Originally Posted by
RCMoeur
A while ago, I hypothesized that other path users, especially members of the non-cycling public, react (seemingly subconsciously) primarily to the direction they hear; e.g. "on your left" elicits a move to the left in response, since they heard "left".
I felt that way too in the past, but I've lately just thinking when they hear any noise that startles them they just instinctively jump like a rabbit with the belief they are getting out of the way. But still your hypothesis is a possibility.
Though It takes more effort, I usually say "Passing on your left", "Passing Left", "I'm passing on your left" depending on amount of time and breath I have. Still the noobs jump out of their skin and might do anything. so I always try to announce well in advance so I can avoid any thing they might do wrong.