You are pretty close - the Australian Road Rules require "a bell, horn, or similar warning device, in working order". As Il Padrone says your voice, even though often more effective, is not enough. If you don't like a bell, maybe an old style horn, strap a xylophone to your handlebars. You might even get away with wearing a Sousaphonecp123 wrote:I thought you had to be an audible warning device - whether that be a bell, horn, any gadget that plays the mexican hat dance. Certainly where I am anyway. So its not law to must have a bell.
I couldn't agree more. I am stunned at some of the comments posted here that seem to suggest that the people in front have some obligation to "get the f out of my way". The other day I was following a cyclist who abused two pedestrians for being in his way - he seemed somewhat put out when I pointed out he was obliged to give way to them.martinjs wrote:Do what all good road users do, wait until it is safe to pass and do it!
It's not rocket science!!.
If I was riding two abreast us and when a car driver came up behind us & tooted it's horn & if we didn't get out of it's way, blasted us with an air horn, cyclists would be outraged.
In the words of the OP what you should be doing is "politely ask others to allow me to pass" - it is arequest by a gentle ding of a bell or a few polite words, followed by a "thank you" as you pass.
My front brake squeaks a bit & I apologise if and when it startles the pedestrians in front of me.
There are plenty of posts on this forum about claiming the lane, asserting our rights & how cars should have to wait until it's safe to pass. It is no different when we as cyclists come across other road and path users - chances are those same pedestrians will be driving home afterwards