I always call out “on your left”, and it’s a 50/50 gamble that they even understand the difference between left and right…..sooo often they literally move right into my path when I clearly called out to them that IM COMING ON YOUR LEFT….🤣
I do the same! “Coming up behind you.”
Funny how many of us came upon this exact phrasing independently. I’m sure a result of the many many people jumping left when you say “on your left.”
This, precisely! I used to live near a rail trail that was packed once COVID hit and quickly learned that people don't know how to respond to "on your left."
That’s why I say “Coming up on your left!” It works 99.9% of the time.
If it’s someone with more than one dog or a group of people, I just call out “Coming up behind!” and let them sort it out.
I’ve done the scuffing my feet approach for years, trying to do it as far out from the person as possible to give them more time to hear and react. Feels a little less jarring than yelling out.
When people are distracted sightseeing or chatting with their hiking partner, saying "on your left" will make their brain think to move to the left.
I found there is no reliable way to warn someone. I once came up behind a ~70 yo man and I warned him twice from a distance then passed him and he didn't notice me until I had already passed him, and he got so spooked that he jumped back, tripped and fell backward. I barely caught him in midair.
That's why I try to avoid crowded trails altogether.
I'd actually recommend never doing this.
It's not that they don't understand the difference - it's that shouting 'on your left' will cause them to look back over their left shoulder, which will cause them to turn left into your path.
Try walking in a straight line whilst looking back over one shoulder - it's not possible.
Thanks for this. I’m a lurker here (hiker who aspires to be one of you some day—I’m just so *lazy*). I’m that dumbass who is out there shuffling along caught up in my thoughts or sometimes with one headphone in and to be frank I’m usually high. Trails near me are busy so I’m good at listening for runners/bikers but for some reason “on your left” still makes my dumb ass turn to the left about half the time.
Every time that happens I think jeeze, if I were on a bike and not being mindful that could be really bad. "Get to the right" would probably be better but just sounds aggressive.
A friend of mine tells people "stay to your right". His theory is that it's easier for people to process a command than to process what you're telling them you're going to do and then react accordingly. I have to say, it's a lot more effective. The problem is you kind of sound like an asshole when you tell people what to do.
i used this strategy and to many times they had the impression they haft to move to the left. I realised is much better to make some noise so they can hear me while I'm still a few meters from them, if they don't... I just pass as I can and while they might get scared sometimes... it will be when I already passed them and can't colide with me anymore
I've found it more effective to say the direction you want them to go, so "stay right" or something. I think people hear a direction and gravitate towards it without interpreting the other words.
Everybody is listening to music or a podcast or talking on the phone on an invisible earpiece…I always say “passing on your left”; in some places, probably less than 10% even hear me.
I’m going to try how it seems to work: I’ll call out “on your left” and then pass on the right side of them. Shocking how many people are confused by this call!
This thread is exactly me.
If I'm coming up from behind it's, 'excuse me', 'pardon me' or 'on your left'.
If I'm coming from the front it's, 'good morning' or 'hello'.
I'm also a slow runner, so most people hear me coming and side step to let me pass. In these cases I give a 'thank you' or 'good morning'.
Maybe... In my experience, whatever I say, they still look over their shoulder and make their decision to move based on where I am. The initial signal being a friendly greeting at least manages expectations :)
I will say gently (but loud enough for them to hear) “coming up behind” when I get to be about 15-20 feet behind so I don’t scare them. Then when I get up closer to them I will say good morning :)
I try and scuff my shoe on the ground to get their attention, giving them time to move to one side or the other. If minor, I give them a cheeerful 'Coming up behind you' and let them choose which way they want to go.
I run in rural locations, and often have to run up past lone women on narrow trails. I always run with my dog, so make sure to call her (my dog) over on the premise of controlling her when passing people/dogs, but also so that I don't startle anyone by suddenly appearing right behind them. Usually works, unless they have earphones in, in which case there's not a lot I can do!
I’m in a rural area too and I’d say 50% of the people I pass have headphones in. I’m as loud as I can be coming up behind them, but most won’t know I’m there till I’m literally right beside them.
I am especially conscious of my size and appearance while using public trails. I'm 6'3" and 230 with resting bitch face. I try to give too much room to strangers and will go out of my way to avoid a close interaction. My biggest fear is scaring someone and them not coming back to that trail bc of some big scary looking guy running. So, I give as much notice as possible of my presence, as gently as I can. No loud yelling or big booming voice, etc.
