This is the manifesto of the Ding Your Bell Project. We encourage all site visitors to read and live by its words.
1. Bicycle proliferation is necessary for Chicago to become a cleaner, healthier city of the future
Bicycles place less demand on public space which means all of us can enjoy that space more easily. Additionally, bicycle use is especially non-polluting -- both in terms of air quality and noise. More people are making the shift to cycling for transportation, yet cyclists can often feel they are going it alone.
2. A sense of community strengthens any movement.
Communities lend strength to the individuals comprising them. A community of cyclists can support and energize each-other, and accomplish more than an unconnected body of cyclists. Riders who feel connected to this community are more likely to overcome adversities and continue riding their bikes. Moreover, cyclists who feel enthusiastic about cycling are more likely to recruit others to become cyclists themselves.
3. Ringing a bicycle bell in greeting to a passing cyclist helps accomplish this community building.
Acknowledging community builds and strengthens the sense of community. A cyclist, with a bell ring and a smile, wave and/or nod reaches out and connects with that person for the brief moment, fostering the sense of shared experience.
Therefore:
A bicycle should always be operated on Chicago streets with a bell (or horn, etc.) to facilitate friendly and joyful communication and build a community among bicycle users.