Originally Posted by
PaulRivers
Unfortunately, "on your left" is just bad phrasing. All the person often hears is "something something LEFT!".
Have had something similar happen to me more than once, most people stay where they are, but a few people legitimately think I'm asking them to move to the left.
I agree with this. I'm a biker and ever *I* am surprised when someone yells "on your left" from behind me. I don't swerve, but I usually jerk my head around to look. I personally respond much better to a bell than I do to a voice.