Ding-Ding

No replies from cyclists after 35 views Not looking good for the boxes [:P]

Here’s an answer that isn’t really one… Lots of pedestrians—joggers, especially—wear headphones to stay in their own bubble, so bells are inaudible or even useless. As a pedestrian (without headphones), I find bells pretty unpleasant and even rude because I (and others) believe it’s up to cyclists to watch out for pedestrians and avoid them without bothering them—not for pedestrians to move aside at the sound of a bell. Here, bike paths are shared by pedestrians, cyclists, *and* e-scooters, and everyone just ‘keep left’ without too many issues!

Come on, a reply... that isn't really one... Lots of pedestrians, or rather joggers, wear headphones to stay in their own bubble... so bell rings are inaudible or even useless. As a pedestrian (without headphones), I find bell rings rather unpleasant and even impolite because I (and others) believe it's up to cyclists to pay attention to pedestrians and avoid them without bothering them, not for pedestrians to move aside at the sound of a bell. Here, bike paths are shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters, and everyone 'keeps left' without too many issues!

A light bell ring isn’t impolite at all and can prevent many accidents. I don’t know where you live, but where I am, on the paths, people pass each other with smiles, say hello, and even exchange a few words. A very light bell ring isn’t unpleasant and helps warn a pedestrian who, for any number of reasons, might step aside just as a cyclist comes up from behind (I met a gentleman two days ago who confirmed there are accidents)—either bike vs. pedestrian or bikes colliding with each other. Long live the individualistic world, we see where that gets us

Oh yeah, you're absolutely right—it's a real jungle out there on the bike lanes! Our bike horns don’t go *Ding-Ding* but *Toot-Toot* when you press them (metal bell with a rubber palm, like soccer fans use). We bought them when we cycled through India. That said, you’ve gotta ring them in advance, or there’ll be a lot of heart attacks and fewer cyclists as a result. https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr

Oh yeah, you're absolutely right—it's a real jungle out there on the bike paths! Our horns don’t go "Dring-Dring" but "Pouet-Pouet" when you press them (metal bell with a rubber palm, like soccer fans use). We bought them when we cycled through India. But you’ve gotta ring them in advance, or there’ll be a lot of heart attacks and fewer cyclists as a result. https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr

Hey, regarding forest trails and paths, it’s fine—no crowding there. But when I want to go fast for my workout, I’ve got a greenway near me that crosses two whole departments (and there, it’s total chaos—can’t even say the word…). I’m the only one acting like I’m walking along a road (always on my left, facing traffic to see what’s coming). None of the pedestrians or cyclists respect each other—that’s why I started this little thread! The worst in terms of danger are the "pro" cyclists. I call them pros because their excessive speed on a shared path, plus their outfits, make me think they’re training or something (they haul *serious* ass). One day, I’ll try to see if they even have a bell (I’m pretty sure they don’t—it’d be a "stain" on their sleek racing bikes and their skin-tight, borderline-ridiculous gear 😄). They’re not the type to give a quick nod or even crack a smile . Same goes for the others (joggers, walkers, etc.). They act like there are no rules, so it’s basically a lottery when it comes to accidents. (I also think the most at-risk are those with earbuds in—I can’t even imagine what it’s like in the city, with the risks *and* pollution.) Personally, I don’t know if road rules apply in these places, but out of caution and logic, I act like they do… These people remind me of airplane passengers—most of them just stare blankly (and in those moments, I daydream about some serious turbulence that’d "loosen them up" a bit, so they’d finally turn to see who they’re about to die next to—human stuff, you know? 😄). Anyway, your Pouet-Pouet is like a smile to me—something totally adorable 🥰. (In this world of indifferent individualists.) On bike paths and greenways, some people confuse freedom with right-of-way. If they fall, I’ll be the one who didn’t see a thing. My little eco-friendly gesture: recycling their cluelessness. 😉

You're right, it's total chaos. The worst part is the electric scooters going full speed without helmets, while us cyclists were told on TV that we're no longer allowed to have a flashing red light on our helmets—it has to be fixed or we get fined. But a flashing light is so much more visible!

This country’s really lost the plot. Everything’s about squeezing money out of those who work.

In India, where the roads are pure chaos, people showed us way more respect than here.

I go to the gym to stay in shape too, but soon I won’t be able to talk to anyone—everyone’s got earbuds in or is filming themselves on their phones.

At this point, if my honking gives people heart attacks, that might not be so bad. The corpses could turn into obstacles, and bike lanes into a BMX track.

The other day, I heard that in Korea, they’ve put traffic lights on the ground because people are so glued to their phones while walking.

We’re heading straight for disaster.

