David ZipperAug 23, 2023

Something I love about Oslo: This city is incredibly quiet.

Lots of people are walking/biking/scooting. And most vehicles are electric, while speed limits are typically 30 km/hr (19 mph), so engine/tire noise is negligible.

A reminder that cities aren't loud; *cars* are loud.

Show threadBobbyAug 23, 2023
@davidzipper I was also told that Americans use their horn all the time, which is illegal where I live. How can anyone live like that? It must be so deafening.
Show threadBlake Leonard 
@Semilocon @davidzipper It's illegal to use your horn?!

I mean using it in tight spaces sounds like an awful idea (unless it's a short, relatively empty tunnel, in which case it's fun). Outright illegal is overkill though!

also, as a bike person who gets honked at sometimes: it's pretty deafening, and super startling, yes. I can't say how it is in the city, but out here in suburban hell, car horns are used only rarely.
Aug 24, 2023 at 12:14amWeb
Show threadBobbyAug 24, 2023
@BlakeL @davidzipper You can use it if you are in actual danger. But apparently they honk for just signs on the side of the street? Or because someone on the street bothered them? That is weird. I hear horns like once a month.
Show threadBlake Leonard Aug 24, 2023
@Semilocon @davidzipper Honking for signs? That's new to me. But road rage is a thing, and people do use them out of anger or frustration, like if you're behind someone who doesn't go at a green light, or who slams on their brakes in front of you and almost kills you. And rarely, it's used to get the attention of someone outside of the car, although (mostly when they're in front of you) quickly flashing high beams is the preferred mechanism for that.
Show threadClickyMcTickerAug 24, 2023
@BlakeL @davidzipper @Semilocon It’s probably illegal in your jurisdiction, too. The horn is there for signaling an emergency (or to prevent a collision).