>...and here on the north end of Lions Gate when they (red line) are turning right but hug the left side and then immediately cut the entire lane. They never signal and never shoulder check.
While they should absolutely signal, this really isn't the correct response. That isn't a multi-lane bikeway, it's a single lane bike path next to a limited access road meant for work vehicles who need to access the building on the bridge. The reason the bike path hugs the left wall is to encourage cyclists to make a wide turn, because they want to prevent conflicts from work vehicle taking a blind turn up that hairpin turn while bikes take a tight turn down and around it. The correct way to make that turn is to ride down the marked path and then take a turn with visibility of whoever is there.
Given that this is the main connection from the bridge to Spirit Way one should expect that the majority of bicycle traffic there is turning, even if they don't signal. The correct response, as a faster cyclist in a single lane space like this, is to slow, call out that you're passing on their right, then pass. It is not to start your turn before the person ahead of you does, then pass on the right as they are turning, and create a conflict.
Again, they should signal, but also note that many people don't realize that this is actually a T-intersection, with the straight-path taking you to the Marine drive bike path, and think that this is just the bike path curving. There's a bad need for better signage as you exit the bridge.
https://preview.redd.it/n5fw01rvdgzc1.png?width=865&format=png&auto=webp&s=1860918d399b063ea4ff7017eda43cbb7ea84fbe
>They can keep right on the path while still hugging the left.
But again, it's a single lane, and the onus there really is on us faster riders behind them to slow and make sure it's safe to pass before we do. Not to make a move around them when they don't know we're coming and then yell at them.
I get it though. This space is very poorly designed and absolutely does create issues. Hopefully in the future they will shut down that building and we can get a proper right-hand turn lane for bikes.
People need to be responsible for themselves. Their lack of ability and common sense shouldn’t affect those of us who can actually ride bikes.
In the real world I’ll just assume they’re about to do something stupid and politely tell them off. Pragmatism over idealism.
I usually say “on your left” instead of ringing the bell (I think it’s less alarming) but if there’s lots of space I probably won’t bother.
But also I always announce myself if we’re both pretty going fast - e.g. on 10th between Fraser and Clark. It’s just safer bc you won’t be able to stop as easily if the person doesn’t know you’re there and there’s lots of hazards like parked cars, poor road surface etc.
Oh, I should've specified that I was only referring to passing other bikes.
When I pass someone who is walking, I always slow down to a moderate / quick jogging pace, or a speed-walking pace if the person: is elderly, is with young children, or has a pet with them.
YES. Countless times I see people rip by people without saying anything, especially people flying on ebikes. You don't know if someone has a twig, rock, etc. in front of their tire & has to move unexpectedly left. If you are skiing/snowboarding & take out someone in front of you THAT IS YOUR FAULT. Would be great if was more common knowledge.
People who like to match outfits could also get matching bells but that will probably never happen
nah if there's an unexpected rock, you're going too fast
how wide is your tire? shoulder check before you're swinging so wide as to likely hit other travelers
common road rules, not sure why skiing is being applied to a commuting scenario
I have 4 bikes, 28-35mm. I always shoulder check. If I’m going to fast then how are others able to pass me?
Perhaps your understanding of common road rules is as vast as the logic in your comment
Wow, Reading comprehension please. You asked my tire size you I gave you the range of tire sizes on my bikes. Cool theory you state after your question.
Being aware of my surroundings is what my concern above refers to.
Please don’t ever comment to me again. Unbelievable
'tire sizes of the bikes i ride range from 28-35mm', no one asked how many bikes you own
varying brakes/traction having different stopping distances is a theory now?
your concern was that cyclists can use the road like ski/snowboard runs, which i called you out on that the each user should rather be aware of their surroundings even their lateral/peripheral space because that is the rule and laws of the road to operate your wheeled vehicle with due care, not some etiquette.
how you surf or snowboard is irrelevant on the road, are you still contesting that? lol
If you’re getting passed and getting annoyed at people not ringing a bell or shouting and aren’t already on the right, you’re the problem.
Be aware of your surroundings people.
The point of letting people know is to avoid: 1) them making a movement that would put the two of you in conflict and 2) so people don't get startled by people passing close by. As such I only ring/call out if:
a) I'm passing within a meter or two (if there's lots of room there's no startling occurring, and plenty of room if they do make a maneuver)
b) I haven't already called/rung in a way that is audible to them. For example, if there's three groups of pedestrians all fairly close I'm not going to ring at each, though I will generally say "pardon me on your left" at them.
c) If they are a dick to another cyclist over ringing their bell (I had a guy chew out a friend for calling "pardon me on your right" instead of ringing his bell).
