The Government has announced that all new adult cycles will have to be provided with a bell at the point of sale at some point in the near future. The rule change has been brought about now after a guidedog was struck by a moving cyclist. The guidedog’s owner, 63-year old Jan Thorley of Broxtowe, Nottingham, has since lobbied for the compulsory fitting of bicycle bells and was amazed when after just a single meeting with Lord Whitty her plea was acted upon.

Reported in BikeBiz trade magazine, Transport Minister, Lord Whitty, said the measure makes good road safety sense. “The Highway Code already advises cyclists to ring their bell to make others aware of their presence, but many bikes don’t have one. Fitting a bell to all new bikes gives riders the ability to alert other road users, especially pedestrians. That means greater safety for pedestrians and cyclists alike.”

Giant are the only supplier of bikes that we’re aware of currently including a bell with all their models – even the Rob Warner replica ATX1 downhill bike. Shops haven’t had to fit bells to adult bikes since 1983. The restriction was lifted by the then Tory government, keen to prune unnecessary legislation. Thankfully for those of us already cramped for handlebar space – bar end, grip, shifter, brake lever, light mount, computer, stem –there is no requirement for the bell to be kept in place if the bike is used.However who’s to say that we don’t start seeing high quality aftermarket CNC machined bells being the next hot thing.

This article from www.onyourbike.com