Originally Posted by
noglider
If a pedestrian's erroneous reaction seems to create a dangerous situation that requires evasive maneuvers, it means you contributed to the danger. Slow down when you get near people. Sometimes you have to slow way down. Don't let anything surprise you.
When I'm riding on the MUP, I have now taken to slowing and saying "I'm going to pass on your left." My voice is coming to them from the left. Then, after passing, I speed back up. I started this after having too many people react like squirrels, dodging left then right. Some people even say "thanks." I always do.
The thing that gets my goat are the groups of three, four, or more that take up the entire path, deep in conversation, budging for no one, in either direction - I refer to them as the "oblivious brigades."