District of North Vancouver Councillor Jim Hanson is urging the municipality to consider making bells mandatory on all bicycles and e-bikes. In a report that will be discussed by the council on Monday, Hanson wants DNV to draft a bylaw that would make bells compulsory in the district. He calls the devices “a simple yet effective solution to address a range of issues related to safety, visibility and courteous riding practices.”
Bells are not required under British Columbia’s Motor Vehicle Act, and none of the three North Shore municipalities — the District of North Vancouver (DNV), the City of North Vancouver and the District of West Vancouver — include them in their traffic bylaws. Vancouver does as its Street and Traffic Bylaw states that “no person shall ride a bicycle upon a street unless the bicycle is equipped with a bell capable of being used as a warning.”
Hanson is calling upon DNV to lead on in this proposed change.
Hanson’s report outlines specific benefits of a bell requirement:
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Enhancing safety
Cyclists often share space with pedestrians on roads, multi-use paths and mountain-bike trails. “A bell provides pedestrians with a chance to move aside before a cyclist reaches them,” the report states, reducing the risk of collisions. -
Promoting safe overtaking
On narrow lanes or trails, passing can be unpredictable. A bell gives “an opportunity for the person being overtaken to adjust their position,” improving flow in tight spaces. -
Enhancing social etiquette
A polite ring “can help prevent misunderstandings or potential conflicts” in crowded areas, fostering goodwill among riders, walkers and drivers. -
Improving visibility
Bells make cyclists “more noticeable, especially during dawn, dusk, or in poorly lit areas,” supplementing lights and reflective gear when sightlines are limited.
If the council supports Hanson’s recommendation, staff will return with bylaw language, enforcement options, and a strategy for lobbying Victoria. “By enhancing social etiquette and improving visibility, bike bells offer an easy-to-implement solution for safer cycling in a variety of environments that exist in the District’s landscape,” Hanson notes.
Long overdue especially on the spirit trail
An absolute necessity especially when a motorist is about to make a right hand turn and the cylist is on the inside curb bike lane and not easy to see.
How will someone in a car hear a bike bell?
No. A driver won’t hear a bicycle bell. Ask me how I know.
Long overdue have come close to being run down in Greenwood park on numerous occasions.There is no where in North Van one can safely walk without the threat of being run down by a bicycle especially a electric mountain bike.The bell is fine if it’s used and not when they’re right behind you
I’m a cyclist and unfortunately lots of pedestrians have headphones in these days, and bells are not effective. I find calling out works better, be polite and much people appreciate it.
Speeding electric bikes and scooters are the danger here. They whip past at 50 to 60 km an hour. They dont warm verbally nor by a bell. The real problem is that there is no enforcement. These electric vehicles should be on the road, not sharing a bike and pedestrian path. The major is focusing on the wrong issue altogether.
I think that is an over generalization. I have an e-bike and the max assist is to 30kn/hr.
Many regular bikes past me as some cyclists are incredibly strong and powerful on their road bikes.
Maybe read up a bit in e-bikes.