In reply to The New NickB:
> It is a commonly expressed view.
Is it really, or is that an urban myth generated by a minority of grumpy walkers? As I've said it's not a view I hold, nor a view held by the many people I walk with both in and without local Rambler's groups. There is however understandable resentment when no warning by bell nor voice is given.
As I've said, I prefer bell, because being higher pitched the sound travels further and cuts through the sound of voices where a group of people is talking. Certainly the people I walk with are only too happy to make way for cyclists.
To Chris the Tall re braking and dinging at the same time. I've located the bell on my bike just above my right brake lever so that I can flick it with my thumb without loosing my grip or interfering with the braking.
I was interested in your article and mention of a history of conflict between walkers and motor cyclists. Last Sunday I was leading a local Ramblers walk - an 8 mile circular which took in several by ways. Unbeknown to us the local Motorbike and Trail Club had also arranged to hold an event that day using some of the same lanes. They were extremely considerate, polite and smiling and had arranged to go through in small batches, never more than 4 at a time and with a long interval between batches. The rapport between the bikers and the ramblers was great with everybody showing mutual respect and considration, laughing and joking, consequently both clubs had a great time and no one was unduly inconvenienced.