This would be a smaller bicycle-style bell attached to a ring that is worn on your index finger. When you're walking downtown and your passage is blocked, just use your thumb to ring the bell. I've very often wished that I've had this when I'm stuck behind a pair of arm-linked lovers, or a phalanx of teens, or just a bunch of dumbass people who think nothing of domineering a busy sidewalk as a place to meet and have a conversation. My pedestrian bell would send the message that sidewalks are for people on the move! (Yes, I'm the kind of guy who also must push the "Close door" button in elevators.)
-- cheeselikesubstance, Jul 17 2001

Nice concept. You could also use a horn, either the Harpo Marx type or a 'meep-meep' a la Road Runner.
-- angel, Jul 17 2001


I get the feeling this would anger more people then it would please. Plus if I saw a guy/girl on the street with a bell tied to thier finger, I would have an uncontrollable urge point and laugh at them.
-- Vavon, Jul 17 2001


I generally find that a simple "excuse me" does the trick.
-- baf, Jul 17 2001


baf: In my experience, "Excuse me" doesn't register very well the kind of people who block sidewalks. They have to be pretty insensitive to be impeding hundreds of people in the first place. Add to this the fact that they're engrossed in their own conversations and, often, turned away from you.

Vavon: I agree that this bell would look foolish, and I might anyway lack the nerve it would require to actually use it.

waugsqueke: Sidewalk rage doesn't frighten me in the least because I'm 6'9" and well over 400 lbs.
-- cheeselikesubstance, Jul 17 2001


Finger bells and "excuse me please?" PAH! Far better and more effective way of getting through crowded streets, use a electric shock high voltage cattle prod. Works every time...
-- DaveSt, Aug 25 2001


over here in polite courteous England, we do not have a problem with people on the pavement (not sidewalk please) - in fact we tend to do a little dance; together left together right together left then we curtsey, both parties apologise and the dominant character will indicate with his/her eyes which way they intend to go. exit stage left both laughing affably

failing this you could smash the git over the head with your bell
-- po, Aug 25 2001


on country roads it is safer to walk facing on-coming traffic.
-- po, Mar 07 2003



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