What is the proper way to annouce coming up behind someone?

Question

I ride my bike on the sidewalk as I don't trust cars to see me in the road. I slow down and say (what I think to be loudly enough) "excuse me" and nothing seems to happen. Sometimes they have head phones on, are walking and talking w/ someone else so they may not hear me. What is the proper way to announce you are coming up behind someone without making them think I'm crazy or rude? thank you!!

Answer 1

On your left!

Answer 2

EXCUSE ME...MAKE WAY

Answer 3

BATMAN IS HERE

Answer 4

i always yell "on your left!"

you have to make sure to actually pass them on the left, though. sometimes i don't do that :)

Answer 5

I say a bell or horn.  Excuse me or behind you is probably cool, too, just be aware of your tone of voice when you say it (that would be what made it rude).  I agree about making sure it's not illegal to ride on the side walk.

Answer 6

Behind you!

Answer 7

When I was a kid, my parents had my brother and I join this bike safety class sponsored by the local police department.  Proper etiquette is to call out "passing on your left" loudly and clearly.  If the pedestrians have their volume on their ear buds up so loud that they can't hear you, you aren't at fault as you had done what is required.  I would just maintain caution when passing them, to be on the safe side.

Answer 8

A bell should work.  That's what they're for.  However, I have to point out, depending on where you're at, it might be illegal for you to ride your bike on the sidewalk.  If you were to hit someone or injure them in some way, you could be held liable.

Answer 9

"Give me your f*ckin' wallet!"

:)

Actually, at least in Texas, it's ILLEGAL to ride bikes on the sidewalk. No one actually ever enforces this law, but the point is that bikes are meant to be taken to the streets, and you're supposed to follow the normal laws of traffic.

So as far as proper etiquette goes, get off the sidewalk, because you don't have the right of way!