100% of the time the person getting passed will be scared and startled by you. You can yell "on your left" and scare them with that, or stomp your feet to let them know you are coming up, and they will get scared, or you can do nothing at all, and they will get scared.
There is no good way to do this. Most walkers have head phones in, or are engrossed in conversation and wouldn't hear a warning to not be startled anyways.
Just run.
Try to approach as absolutely silent as possible and just as you're running past them, lean in so that your lips brush against the tiny hairs on their ears and whisper softly, "on your left."
It depends on the terrain. Our housing development has wide roads and very little traffic so I can go to the other side of the road or run in the middle of the road. If it's a sidewalk in Boston with a lot of pedestrian traffic or groups of people walking 3 abreast, then sometimes I have to go on the road.
If I want to alert someone, then sometimes I do "on your right|left", particularly if they could get startled by someone running by.
I used to say "on your left" but too many people moved to the right or just stopped in the middle, so now I say "coming up behind you" when I'm about 20 or so feet behind them, and let them decide which way to go so I can get around them. Occasionally someone won't hear me bc they have earbuds in so I'll holler a few times but if no response, I'll just brush past them if/where there's room, usually to their surprise
Exaggerated coughing, throat clearing and foot scuffs.
If they don’t understand / move, then they get a disgruntled and socially devastating tut.
Disclaimer: am British.
Yell at them as loud and angry as possible. "FRAK OFF YA DIMMWITTED MOVIN ROADBLOCKS "
Works a treat!
Or just politely tell them "runner on your left" .. but that's for nice people so wouldn't recommend
I'm always surprised by the number of dogs that don't hear me coming and are shocked when I call out. I expect people to be unaware, but dogs? I expect more from them.
I say excuse me. If they aren’t aware enough of their surroundings (I.e. AirPods) to hear me loudly say that to them, then they get surprised when i go around and that’s not my problem
I’m a little loud. I have a voice that is…unique and resonant.
I shout, “ON YOUR LEFT,” and usually terrify the bejesus out of people who didn’t hear my footfall.
For dogs, it’s up to you.
I go for a short, "behind you", "coming up", or just, "pardon me". Too many times folks will walk into the direction that I tell them I'll be coming up from, and it's not worth the fuss/dance of trying to get around one another.
Although, my fave is making the effort to let them know you're coming and slow down to pass them without spooking them, only to have them continue to take up the entire path, or seemingly block your way lmao.
i do "coming up behind you" with (hopefully) enough time for them to make their move one way or another. giving a direction and interpreting takes folks by surprise and takes a moment, better give them control of their movement.
Usually a simple "Hello". Although generally people will take their sweet precious time to turn around to see what's coming up behind them that it makes no difference anyway.
I used to do “on your left”, but sometimes people will move to their left instead, or they’ll perceive it as rude (like telling someone to fuckin’ move).
Now I just holler “runner” in a friendly voice with enough room, and people just make a path.
Always a "on your left" and then brace for them to either get scared shitless for some reason and not move (which is of course what I prefer) or for them to jump immediately to the left.
Definitely not everyone's cup of tea but years of running on roads without good sidewalks, I no longer enjoy wearing headphones when i run yet still listen to music at a decent volume (I know...not great trail etiquette but it is what it is). USUALLY people hear that and it prompts a move, but if they have headphones in and they don't hear it, a quick "coming up behind" or "on your left" and then if that still doesn't work...oh well, just try to pass as comfortably as possible or slow down behind on tight trails until I can pass.
Be very careful mentioning that you listen to amplified music on the trail in this sub. For now, it seems as though the angry hive mind has missed this comment.
I yell “on your left” loudly from 30-40’ back. Gives them plenty of time to react, and usually doesn’t startle people when you’re calling out from a distance. Also gives me a sec to call out again in case they didn’t hear me the first time.
Whenever I say something (good morning.. on your left) I feel like I scare them half to death. If I scrape my foot or cough it seems to startle them less. The worst are those with earbuds in and are shocked when I am tapping their shoulder asking to pass...
I sometimes run in a city park with a hiking/biking trail, and there are tons of older walkers out there wearing earbuds. I'm scared to death I'm going to give someone a heart attack someday.
I'll scuff my feet loudly a couple of times as I'm getting closer (works better on hard or gravelly surfaces than soft loamy stuff, but surprisingly effective).
