Forum Topic

A cyclist using a whistle - what a cracking idea!

Oh my, saw a cyclist today using a whistle in Ealing and thought what a sensible idea it would be to cycle with a whistle after seeing what happened. I am in no doubt that the stupid car driver who pulled out from his parking place (in, ironically, a bike lane) into oncoming traffic would have seen his brand spanking new Beemer smashed up had it not been for the cyclist blasting his whistle at the driver.The cyclist crucially and correctly anticipated the drivers actions and only the frantic blow of his whistle avoided what was going to be a nailed on nasty accident.It is quite clear what the benefits are. So from now on I am going to cycle with a whistle. Will you? We have had a thread on cycling on pavements (v.boring) but cyclists using whistles is far more interesting? Are you for or against?Toot - Toot!

Lucian Lever ● 5364d4 Comments

Susan,I think you will find older people are much more likely to hear a whistle than a ting-ting sound that a bell makes.

Lucian Lever ● 5361d

Toot Toot, Lucian! Welcome to the Whistleblower's club! I have been wearing a whistle for ages and I can tell you that, whatever anyone else says, whistles do come in handy alright! However, to become a fully paid up member of the club you have to know that there are different tweets for different situations. Whistleblowers have a lovely way of communicating their feelings to other road users. A beep beep sound whilst showing the palm of your right hand, or pointing one thumb straight up is a way of saying thanks.  A blast of a whistle with a Harvey McGregor hand signal is saying "Sir, I think you should be aware that you nearly killed me". Finally, if you can whistle like a football referee - it never fails to make people smile. Welcome. Be safe and be lucky!Ben

Ben Owen ● 5362d

Once again, let me point out that many older people will not be able to hear a shrill sound like a whistle.

Susan Kelly ● 5364d

"We have had a thread on cycling on pavements (v.boring) but cyclists using whistles is far more interesting? Are you for or against?"Nothing at all boring about discussing how, commonly, cyclists break the law and the need to enforce the law.In favour of whistles as long they are sensibly used.  Anyone who works in central London will be very familiar with the cycle couriers. The senbible ones use their whistles as you describe to alert other road users of their presence. Sadly there is a minority who belive that blowing their whistles continuously gives them a 'God given' priority over all other road users.So, yes, I'm in favour if used sensibly.

Nigel Brooks ● 5364d