Ding dong

If the weather is described as mizzly, it means it’s raining with very small drops.

I don’t know why, but it also seems to describe my feelings this morning after cycling into town along my usual canal towpath route.

I am one of those cyclists who actually has a bell on my bike and use it frequently – especially on the windy pathway up to the K & A.

I am well used to dogs off leads, mums with push chairs and joggers. I like to give due notice of my passing.

However, this morning l faced one of my biggest gripes. A person with earbuds. Unlike headphones, you can’t see them on an approach. I saw a man walking some way in front of me and sounded my bell.

I edged by him to be greeted with a “where’s your bell” tirade. What more could l have done. Should I carry a pneumatically-operated fog horn??!!

In a busy public space, if you are going to listen to music/speech on buds or phones, remember you are detaching yourself from the real world that surrounds you.

You surely have a responsibility to yourself?

PS. A quick response to this Monday morning moan from Paul Kefford, who has sent me a link to a YouTube article https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPditaXEGFE&t=192s which tests several ‘early-warning’ devices you could attach to the bike’s handlebars.

Must say l am tempted to go for the lot!