Bells on Bicycles

[megfitz]

Is it legal to ride a bike that doesn't have a bell fitted ? and if it is fitted is it lawful not to use it when cycling on a permissive cyclepath,that was previously only a footpath.
If the cyclist (not having rung his bell or shouted a warning)hits a dog or falls and injures himself, who is liable or at fault??

[ChuckFickens]

There is no law that says a bike has to have a bell fitted apart from when it's sold.... it can be removed as soon as the bike is purchased perfectly legally.

[squarebear]

Perfectly legal.

The bike must have an audible warning system, this includes the rider shouting.

[EcclesCake]

Chuck, I'm not sure its still a requirement for bikes to be sold with a bell.

Was the dog on a lead and under control?

[ChuckFickens]

It's been a requirement since 2004 that all new bikes have to have a bell fitted, under the The Pedal Bicycles (Safety) Regulations 2003

http://www.legislatio...101/regulation/4/made

[EcclesCake]

How odd, they did away with the requirement for a bell, have reintroduced it but still you can remove it after sale! The law really does move in mysterious ways.....

[megfitz]

The dogs are not on leads on this particular path as it runs through a wood but the wood is fenced on both sides.
Squarebear are the riders obliged to issue a warning (of any sort)?
CF. if the bell fitted when sold is suitable for use on a bike ,does that not imply that it should be used?? what about bikes sold before this law was introduced?

[Slapshot]

Get out the f****ng way tends to work for me!!

[EDDIE51]

A 'permissive' cyclepath ? is that one that has a lot of 'riders'?

[Khandro]

Chuck; I haven't delved into "—(1) Save as provided in paragraph (2) and regulation 6.", but I know if you go into any retailer of lightweight/racing bikes for road or track , the bikes they sell are not equipped with bells, do you suggest these bikes are illegal ?

[ChuckFickens]

Section 6

"(2) The provisions of regulation 4 do not apply in respect of—

(a)a bicycle which has previously been supplied and used (other than for the purpose of testing) on or off a road;
(b)a bicycle the height of the saddle of which is less than 635 millimetres;
(c)a competition bicycle; or
(d)a bicycle which has been constructed to the design of an individual person for use by that person in competitive events.
(3) The provisions of regulation 4 do not apply in a case where the person supplying the bicycle reasonably believes that it will not be used in the United Kingdom."

So 6c would seem to apply to your point, Khandro

[Hopkirk]

I would never ring my bell on a bicycle, it sounds like I am demanding to be given room.

[megfitz]

To clarify.. the footpath is mapped as a right-of-way footpath,i.e. no cyclists,horses permitted. the path was adapted a year ago to permit cyclists to use it but as I understand priority is still with walkers.

[cassa333]

If it is a shared cycle track (shared cycle and pedestrian way) in the woods then I don't think ringing a p!ssy little bell is going to cut it. You are more likely to hear the bike crashing along around or near you lol

Get out the f***ing way works well but only for humans. Would a dog honestly understand or take notice?

I would imagine, in my eyes at any rate, that if an accident occured involving a dog in the woods and a cycle then the dog would be at fault.

People don't tend to try to run dogs over in the woods as they are more likely to take a tumble and hurt themselves so once again in my eyes, it would be the dog getting in the way that was at fault and by default the dog owner!!!

[Khandro]

Thanks Chuck. I think it most important to use a bell or at least say an "Hello!" if you haven't one, when approaching horse & rider from behind, more for the sake of the horse, any sound from a distance a horse will hear, dogs are not so easily startled.

[Booldawg]

In this ipod generation I have been able to cycle within a few feet of people whilst on a shared path (bridleway, dual use path etc) without them knowing I'm there.

You could have the Royal Marines military band playing 2 feet away and they would be oblivious!

[stoofur]

I don't think dogs can use an iPod.

[BlueToffee]

I remember Bobbies on Bicycle, two by two, but don't recall any bells, perhaps better ask Roger Miller!

[NanaLiz]

Cyclists DO NOT have any priority on any public footpath or bridleway as pedestrians (and their dogs) always have lawful right of way! You are rude, inconsiderate, thoughtless and arrogant - in short anti-social - if you don't ring your bell, which should be on your bike and used or you are committing an offence - if you can't ring your bell you should shout a none abusive/pleasant warning. Walkers have not got eyes in the back of their heads, not everyone can hear you and some can't move very quickly. You are completely at fault if you hit the pedestrian or their dog and if you fall off your bike and get injured tough - you deserve it! If you fell off after hitting my dog or me I would take a photo and report you to the police and I would press charges and make them stick. Also I am a cyclist too and if I can behave responsibly towards other people and their dogs why can't you? If some of the arrogant commenters on this post shout get out of the f----ing way at some people you need to remember that some dogs and their owners are aggressive and it will be you that will suffer. No wonder people can't stand cyclists a lot of you should read the highway code before being allowed on a bike and giving decent people a bad name. God help us if you drive cars!