An Attack of the the Ting Tings

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An Attack of the Ting Tings?

13 May 2010

There's an interesting thread running on our Facebook page where we noted the bicycle bell may be making something of a comeback. We've noticed signs on local canals towpaths promoting a "Two Tings" campaign, which recommends that cyclists warn other users of their presence with the friendly use of a bell.

The bike bell was a common sight and sound up to the seventies, but seemed to have become a thing of the past. New bikes still come with a small "token" bell, but how many of us have ditched it along with the spoke mounted reflectors, with hardly a second thought.

On Facebook, the response is roughly polarised into those who think the bell is a polite tool to maintain harmony (and progress) on shared pathways. But there are also those who see them as another potential invasion of our gradually eroding freedom to take risks - to quote one post  "just when I thought England could have no more rules and regulations. Next it'll be fines for bells sounded after 10pm. My my!"

Your correspondent has always found the problem of how to warn walkers of his approach was generally solved by the use of a hearty "Good morning" or similar, which at once alerts the pedestrian and engages them in a friendly exchange of pleasantries. Problem solved!

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