On Thursday, August 21, 2014 10:55:45 PM UTC+1, Rod Speed wrote:
snip



If there are a few people around a shout is not going to have great

significance



It will get their attention.






It may and it may not. A shout among a scattering of people could easily be ignored.

whereas the distinct sound of a bell generally brings attention.



So will a shout.



Beside, I would regard two or three 'tings' on a

bell more civilised and friendly that a great shout.



No one said anything about a great shout.


Wrong. I just did




So what do all you people who shout actually shout ?



I just say hi, or something like that. Works fine.

WTF Bicycle bells have been in existence for years so have proved their usefulness. Why take the chance that a shout might be mis-interpreted whereas a bicycle bell is a very distinctive and is the acknowledged way to do it. Bicycle bells are not that expensive. And if it doesn't work then you can holler like a pikey.