You're right, it's total chaos. The worst part is the electric scooters going full speed without helmets, while we cyclists were told on TV that we can't have a flashing red light on our helmets—it has to be fixed or we get fined. Yet a flashing light is way more visible. We're really going off the rails in this country. Everything's about squeezing money out of those who work. In India, where the roads are pure chaos, people respected us way more than here. I go to the gym to stay in shape too, but soon I won't be able to talk to anyone—they all have earbuds in or are filming themselves on their phones. At this rate, if my honking gives people heart attacks, that could be fun. The corpses will turn into obstacles, and bike lanes into BMX tracks. I think I heard that in Korea, people are so glued to their phones while walking that they installed traffic lights on the ground. We're heading straight for it.

Noses buried in phones, ears plugged, helmets optional. Joggers, cyclists, scooter riders—everyone’s charging straight toward stupidity. And when it ends under someone’s wheels, it’s always the fault of the world moving too fast. 😄

And just like that, everyone’s gone. The greenway behind my house is all mine now (no more strolling tourists, clueless joggers, or cyclists) 😔 Perfect track for rainy days like this morning, and no slipping in the mud in the woods for a good fifty kilometers 🚴‍♀️

Rest assured, cyclists who don’t have a bell are breaking the Highway Code. Article R313-33 of the Highway Code states that every bicycle must be equipped with a warning device consisting of a bell or gong. The sound of this device must be audible at least 50 meters away. The use of any other sound signal is prohibited. The absence of this equipment is punishable by a fine for a first-class offense (a fixed fine of 11 €, which can be increased). A huge number of cyclists are breaking the rules: no bell, no reflectors, no front or rear lights, no helmet for some. Unfortunately, it’s very common. I have a bell on my Surly, but I rarely use it because I prefer to slow down when I pass a pedestrian—more for my own sake than theirs, really, because I’m afraid of taking a spill. The other day, I was cycling from Nantes to St-Fiacre along the Sèvre, where there are lots of walkers by the river. I was pedaling at a good clip, about to pass a couple with a dog—they were on the right, so I moved left. The owner called their dog, and as I slowed down to pass them, the dog suddenly darted in front of me to the left. If I’d rung my bell at full speed, that dog might’ve ended up under my wheel.

Rest assured, cyclists who don’t have a bell are breaking the Highway Code. Article R313-33 of the Highway Code states that every bicycle must be equipped with a warning device consisting of a bell or gong. The sound of this device must be audible at least 50 meters away. The use of any other sound signal is prohibited. The absence of this equipment is punishable by a fine for first-class offenses (a fixed fine of 11 €, which can be increased).

Hey, thanks for the info—I didn’t know that! Same goes for what I recently learned (on roads, cyclists are allowed to ride side by side). The ones on this greenway never use theirs, though—they just zoom along, heads down, probably to go even faster. The problem is that even with the law, if they crash into us at that speed, sure, the costs from the accident will be on them or their insurance, but we’re using these paths to avoid roads and *should* be able to relax (which is *not* the case, especially in season) It’s the same as drivers on the road who don’t use their turn signals (or only put them on at the last second, like they’re saving bulb life 😂). Incivility is everywhere, and it’s getting super stressful to get around, no matter the mode of transport—even on foot. On FB, I do my small part when someone warns about a speed camera (which saves lives). In the comments, I tag @gendarmerie du Gard or other departments (and the post warning about the speed camera at such-and-such a location) disappears like magic 😂

You're absolutely right. Anyway, when you're cycling, you need to be visible and heard, and in all cases—whether it's a greenway or a towpath—the pedestrian always has priority. That's why you should brake and ride at a walking pace.

So I just learned a bit more about these greenways. And I’m breaking the rules by walking on the left out of fear of getting run into—ughhhhh. Same on roads where I also walk on the left to see oncoming traffic (which seems less dangerous than what the law says—I should walk on the right) . But seriously, this law is dangerous for pedestrians and totally illogical (I’m so done) 😤. By trying to be extra careful because of cyclists who don’t announce their arrival, I’m not following pedestrian rules by walking on the left—ughhhhhhhhh. https://codedelaroute.io/blog/voies-vertes-code-de-la-route/#:~:text=Comment%20marcher%20sur%20une%20voie, de%202%20c%C3%B4te%20%C3%A0%20c%C3%B4te.

You can generally assume that the rule of the road is to keep right, since the greenway is defined as a route reserved for non-motorized users. This aligns with cyclists keeping right on a traffic lane, but you’re a pedestrian—you’re not breaking any rules by walking on the left. You can walk on the left to see oncoming two-wheelers and leave the right side free for those cycling. If two cyclists pass you at the same time—one coming toward you and another from behind—you can step onto the left shoulder. If you don’t see the one coming from behind, one of them will have to yield to the right when they pass you. On the Sèvre in Nantes, I often see walkers on the left or right. Either way, it’s up to the cyclist to watch out for you—pedestrians have the right of way.

