Councillor urges cyclists to put bell on bikes to alert walkers

"Where would you be without a bell on your bike?" Apparently on the growing number of greenways and shared cycling/walking paths.

A councillor in Kerry is calling on cyclists to “put a bell on your bike” for the safety of themselves and walkers.

Cllr Michael Gleeson of the South Kerry Independent Alliance said the practice — which is also the law — has died out and most cyclists now no longer bother with a bell.

But bells on bikes are more necessary than ever, he said, as bikes are faster and travel more quickly upon unsuspecting walkers in the increasingly shared walking/cycling facilities of “greenways”.

Bells were the norm in the past, even on the heavy creaking bicycles (known as boneshakers) which could be heard coming for some distance, and few people cycled without a bell, Mr Gleeson said, adding that, in contrast, modern bicycles are “very silent”.

“It would be of enormous benefit to other road users, particularly to walkers,” he said.

He is calling on cyclists to begin with “a gentle ringing” rather than a loud alarm in order not to startle walkers, who are also no longer used to bicycle bells.

Recently returned from the Achill to Westport greenway, Mr Gleeson said he was glad he had a bell on his own bike as it was “a gentle way” of announcing his presence behind walkers.

Shared walkways/cycleways are opening up around the country, he said, including in his native Killarney.

Mr Gleeson said the bikes were right behind walkers before they could be heard.

And while he accepted that some walkers might get a fright from a bell, they would grow accustomed to it once the bells became prevalent again.

According to the Road Safety Authority, “It’s the law to have a bell on your bike at all times.”