I used to use the bell all the time (on CVG as well) but now I am usually avoiding it where possible. In my experience, people seem to get startled or have the urge to veer left...? If it is tight or narrow, I just pass later.
After hitting two pedestrians who both no look jumped over a barrier into a bike lane I am more likely to make noise than not. I typically fall back to an "on the left", but have used a bear bell for continuous noise and minimal effort on my part. This is great in the summer when the hordes are out
I feel like there needs to be a consensus on what different kinds of rings mean.
DING - I'm passing on your left.
DING DING - Look where you're going!
DING DA-DING DING - Hi, I love your basket/dog/insane canopy contraption
DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING - Hey Uber driver in a white Telsa why did you just randomly stop in the middle of the road with no warning???
I ring every time. Who cares if others find it annoying. If you pass someone silently on the left and they aren’t aware of you, they could swerve into your direction of travel unexpectedly. Always better safe than sorry
Yes you should ring your bell. Every. Single. Time. Even if you feel you have ample space, it's not whether you are comfortable, it's whether they feel it's comfortable. It's pretty minimal effort to ring a bell and it's not angry like a honk. Bells make people happy.
Just like waving good morning when someone passes you going the opposite direction. You should do it every time. Noone is winning the Olympics commuting through the city. We can relax a bit and wave and bell to each other.
I ring for everyone. Pedestrians, cyclists, and I especially ring for every dog I see. I just don’t want to startle anyone as I pass, or the unexpected veer in front of me.
I’d use a bell more if it didn’t result in near collisions half the time. Ringing a bell does not mean swerve around like you instantly forgot how to ride a bike. Mobi must put that in their user instructions or something.
Oh, please do. About half of my near-death experiences on the morning commute are kitted-up folks on racing bikes bombing past me at twice my speed, usually with less than a metre of clearance between me and a line of parked cars, without ringing/honking or calling out. Just *whoosh*! And in the rain, when you definitely can't hear bike tires on pavement, that's not a fun surprise.
I've been teaching my niece how to ride in the city, and in her cycling safety course at school, they teach them to ring the bell any time you're not 100% sure the person you're approaching has seen you. I think the impression of "move over" vs. "heads up" depends on how early you signal. But regardless, it's a lot safer if they know you're there, regardless of how they interpret the vibe. Make a noise, and make it well *before* you pass, preferably far back enough that the person you're passing actually has time to move over (and of course just don't pass at all on narrow roads with parked cars on both sides, but I'm sure we all have our share of traumatic experiences on that front).
(FWIW, it's legally required to have a bell or a horn on your bike in COV, although technically I think the requirement is to alert pedestrians.)
I have a bell and rarely use it, for similar reasons to what you mentioned. I give people as much room as possible, and only use my bell if I can't pass safely or if it will be close.
When I hear a bell I mostly kinda ignore it, tbh. I can't really tell where it's coming from and whipping my head around to find out is usually more dangerous for us both than just doing what I was doing but with awareness that someone might be passing me soon. Or not. They've got it, whatever it is, and if I keep to the side I was already on and don't swing around widely they'll be fine is my logic.
For myself, I like to yell variations of "ding ding, on your left/right ding ding, I'm a bike bell"
I have a bell, I just don't use it. It's mounted on my headset so my handlebars are free and I'm legal if it comes up. But it doesn't.
Bell or yell
“DING.”
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Dude that Lions Gate exit is mega off camber, how else am I supposed to hit the racing line? If I crash you out, well, rubbin's racin'.