You can generally consider that the rule of keeping to the right applies, since the greenway is defined as a road reserved for non-motorized users. This is consistent with cyclists riding on the right side of the road, but you're a pedestrian, so you're not breaking any rules by walking on the left. You can walk on the left to see oncoming two-wheelers and leave the right side free for those cycling. If two cyclists pass you at the same time—one coming from the front and another from behind—you can step onto the left shoulder. If you don’t see the one coming from behind, one of them will have to yield to the right when they pass you. On the Sèvre in Nantes, I often come across walkers going left or right. Either way, it’s up to the cyclist to watch out for you—pedestrians have the right of way.

According to the law (in the link), pedestrians must walk on the right on roads and greenways, so I’m in the wrong even if I do it for my safety, since in this thread, no cyclist uses their bell.

On a road with a reflective strip, you should walk on the right-hand shoulder. On a greenway, a towpath, or any other path without a usable shoulder (a sidewalk, basically), it’s not illegal to walk on the left. The highway code doesn’t prohibit pedestrians from moving to safety when they see cyclists coming, as part of sharing the road and coexisting.

okay okay, interpret it however you want, but when you're facing a problem or a nitpicky cop, it’s not what this law says 😅

I asked the following question to an AI, here's its answer.

For a pedestrian, is it an offense to walk on the left side of a towpath or a greenway?

This is a great question about sharing space on these paths.

On a Greenway:

The greenway is defined in the Highway Code as a "road exclusively reserved for non-motorized vehicles, pedestrians, and horse riders" (Art. R110-2).

In the absence of specific signage or lane separation, the default traffic rule applies, which is to keep to the right (as on a road).

However, as a pedestrian, if the greenway is considered a roadway where general rules apply, the Highway Code states that when there is no usable shoulder or designated area, pedestrians must stay near the left edge of the roadway (outside urban areas) to see vehicles (bikes, scooters, etc. on a greenway) coming toward them (unless it compromises their safety).

In practice, on a greenway, the goal is coexistence and sharing. Cyclists are encouraged to ride on the right, and out of courtesy and safety, pedestrians are often advised to walk on the left to face other users (mainly bikes) coming in the opposite direction, making crossings easier.

Is it an offense? It’s hard to call walking on the left on a greenway a clear-cut offense for a pedestrian, especially since the aim is to ensure their safety against other users. The Highway Code mainly emphasizes the need to use designated areas when they exist and, if not, to take necessary precautions.

On a Towpath:

Towpaths have often been converted into greenways or rural paths open to soft mobility. Their exact legal status may depend on the managing authority (often Voies Navigables de France - VNF) and local regulations.

Generally, they are treated like greenways or shared paths where the same principles of caution and sharing apply.

The same logic of walking on the left to see cyclists coming is often considered the safest for pedestrians.

Conclusion: Pedestrians are strongly advised to walk on the left on a greenway or towpath when it’s not strictly reserved for pedestrians and other non-motorized vehicles (bikes, etc.) are using it, in order to see users coming toward them and avoid surprises from behind. It’s unlikely this would constitute an offense punishable by a fine, especially since this practice is often seen as the best for pedestrian safety, following the logic of the Highway Code for pedestrians on roads without sidewalks. The key on these paths is caution and sharing among users.

Hi there, even though my bike is equipped with a bell, I don’t use it—I find those rings a bit intrusive, even rude, like they’re saying, "Watch out, I’m coming through, get out of the way!" Actually, my bell is just mounted on the back handlebar of my bike (it’s a tandem) to stay on the right side of the law.

I’ve never had any issues with pedestrians on greenways or trails. My foolproof technique: first, I slow down (with a tandem, panniers, and a trailer), then I greet them with a loud and cheerful "Hello, folks!", a big smile, and when they kindly step aside, I always thank them and wish them a great day/hike/walk.

Sometimes, I even stop to chat with them—there’s always something to gain (directions, tips, etc.). Never had a problem! What do I lose? A few seconds, maybe fifteen minutes? Anyway, greenways aren’t velodromes or speed circuits, and the speed limit is 20 km/h.

I rarely see road bikes preferring main roads—each to their own.

I’m more concerned about e-bikes, not all of them of course, but some ride fast on greenways without fully realizing their momentum, which doesn’t allow for immediate stops and can put both themselves and pedestrians in danger. But that’s another discussion! !

Generally, I don’t use greenways for cycling, at least not in the summer when they’re really busy. The reason is that they’re often too narrow for bikes and pedestrians to share comfortably. Also, a lot of cyclists on them don’t handle their bikes well, which makes passing or crossing paths tricky. Plus, it’s hard to ride faster than 20 km/h without bothering other users. Actually, greenways are great for families with young kids or people who are nervous about riding on the road. We live in a country with one of the densest road networks in the world—just get off the main routes and plan your own path on smaller roads to avoid traffic. Sure, it takes more effort than following a ready-made route, but it lets you be independent and pass through small villages that greenways often skip. The worst are towpaths—they’re so monotonous...

I don’t have a bell on my bike; if I need to, I whistle—just as effective!