To ring or not to ring?

I am a bell ringer. . . when riding my commuter bike on the “shared” bike path,  I’ll give one short, sharp “ding” of my bell as I approach from behind a pedestrian or really slow cyclist, just to let them know I’m there and about to pass. This has invoked many an interesting reaction from my fellow shared path users. The majority of joggers have their earphones in and music blaring so don’t notice me until I have already passed them. Then there is the seasoned bike path walking veteran that will give an acknowledging wave or the occasional “thank you” as I pass by. They are in contrast to the shared path novices that jump about a metre to the left gasp and stare disbelievingly as if they had never seen a cyclist before. Occasionally I get the romantic couple holding hands, who on upon hearing my courtesy ‘ding’ instinctively go in opposite directions at the same time (hmmm, might be saying something about the relationship!). The scarier ones are the dog walkers with those extra long leads, when the dog goes left and the owner goes right and I left with the decision to, hit the brakes, jump the lead or spend the next hour getting a Chihuahua out of my spokes. But today I had my first abusive response! Middle aged, sweatpant wearing, power walking “lady”, who upon hearing my approaching “ding” turned round and let loose a barrage of colourful language that would make a sailor blush! As I passed her and one of the many signs on the path saying “Cyclists please warn when approaching”, I cheerfully wished her a pleasant day and went on my merry bell ringing way!