The weather is warming up and the roads and trails around Whatcom County are drying out. Many more of us will come out to ride - just to feel the sun again, or to get some errands done.

Whether you're commuting on the Interurban, or out for a pleasure cruise - teaching the kids to ride, or taking the shortcut to Galbi to grind or shred or whatever cookery goes on up there - you can make yourself welcome to pedestrians with this simple trick!

Ring a bell. Maybe twice.

The idea is to share the space, and understand that as a cyclist, you're moving faster and have a greater responsibility - especially as you overtake walkers from the rear.

There are loads of bells out there from retro, to novelty, to low-cost and utilitarian. There are bells that fit all kinds of handlebars. I have really low-profile "stealth bells" mounted on all my drop-bar bikes. Most of my riding companions don't know they're there until I ring the bell. Think of it as one more bit of gear you can fetishize.

You can also ring to wave at your friends, or ring to support other cyclists on their journeys.

I like to ring mine for small children who seem to find it pretty entertaining. There's a lot of good cycling vibe you can spread with a charming bell.

I've seen one or two bikes out there with a few jingle bells tied on so they make a little ringing sound as they bounce down the trail.



Timing is also important. People walking with their backs turned aren't going to see you, so they might take a moment to locate the direction of the bell and realize what it means.

Not everyone is young, or spry, or both. Some people don't hear as well as others. (Yes, some people are wearing earbuds. We can only do so much...) Don't expect people to duck out of the way in a second or two. It takes a little practice, and maybe a few extra rings - or an extra loud bell.

If I can, I often move slightly to the left of someone as I start to approach them from behind. Then I ring the bell about 40 feet back. Since I'm off to the side, it helps them understand the directionality.

Above all, bring a friendly, community-minded attitude. As you pass folks, offer a polite "thank you" or wave of the hand. Smile and say good morning. We're out on bikes and out of cars so we can be more a part of the world and enjoy being in it.

Let's share it with each other.

Image by Oliver Dixon