Voice power isn’t always about the glass-shattering high C of the coloratura soprano.

Ringing my bicycle’s bell sometimes doesn’t seem to attract attention; but when I call out, “Bicycle!” it’s more likely to get people’s notice. That’s especially true when there’s more than one person; and they’re all busy talking. It’s often even harder to get the attention of people whose heads are buried in texting. That’s why it’s a good idea to use both bell and voice. You don’t have to shout at the top of your lungs; but voice power doesn’t have to mean that.

All the same, I sometimes feel like bawling out certain persons whom I see on the path. Some folks are out there jogging, or even cycling, in the dark; and they don’t have any lights; they’re wearing minimal or no reflective material; and often they’re wearing dark clothing. It drives me crazy. Unfortunately that’s going to be more common for some months, now that sunrise is later in the morning.

It doesn’t help that my regular morning route passes through areas that still don’t have many lights. Maybe they had trouble with damage to power-producing equipment as a result of Ida; and not only downed power lines. I hope they can get electricity back soon. Meanwhile, it’s darker than usual out there!

Getting back to voice, there are organizations that advocate for cyclists and bicycling; such as People for Bikes. Among other things, People for Bikes is working to get out the word on ebikes. I’m not into electric bikes; at least, not yet. But that day might come. I’m hardly elderly; but I’m not exactly a spring chicken, either. Some day I might need the boost that an ebike can provide if I’m to keep cycling.