude towards others vehicles, people on the road, on paths..
And on a positive side.. if number plates are fitted.. like the fancy clothing, you could spend money buying a private plate.. :-)

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