Seldom do I call out when passing. I’m careful to recognize when I’m in an area that requires prudence. For instance, on crowded paths I can’t pass people immediately because of all the pedestrians and cyclists all using a 5 foot-wide path. Just because you have a bell or a giddy voice does not mean everyone can or even should move to the side. When there’s a cyclist too center or swerving, I will call out “on the left” as I was taught to do while circling Minneapolis’ lakes with my father. 95% of the time I pass unannounced, often times this means waiting a moment for adequate space and timing my run appropriately (like you’d do in a car on a 2 lane highway).
Conversely, when I’m on foot or passed by another cyclist, I appreciate a warning call if I can help them pass me, otherwise it’s startling, annoying, and a useless sounding. Clearly only an instant’s discombobulation can lead to calamity. Announcing your presence doesn’t preclude you from responsibility in accidents or even mean you’re doing the neighborly thing. I understand why tourists, D.C. natives, or other cyclists become agitated when they hear a high-pitched bell or hear a someone bark a few gruff words. At times, it’s akin to “GET OUT OF THE WAY PLEBEIAN!”
Bonus factoid: In D.C. it’s illegal not to have a bell on your bike.
