I struggle with that every time I come upon someone. Will it freak them out if I tweak my bell? Kids are very unpredictable. Even if they are going past you and seem okay, they can wiggle out of control. I think that is true, you gave them recognition! I try and always respond when kids say something to me, acknowledge their presence, their value. :0)
I've found that you have to use a bell. Of course, I ride the bike paths which are shared with people. The Strand, the Boardwalk, and, any bike path is always shared with walkers, skaters.
In the street, maybe not so much. I think you need a brick in that case, to get through to some of the ignorant drivers. Or rather, I wish I HAD one when some of them pull out in front of me like I'm not even there. Happens when I'm out walking, too. These moms, running late, on the route the kids walk to school on, running stop signs without looking. If me, an adult, thinks it is safe to cross, a child would most definitely and maybe not stop!!
Crazy huh? You'd think people with kids would look more for kids? I always look for bicyclists/motorcyclists/walkers/runners.
ha ha maybe I'm too distracted of a driver if I'm always looking for these people?
