Bicycle bell
A bicycle bell is a bright sounding metal bell on the bike and going through a gear mechanism (for older models ), other road users attention.
It serves as a signaling device to make themselves as cyclists on the road and at risks acoustic by acoustic character noticeable, according to the Horn of motor vehicles. Under Section 1 of the Road Traffic Regulations ( Germany ) - " Every road users to behave in such a way that no other ... " they should be used at least in Germany also on bike paths, especially when overtaking, for warning signals.
Types
Bicycle Bells are available in different sizes and different from the standard design, with various Läutwerken.
- Handlebar bell
- Radlaufklingel ( Radlaufglocke ), also known as " storm bell" in the vernacular
- Chinese bell tower ( is operated by a flywheel )
All types are maintenance-free, weather resistant and similar in function. An electric power supply is not required, the function ensured even when stationary wheel. Decorative bells with different motifs partly complement the offer.
Two-tone bell on the handlebars
Bell on the stem
Bell brass with outer mallets
Interior of a ( rusty ) bicycle bell
Modern bell with outer mallets
Traffic law
In Germany, the bicycle bell as required by the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations § 64a: bicycles and sleds must be equipped with at least one light -toned bell; except hand sledge. Other warning devices may not be attached to these vehicles. On bicycles also Radlaufglocken are not allowed.
In Austria, § 1 of the Regulation bike only a device for delivery of acoustic warning signs before. In addition to a bicycle bell and a horn is allowed.
Radlaufglocke
When Radlaufglocke the chime is similar to the bicycle dynamo taken by the movement of the wheel, pressed the bell itself via Bowden cable or cord. It produces a loud and constant ringing, similar to a tram. The Radlaufglocke was banned in the Federal Republic of Germany in 1960 because of the associated " noise ". Given the already then usual noise levels in road traffic ban of cyclists has been repeatedly criticized because the cyclists could make audible only with such a bell against the motorist and the volume of a prescribed for automotive horn already surpasses that of a storm bell by far. In 1985, a Munich court cyclists on these grounds an individual special permit for storm bell and bright bike lights by. When the bicycle is stopped, the Radlaufglocke can not be used in contrast to the bicycle bell.
Joke of the Use of bicycle bells
Occasionally, bicycle bells also be attached to other objects, so that their owners want to steer by pressing the Läutmechanismus special attention. For example, bicycle bells found on walking sticks, serving trays for alcoholic beverages (especially liquors ) or steins.
Bicycle Bells were also used as a musical instrument, such as You Still Believe in Me by The Beach Boys, Bicycle Race by Queen and several works by PDQ Bach.
Cite
- Bicycle technology
- Audible signal device