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Long ago, when I was young and living aboard a US Navy warship, I learned to "express myself" rather dramatically. In 2012, on my first Camino, halfway between Linzoain and the Alto de Erro, a bell-less cyclist crashed directly into me. Sent me flying -- (no broken bones, thank God!) -- and I used Navy language on him that would have made even my old shipmates blush....Found this article in Outside Magazine's online addition.
Found it very interesting, and somewhat non-traditional in its approach.
As a hiker I know that I've been scared many times by bikers. Personally I think bikers would do well to have a small bell on their bikes and I'd prefer that the bell start ringing a good distance back so that I can hear the bike getting closer. If the bell rings right before an impending collision then its too late. This is no different than a shout out from a biker saying "on your left" or "biker" just in time to scare me senseless. I want to know I'm being overtaken LONG BEFORE the actual event so I can get out of your way. I know you don't want to hit me, I know I don't want to get hit. But honestly I don't hear you coming up on me about 50% of the time.
https://www.outsideonline.com/22333...k&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebookpost
Reader, I married him?My favourite interaction with a cyclist on the camino was on a steep narrow uphill path with a stealth cyclist coming up behind me and only warning me by surprise in a soft voice at the very last minute. I ended up falling into a bush by the side of the path and the sweet cyclist ended up falling after me as he tried to catch me. I was NOT wearing ear plugs. Bells please!!!
The flaw in this theory is that cyclists and motorists look over their shoulder before moving left or right (with or without indicating). Pedestrians on a path or track do neither and may veer at any time without warning, rhyme or any particular reason beyond a loose rock in the path, following the part of the track with the least gravel, a nice wild flower on the opposite side of the path, spotting somewhere to sit the shade, seeing a good sized rock to rest a pack on while taking a drink, day dreaming, etc. etc. Assuming a pedestrian will continue walking in a straight line on a walking track is relying on odds and IMO that’s how accidents happen.5 Most sane bikers have been watching you for about 20-40 meters before pass, if you are walking in a straight line pass you is simple and safe assuming that nothing such as calling out causes you is step right in front of the bike.
I finished riding on the 19th September, black rented bike with panniers, and was helped up hills for short distances 3 or 4 times by kind walkers, it may have been me that you saw!I saw walkers helped a lady pushed her bike with panniers up one of these rocky trails so goodwill goes both ways.
I'm cycling Camino Frances now (somewhere after Leon).
I brought my own bell (not relying on renting company's one) - thank god I did that. I brought that old mechanic one with ring-ring-ring sound. It's certainly working on camino.
I met cyclists on Camino with new small bells, and they are too quiet for camino (this is feedback from walkers I talked with). My new found friend cyclist had a rented bike, and bell wasn't working at all.
So far I'm ringing the bell well in advance and saying every time Muchas Gracias (as i come closer) and Buen Camino (as I pass them). I have only received good feedback and thanks from walkers. They did mentioned that other cyclists are not as good in warning them in advance. Still long way to go to educating cyclists of etiquette of camino.
On the same note, bike rental companies should provide a leaflet (someone probably have created one but i haven't come across) with rental of every bike fir camino to educate all of bicigrinos.
Lady at Pilgrim office in St Jean did mention to me that walkers may not hear me even if I ring the bell. I kept that in mind. On odd occasions it's true for solo walkers with headphones on. I slow down if I see them not reacting to the bell - no problems as i wad able to cycle around or slow to walking pace.
So far I have had to shout out loud HOLA on 3 occasions after ringibg bell for 20mtrs and it was when people are talking in a group completely unaware of what's around and blocking road full width. On shout of HOLA they seemed to react and let me pass. All good so far.
Buen camino cycling! (I'm having time if my life).
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