How this bell made my Sunday – one ding at a time
30.4.2025
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
For once, this isn’t going to be a loud rant. On the contrary, it’s time for some softer tones courtesy of the Oi bike bell by Knog. Thanks to this little masterpiece, I recently enjoyed what might’ve been the most relaxed ride in the history of rides.
We live in exciting times, or rather, excited times. Climate change, the war in Ukraine and the gender debate are just a few topics that make emotions flare. Guaranteed. Every time. In fact, I’ve noticed my own attitude towards other people take a turn for the worse. For example, when I’m out and about on foot, with my dog or on my bike.
Who does the public space belong to, anyway? In particular those paths that are off the beaten track? Are they the realm of pedestrians, riders on horseback, dog walkers or me on my bike? My guess is nobody and everybody. Strictly speaking, public spaces belong to the municipality or canton they’re in. In other words, it’s about the right of way. As well as the question ofwho needs to be considerate of whom. And what does this have to do with a tiny bike bell, I hear you ask? I’ll get to that in a minute.
Oi, goats ahead!
To date, the bell on my gravel and mountain bike sounded more like the tinkling of a small herd of goats. Occasionally, this resulted in amused looks from walkers, but also in the odd row. Why? Because the sound of my bell probably wasn’t associated with a cyclist, so people continued to stroll along in the middle of the path without letting me pass.
This had to change as I’m really not into bike-related conflicts. And so I recently got myself the Oi bell. Now, you’ll hear no more goat tintinnabulation but a classic, bright «ding» when I’m approaching.
Communication is key
Sunday was the day. After all, Sundays and sunshine equal lots of people on foot, with and without dogs, on horseback and on bikes. In short, a whole drove of individuals enjoying the outdoors. And me smack-bang in the middle on my gravel bike equipped with its new little bell.
That day, I announced my presence with a bright «ding» before passing anyone. And lo and behold, positive reactions and reactions all-round. By that I mean every single interaction I had during the one-and-a-half hours I was out. The horse riders and their horses nodded and made way. The dog owners pulled their four-legged friends close and everyone else had a smile on their face.
Not to mention the «thank yous», «after yous» and even the «have a nice day» I got. So what had changed? Was it the new bell’s bright, angelic sound that was appeasing people, while the relentless tinkling of goats had had the opposite effect? Was it the beautiful weather and the fact that it was a Sunday afternoon? Or maybe all of the above?
Maybe it was because all of us who were out and about that day were happy to engage in pleasant interactions? The cyclist rang his bell and the dog owner held on to her Australian Shepherd’s collar. The biker thanked her and she gave him a friendly nod.
During the next encounter, the rider thanked the biker for making himself known and he gave her a nod and a smile in return. And so on and so forth. Friendly communication happily multiplying.
What a nice day that was!
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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