I hate how cyclists seem to think that ding ding = a given right to ride through without slowing down.
I don't see anyone here saying that. So it must be just some cyclists.
In my first reading of the response, I got the implication of that from AndyK's post (possibly due to some of the videos I've seen), but that might just be me reading it wrong.
...And if those you are trying to warn of your approach take no notice? Is it better to approach in silence and risk a collision - at whatever speed someone will be hurt - or is it better to do the best you can to let them know you are approaching? ....
But yes, it might be "some" cyclists who I've met when out walking/cycling and who seem to use the bell instead of the brake.
It's much safer, and more pleasant, for all for me to simply ride with care and slow down if necessary. I walk relatively fast, and on narrow footpaths say "excuse me" if I want to pass somebody else; I take the same attitude when cycling.
It's been said a hundred times - if you do this, there's a 50:50 chance they'll challenge why you haven't got a bell. We can't win!
I was challenged once, when I was actually waiting to speak to somebody in the group as opposed to wanting to get past. After several rounds of "ring your bell if you want to get through, oh you don't have a bell do you" "I don't want to pass I'm waiting for kevin" "ring your bell if you want to get through, oh you don't have a bell do you" "I don't want to pass I'm waiting for kevin" "ring your bell if you want to get through, oh you don't have a bell do you" "I don't want to pass I'm waiting for kevin" "ring your bell if you want to get through, oh you don't have a bell do you" "I don't want to pass I'm waiting for kevin" I was grateful I was on the commuter which at that time had a traffic warning AirZound. I leant on the button, and when they climbed back out of the trees I said "that's why I don't have a bell".
I'm sticking with what I said upthread. My vocal chords are good enough for shared use/segregated paths, and when on the road I either shout if required or possibly use an airzound as warning (not had it fitted in ages though as I got fed up with keep topping the air up but never using it). Ultimately though, slow down and take avoiding action rather than sound a warning.