Some walkers are just not listening

SIR, – Be fair, the problem about cyclists not ringing their bells to alert walkers is not all with the cyclists.

I have been a hillwalker most of my life, and have been critical of cyclists without bells but recently, during this virus pandemic, I have taken to a bicycle (with a bell) for exercise and now frequent the Deeside Way as often as I can and now I see things from the other side.

Part of the trouble now is that a considerable number of walkers, dog walkers, joggers and other pedestrians are wearing headphones or earphones, or are engaged in conversation on their mobile, and frequently are paying little

heed to what their dog is doing.

Quite often after consistently ringing my bell, it is only when crawling slowly past with my hand on my brakes I notice the small earphone tucked into their ear, listening to music or a telephone conversation.

I know there are considerate and inconsiderate cyclists but that works both ways and other users of this shared facility need to be aware that it is shared.

Ian Dunlop McPherson, Broomhill Road, Aberdeen