In India, the bicycle is the most common and commonly used non-motorized transportation. Bicycles must have a bell or warning device installed, but when should they use it? A rider may never fully comprehend how to use the bell or what the bell from behind means on a shared walking or cycling lane.
As a pedestrian, hearing a ding right behind you generally makes you jump out of your skin. As a result, many cyclists have abandoned the practice of ringing their bells while on the road. They now tend to steer wide around those who frequently deviate from the defined path, announcing that they are passing on their right or left if necessary.
Thoughts of Pedestrians and Bike Riders
Whether you ride a bike or stroll, the topic of bike bells may get contentious. Police fines for not having one installed are common rider complaints, as are bells frightening passers-by, prompting them to step into the rider’s path in shared spaces. Another issue is the ineffectiveness of sounding the bell while many people walk with headphones on and pedestrians abuse the bell.
Some members claim that they ring the bell early enough to allow pedestrians or slower riders to move to the left and then follow up with a wave or hello to keep things friendly
Bicycle Etiquettes to Follow
Elders concerned about getting knocked over have asked cyclists to advocate bellringing from the perspective of pedestrians. When walking on shared routes or trails, though, it’s not uncommon to hear from folks who find bell ringing to be impolite or scary. However, one bout of rage can make a rider reconsider if bell-ringing is a wise idea.
The SpokeHerd Community advises riders to ring their bell to notify pedestrians when they are approaching from behind. You should allow enough time for people in front of you to respond and create room for you.
If they are talking, listening to music, or have hearing impairments, some persons strolling may not be able to hear your bell. It could indicate that you should make it easier. It can also take time for someone to make room for you to pass if there isn’t enough room or if the person is also strolling with children or dogs. Over the din of engines and music, drivers won’t commonly hear bells in sound-proofed vehicles. As a result, phoning and expecting a response while driving may not be feasible.
Indian Laws for Bicycle Riding
Here are a few laws by the Government of India to keep in mind before venturing out on the road with your bicycle.
Concentrate and stay on your toes. The rule of not chatting on the phone or listening to music while driving a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler applies here as well. Your entire focus should always be on the road.
Before you set out on your adventure, inspect your bicycle and other cycling equipment. You should have your helmet, seats, brakes, and wiring checked regularly.
Keep an eye out for any potential road hazards. Potholes, uneven roads, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs are all potential hazards.
Follow all traffic laws and always drive in the direction of the flow of traffic. Even if you are riding a bicycle, the traffic rules remain the same. Before taking a turn, look on both sides. Always check behind for breaks in traffic while making turns, then signal and ring the bell before turning. Always look out for cars turning left or right.
Conclusion, Bicyclists need to install a bell on their bicycles to avoid getting fined by the traffic police. Use their bell to alert pedestrians and slower riders ahead that they must pass. Allow enough time for people to react if you give them proper notice. If you need to use their bell on the road, do so, but don’t expect other cars to hear you. All in all, it is necessary to ring the bell to avoid accidents. However, your bell-ringing should not cause inconvenience to the pedestrians walking by. Ring the bell before time to warn people that you are coming up from behind. Most importantly, do not ring the bell when you are right next to the pedestrians as it may cause inconvenience and might also scare them.
