Wolf Whistle | Cycling Bells and Whistles

Today I thought I would do something completely different and talk about safety while exercising.  Most people know about helmets and lights, but a lot of people don’t realize that having bells or being able to whistle can be a life saver.

Over the years I have cycled, I have used my own wolf whistle technique to warn people either to look up or to warn them that I am approaching.  Sometimes motorists simply don’t see you or they are not paying attention and knowing how to make a really loud whistle can get their attention fast.  Now it will not always work, but it’s your best defense against someone who is completely clueless to their surroundings.

When performing a wolf whistle, you want to be able to do it without using your fingers.  Here are a few videos that should help you learn the technique.

Beyond whistling it’s a great idea to get a bike or running bell (Yes they make those too).  If you run or cycle in an area that has a lot of foot traffic, having a bell will normally get people to move over.  It is also a great way to warn them that you are approaching.  It’s less intrusive than a wolf whistle and it usually is received with a better response.

There are lots of cycling bells to choose from, but here is one by Spurcycle that we thought had clean lines and would work on an everyday beater bike or a high end beauty.  It retails for $49.

So learn how to wolf whistle without your fingers, get yourself a bike bell and be safer than you were before.

Here is a comparison between the Spurcycle and the Knog Oi.