Take the 2-minute tour ×  When riding on bike paths or mixed-use
paths, there are usually pedestrians walking along them as well.
Pedestrians tend to be somewhat unpredictable; they may suddenly
turn around or step to the side.  What is your preferred method
of warning pedestrians when you are overtaking them? I've been
taught to say "on your left" or "passing on your left", but many
times when I've tried that, the pedestrians have misinterpreted
me and stepped to their left, or turned around to look in a way
that actually caused them to move left as well, putting them
closer to my path.  More recently, since my current bike came
equipped with a bell, I've tried the approach of just ringing my
bell once to indicate that I'm there. I worry that this might
indicate to pedestrians that I'm impatient to pass them, and I
recently had someone yell at me to "say something" when I did
so.  What is your preferred method safely overtaking pedestrians
you are passing? Verbal warning, a bell, no warning at all and
just g