Bicycle bells are to make people aware of your presence, not to tell them to get out of the way.

I know cars suck. But you're meant to cycle on the road

This is not true everywhere.

Literally the bike bell is a courtesy to let you know someone is there to avoid collision, it's not to force you out of the way. At least that's how it is for me. Sharing the path you're on is a shared expectation regardless of if it's another walker, runner, someone on roller blades, a skateboard, or a bike.

My toddler has a little bell for this reason, and you can get bent if you expect me to put a 4 year old on a busy street.

Don't be a dick is the first rule, and you're already failing by being so self centered around shared pathways.

Plenty of paths, the same width as your sidewalk, are MEANT for all pedestrians, including bikes. And we get a long just fine.

And since your city doesn't have safe pedestrian oriented infrastructure, like one with dedicated walking & cycling paths. Bikes are forced onto sidewalks.

Cycling on the pavement can be a lot safer. people on bikes have been knocked over by buses and cars when they're cycling on the road. i ring my bell if there's someone in front of me walking with their back turned and can't see me