[unicornfinder]

As a cyclist, I find it hard. I tend to avoid using the bell for the reason you've stated (i.e. it tends to just make them jump), but equally I've found not using it gets responses along the lines of "Use your f**ing bell".

[toast0]

I don't have a bell, so I call out 'on your left', but you have to do it early enough that people have time to think about which side ks their left.

If you've got a freewheel, pedaling backwards can be useful; it makes a pretty distinctive, but not terribly loud noise.