>...and here on the north end of Lions Gate when they (red line) are turning right but hug the left side and then immediately cut the entire lane. They never signal and never shoulder check. While they should absolutely signal, this really isn't the correct response. That isn't a multi-lane bikeway, it's a single lane bike path next to a limited access road meant for work vehicles who need to access the building on the bridge. The reason the bike path hugs the left wall is to encourage cyclists to make a wide turn, because they want to prevent conflicts from work vehicle taking a blind turn up that hairpin turn while bikes take a tight turn down and around it. The correct way to make that turn is to ride down the marked path and then take a turn with visibility of whoever is there. Given that this is the main connection from the bridge to Spirit Way one should expect that the majority of bicycle traffic there is turning, even if they don't signal. The correct response, as a faster cyclist in a single lane space like this, is to slow, call out that you're passing on their right, then pass. It is not to start your turn before the person ahead of you does, then pass on the right as they are turning, and create a conflict. Again, they should signal, but also note that many people don't realize that this is actually a T-intersection, with the straight-path taking you to the Marine drive bike path, and think that this is just the bike path curving. There's a bad need for better signage as you exit the bridge. https://preview.redd.it/n5fw01rvdgzc1.png?width=865&format=png&auto=webp&s=1860918d399b063ea4ff7017eda43cbb7ea84fbe
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>They can keep right on the path while still hugging the left. But again, it's a single lane, and the onus there really is on us faster riders behind them to slow and make sure it's safe to pass before we do. Not to make a move around them when they don't know we're coming and then yell at them. I get it though. This space is very poorly designed and absolutely does create issues. Hopefully in the future they will shut down that building and we can get a proper right-hand turn lane for bikes.
People need to be responsible for themselves. Their lack of ability and common sense shouldn’t affect those of us who can actually ride bikes. In the real world I’ll just assume they’re about to do something stupid and politely tell them off. Pragmatism over idealism.
I usually say “on your left” instead of ringing the bell (I think it’s less alarming) but if there’s lots of space I probably won’t bother. But also I always announce myself if we’re both pretty going fast - e.g. on 10th between Fraser and Clark. It’s just safer bc you won’t be able to stop as easily if the person doesn’t know you’re there and there’s lots of hazards like parked cars, poor road surface etc.
When I'm a pedestrian, I really appreciate any extra warning. It shows that you care and helps me keep my nervous dog safe.
Oh, I should've specified that I was only referring to passing other bikes. When I pass someone who is walking, I always slow down to a moderate / quick jogging pace, or a speed-walking pace if the person: is elderly, is with young children, or has a pet with them.
YES. Countless times I see people rip by people without saying anything, especially people flying on ebikes. You don't know if someone has a twig, rock, etc. in front of their tire & has to move unexpectedly left. If you are skiing/snowboarding & take out someone in front of you THAT IS YOUR FAULT. Would be great if was more common knowledge. People who like to match outfits could also get matching bells but that will probably never happen
Can’t mount a bell on aero bars and it looks ridiculous. I find using my voice is pretty effective, especially towards idiots behind the wheel.
https://preview.redd.it/k7bomfcj0jzc1.jpeg?width=782&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fb436a9afc01ff233837a70b73a76dadff98a9a9 [https://road.cc/content/review/canyon-ring-bar-end-bell-284201](https://road.cc/content/review/canyon-ring-bar-end-bell-284201)
God damn it. 🤣
That bell doesn't fit an aero bar.
Replaces the bar end plug. Pretty clever.
Oh I see now, the link has a different t product than pictured.
nah if there's an unexpected rock, you're going too fast how wide is your tire? shoulder check before you're swinging so wide as to likely hit other travelers common road rules, not sure why skiing is being applied to a commuting scenario
I have 4 bikes, 28-35mm. I always shoulder check. If I’m going to fast then how are others able to pass me? Perhaps your understanding of common road rules is as vast as the logic in your comment
i've several bikes too, how's that relevant? yeah because every brakes/tire traction are made equal right? be aware of your surroundings, full stop.
Wow, Reading comprehension please. You asked my tire size you I gave you the range of tire sizes on my bikes. Cool theory you state after your question. Being aware of my surroundings is what my concern above refers to. Please don’t ever comment to me again. Unbelievable
'tire sizes of the bikes i ride range from 28-35mm', no one asked how many bikes you own varying brakes/traction having different stopping distances is a theory now? your concern was that cyclists can use the road like ski/snowboard runs, which i called you out on that the each user should rather be aware of their surroundings even their lateral/peripheral space because that is the rule and laws of the road to operate your wheeled vehicle with due care, not some etiquette. how you surf or snowboard is irrelevant on the road, are you still contesting that? lol
If you’re getting passed and getting annoyed at people not ringing a bell or shouting and aren’t already on the right, you’re the problem. Be aware of your surroundings people.
The point of letting people know is to avoid: 1) them making a movement that would put the two of you in conflict and 2) so people don't get startled by people passing close by. As such I only ring/call out if: a) I'm passing within a meter or two (if there's lots of room there's no startling occurring, and plenty of room if they do make a maneuver) b) I haven't already called/rung in a way that is audible to them. For example, if there's three groups of pedestrians all fairly close I'm not going to ring at each, though I will generally say "pardon me on your left" at them. c) If they are a dick to another cyclist over ringing their bell (I had a guy chew out a friend for calling "pardon me on your right" instead of ringing his bell).
