On the political potential of free bells

Amsterdam Soundscapes recordings



As people with socio-political agendas, we have to be careful and strategic in the actions we choose. Backlashes and excessive use of energies and resources are easy pitfalls if projects are not well-thought out. A campaign to deliver bells free to bikers would be low-cost if done in bulk, could carry stickers as extra motivation to funders and would create a presence, both at the moment of distribution and sustained throughout the life of the bell.

1) One way to prevent backlash is to promote what is seen as the public good while promoting your specific initiative. Argentine auto clubs were specifically adept at this a century ago. Printing maps, mechanical guides and articles explaining the importance of automobility for modernity, they managed to turn the polluting toys of the wealthy into a national priority. As alternative transportation is gaining traction, we should seize upon this opportunity to gain legitimacy in the public's eye by doing things, free-of-charge when possible, to promote alternative transportation and have a publicity campaign accompany it.

2) Cars are loud. Their growls fill our streets and even our homes, making it hard to concentrate, let alone enjoy being in public space. One thing that has always struck me about cities like Amsterdam is their sound scape. When we change horns and motors for bells and pedals, the city is instantly more enjoyable. The sounds of the car take up SPACE. The noise pollution crowds our cities, making the presence of these motor-monsters evident, omnipresent and unforgettable. Bells are a great way for bikes to take up a reasonable amount of sound-space in a friendly manner.

 Bells are a pleasant way to communicate with others on the street. The communication would contribute to increased safety, respect and awareness of complete streets. A campaign to deliver free bells would be an effective way to increase the amount of cycling, safety on the streets and presence of bikes on multiple fronts.