Great topic – there’s a similar thread in the 50+ section started by someone who took a walk on an MUP they frequently ride, and wanted to share their experience about it.
I personally haven’t found the best method. My previous commuter had a bell that I really dug because it announced my approach from a distance better than calling out. However, about 1/5 peds have what I’ve dubbed the freak-out maneuver, where they:
Stop, turn around to their left to look back, look down at the path, take a big step backward to be at the right edge, and then scowl at me as I go by. If I could see the thought bubble in their head as they do this maneuver, I think it would read:
“What’s that!?!? Where am I – am I in the way!?!?... No, but better jump back just in case….. Wait, WTF, that guy had plenty of room to pass, why sound the alarm at me?? Thanks a lot – jerk!!!”
My new commuter bike has drop bars and no bell, so I’ve resorted to the call-out method which works fine, but only when I’m right up on them and about to pass. I should probably get a bell since like it so much better, and it was highly effective. Just have to deal with the 20% that do the freak-out maneuver.