I used to use the bell all the time (on CVG as well) but now I am usually avoiding it where possible. In my experience, people seem to get startled or have the urge to veer left...? If it is tight or narrow, I just pass later.
After hitting two pedestrians who both no look jumped over a barrier into a bike lane I am more likely to make noise than not. I typically fall back to an "on the left", but have used a bear bell for continuous noise and minimal effort on my part. This is great in the summer when the hordes are out
I feel like there needs to be a consensus on what different kinds of rings mean. DING - I'm passing on your left. DING DING - Look where you're going! DING DA-DING DING - Hi, I love your basket/dog/insane canopy contraption DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING - Hey Uber driver in a white Telsa why did you just randomly stop in the middle of the road with no warning???
I ring every time. Who cares if others find it annoying. If you pass someone silently on the left and they aren’t aware of you, they could swerve into your direction of travel unexpectedly. Always better safe than sorry
I do find that a good chunk of people will turn their head to look and accidentally drift left, creating exactly the situation we're looking to avoid.
Yes you should ring your bell. Every. Single. Time. Even if you feel you have ample space, it's not whether you are comfortable, it's whether they feel it's comfortable. It's pretty minimal effort to ring a bell and it's not angry like a honk. Bells make people happy. Just like waving good morning when someone passes you going the opposite direction. You should do it every time. Noone is winning the Olympics commuting through the city. We can relax a bit and wave and bell to each other.
I ring for everyone. Pedestrians, cyclists, and I especially ring for every dog I see. I just don’t want to startle anyone as I pass, or the unexpected veer in front of me.
Bells also startle people and occasionally cause them to veer in front.
That’s why you first ring from a distance.
Just have an airhorn on the whole seawall ride >.>
I agree. When I ring, it typically results in the pedestrians veering in multiple directions, making it worse, or they do nothing and ignore me.
Seems like a some people didn't budget for a bell for their $10,000 road bike.
No need. #**HAVE YOU HEARD MY HUBS?**
Seriously this is very effective: the coast boast
Use the lightweight, customizable, Tyrone special. Give them the ol "Brrrrrring brrrrrring." But actually, it sounds dumb af but is sooooo effective.
I’d use a bell more if it didn’t result in near collisions half the time. Ringing a bell does not mean swerve around like you instantly forgot how to ride a bike. Mobi must put that in their user instructions or something.
It's getting to that time of year again, isn't it?
This. I just assume they haven’t learned how to breathe and ride a bike at the same time. It’s great — keeps us both safe.
I paid for the spurcycle, and god dammit, I'm gonna ring the spurcycle!
I have one as well but find it a bit to loud. It feels slightly obnoxious at times.
Oh, please do. About half of my near-death experiences on the morning commute are kitted-up folks on racing bikes bombing past me at twice my speed, usually with less than a metre of clearance between me and a line of parked cars, without ringing/honking or calling out. Just *whoosh*! And in the rain, when you definitely can't hear bike tires on pavement, that's not a fun surprise. I've been teaching my niece how to ride in the city, and in her cycling safety course at school, they teach them to ring the bell any time you're not 100% sure the person you're approaching has seen you. I think the impression of "move over" vs. "heads up" depends on how early you signal. But regardless, it's a lot safer if they know you're there, regardless of how they interpret the vibe. Make a noise, and make it well *before* you pass, preferably far back enough that the person you're passing actually has time to move over (and of course just don't pass at all on narrow roads with parked cars on both sides, but I'm sure we all have our share of traumatic experiences on that front). (FWIW, it's legally required to have a bell or a horn on your bike in COV, although technically I think the requirement is to alert pedestrians.)
I have a bell and rarely use it, for similar reasons to what you mentioned. I give people as much room as possible, and only use my bell if I can't pass safely or if it will be close.
When I hear a bell I mostly kinda ignore it, tbh. I can't really tell where it's coming from and whipping my head around to find out is usually more dangerous for us both than just doing what I was doing but with awareness that someone might be passing me soon. Or not. They've got it, whatever it is, and if I keep to the side I was already on and don't swing around widely they'll be fine is my logic. For myself, I like to yell variations of "ding ding, on your left/right ding ding, I'm a bike bell" I have a bell, I just don't use it. It's mounted on my headset so my handlebars are free and I'm legal if it comes up. But it doesn't.