"Ring a Bell, Save a Tooth" - Bike Bell Safety 2013
July 17th, 2013
Since 2011, Water Tower Dental Care has provided bike bells for their patients during the summer months. Though the city of Chicago has taken measures to improve the safety of bike riders around the city, there are still over a thousand accidents every year due to unsuspecting drivers and pedestrians that don't see (or hear) a biker coming. Though it may be great business for a dental office to replace a biker's front teeth after such an accident, we're much more concerned with your safety than an appointment. That's why we started "Ring a Bell, Save a Tooth."
Bike bells are a great way to add an extra measure of safety when riding your bike. Whether it be in your neighborhood, down a busy street, or on the Lakeside bike path, bike bells can help warn people of your presence.
Great Times to Use Your Bike Bell
Of course, you don't need to ride down the street with your thumb constantly pressing on your new bike bell. Here are the most common situations for when a bike bell is best used:
Coming Around a Corner/Curve
If you can't see what the other end of a corner or curve in the road, you should assume whoever is on coming from the other angle can't see you either. Ring your bell so people know that you're headed their way. Of course, slow down and take those curves and corners with caution too.
Behind a Car
Often when driving on the street with other vehicles, a driver of a car might not see you riding behind them. Either you're in their blind spot or they're too distracted texting their friend while changing the radio station with a hamburger in their hand. A good tug on your bell will alert them that you're close at hand so they can slow down, move to the side of the road, or just keep a better eye on you while driving.
Approaching Other Bikes
While on a bike path, or even on the road, you may find yourself fast approaching a slower group of bikers. Rather than crossing your fingers and hoping to pass them without even a flinch, ring your bell so they know you're coming up behind them. Most bikers will do their best to stay out of your way and keep clear of an accident. Believe it or not, this was the originally intention of the bike bell when first invented. The sound of the bell translated to "coming up behind!"
Just to Say Hello
A fun and common use of the bell these days is to greet a fellow biker. Especially when passing on opposite sides of the road, it serves as a friendly way to greet someone. Ring your bell to grabs their attention then send them a friendly wave or head nod. Most bikers find camaraderie with each other, so it's always good to share a friendly *ding ding* hello.
Along with bike bells, we encourage all riders to be safe, keep a helmet on the head, and do your best to practice smart riding by following the rules of the road. Though a few bike bells might not completely protect Chicago bikers from disaster, if we can help keep even a few people safe every summer, we feel we've helped do our job as community members.
If you'd like to pick up a bike bell, stop into Water Tower Dental today. Appointments can be made through our contact page. http://wtdc.wpengine.com/contact-us.html
Have a great summer and safe riding!