As a cyclist, I often do no use bus lanes especially in cities. I consider it to be very dangerous to share a lane with buses. I usually cycle in normal traffic and avoid the designated lane.
I do not think cyclist should be allowed to cycle on the pavement. If they are worried by a particular junction, they should get off and push their cycles on the pavement. If they are scared of general road traffic, they should not be cycling at all.
Regarding noise, the law is extremely stupid. All new cycles must be sold with a bell. But bells are not compulsory, so they can be taken off. Make bells compulsory.