"Ting - Ting"

[hellymedic]

I have taken to going BEEP-BEEP when my wheelchair's progress is obstructed.

Try saying BEEP-BEEP like a truck reversing. Small children love it.

I go with the "Excuse me" method. Works well, especially on the chavvy kids. Don't have a clue why. Bells seem to irritate people.

There's also a plastic-sounding WARNING, THIS WHEELCHAIR IS ADVANCING/REVERSING I use with some effect.

BEEP-BEEP penetrates the ambient sound more effectively than 'Excuse me' in shops and pubs.

Why do I get the impression the general public is so switched off??

[steveB]

Why do I get the impression the general public is so switched off??

They wouldn't be if we were allowed to carry AK47s to clear the way.

[little miss mac]

apparently horse folks like a shout from as far away as possible so they have a fighting chance of keeping their unpredictable, dangerous, expensive beasts under control. 

Talking from bitter experience? 

[Pedaldog.]

I tend to go with the "Excuse me, Wide load coming through!" qnd it generally gets a giggle.
When told to "Get a bell" by a narky twunt I asked her if she couldn't hear me shouting from 20 yards away.

[tonycollinet]

I use a bell, and find it is most effective when used  continuously from a distance until the peds have heard it. If I get to close before a reaction, I revert to voice.

People really appreciate having ADVANCE warning of your approach so they have time to react approprately. Worst reactions I get are when they don't hear me until I am on top of them - because then they are alarmed.

I know from experince of waking that having a fast cyclist go past without warning can be quite scary.

[Wendy]

On the few occasions I do give someone a fright, I like to apologise and wish them a nice day.

[aglet]

[...]
I know from experince of waking that having a fast cyclist go past without warning can be quite scary.

I imagine if you're asleep it might give you quite a start

[rogerzilla]

The Frankendale has a special front brake which only squeals if applied with extreme prejudice (KoolStop salmon pads).  It's possible to grab and release it quickly, making a horrible you're-about-to-be-mown-down-screech without markedly affecting progress.  Works every time.

[bobmick]

The Frankendale has a special front brake which only squeals if applied with extreme prejudice (KoolStop salmon pads).  It's possible to grab and release it quickly, making a horrible you're-about-to-be-mown-down-screech without markedly affecting progress.  Works every time.

The KoolStop salmon pads do just the same on my touring bike!  Sometimes scares the sh*t outta me so I reckon it has a similar effect on those nearby.

[rogerzilla]

You should see the toe-in I'm running, too.

[tonycollinet]

[...]
I know from experince of waking that having a fast cyclist go past without warning can be quite scary.

I imagine if you're asleep it might give you quite a start

OK - I had flown overnight from USA - I was tired.