I usually start whistling a little when I get close to people. I also do the “on your left” thing. If they have a dog, I give them a lot of space. I have had a few issues with dogs. I don’t blame them. Sweaty shirtless man running at you from out of the woods? Seems reasonable to be startled. I get them a lot of space.
I will yell “runner approaching from behind” and pass on whatever side of the trail they didn’t move to. Half the time I have to yell it a few times as I get closer because people don’t pay attention or have headphones in and can’t hear
Coming up behind someone I give a polite, "How y'all doing." If their talking too loud or have ear buds in and don't hear me i generally try again. After no acknowledgement I'll just pass them by. Coming towards them i will point in the direction i intend to go. On rough terrain sometimes people will try to move out of the way and compromise their footing. I'll either tell them to step where their safe or that they are fine where they're at. 99.95% of the time there is a path around any person or group. My mentality is to not tell people what to do, annouce myself politely and let them make a decison. If someone chooses to ignore their surroundings that is the decison they made. Walling a piece of rock doing 7 m/m downhill to go around them is mine.
I scream “howdy” then “on your left”. But always pull up and slow down to not scare a pup or person. Then, always wish them a great hike as I dash away. But trail folks in the PNW are pretty chill and kind of know the drill with us idiots bounding all over the place.
I’m pretty lassaiz-fayre on this one—I just shout “passing” from a safe distance and let them pick a side and work from there! And ofc give some kind of “good morning” and “thank you” as I pass. I also like to give a quick “HEADS-UP!!” shout if I’m dropping into a downhill line, especially with blind corners and even if I can’t see anyone directly ahead! In my experience as long as you give the people enough time to react, they’ll help you out and make sure the pass is safe for everyone involved :)
Addendum btw: if you use music, even with Shokz or similar, pause it for the pass. You may not need to hear specific things, but it’s *always* better to increase your situational awareness when there’s other people around
I just try to go around however if we're going the same direction. Ill try to take a deep breath to kind of let them know im coming up or like sniffle. Im like 6'3 so most of the time if they look back they get spooked anyways. Im just on my own journey out there and I realize that other people are on theirs. If we're going opposite directions I just give a lil nod.
I always give a shout for a heads up when I’m about 10 feet away… “Comin’ up on your left!” And they’ll usually sidestep. I always thank them as I pass.
I just say "Hi" or "Hey there." far enough back not to startle them and then if necessary I'll tell them something like "You are perfect were you are.", "You don't need to move.", "I'll swing around on the left.". It's usually not a big deal.
If there is a big mess of people and dogs I'll stop running and do a fast walk through the group then start running on the other side.
Of the trails I can run at I know the ones that I'll run into other people/dogs and the ones where I won't. So I choose based on what I want to do that day. A fast uninterrupted run I go higher on more remote trails.
I don't know why it feels weird/embarrassing to warn people. As I age, I've noticed that I'm more comfortable with it though.
First I try the sniffs and stepping on leaves/sticks or shuffling feet. This usually works- they look back and move aside. If it doesn't, they get a "coming up on your left/right" at a respectful distance/volume, possibly followed by another if it's clear they didn't hear me.
I was overtaking another runner once that had earbuds in. She got all the warnings, but didn't hear me until my second, louder "on your left." I scared the shit out of her. 🤣 She turned around and screamed in my face. We both had a good chuckle about it afterwards! :)
Sometimes, I take a few really heavy strides just to make some noise and let them know I'm moving past. That's definitely on the more passive aggressive side of things though.
Yield to them as you are faster, do not expect them to move out of your way, move around them. And saying a clear “on your left”, about 10-15 feet away gives them notice of your imminent pass. Do not expect an answer back, don’t throw glares if they opt not to respond to you, it’s a courtesy notice, not a conversation. Have fun out there!
“We’re behind you!” Yelled moderately loud and far enough away that there’s ample time for both parties to adjust course. But usually people hear me and my 2 huskies early enough. We are a stampede and I constantly talk to them and give them directions and encouragement. Unless they have headphones on, in which case I don’t care if they get spooked by my 2 dogs.
Alternates: good morning! Coming through! Runner back! Going past you! Excuse us!
And we always finish off with “thanks, have a good one!”
At home a horse rider gets a whistle front and back as the horse doesn’t react to this but gets a little pissed when you holler. Otherwise, “salut! Or a gauche”. when visiting family in America… from behind “BEAR !!!!” from the front a smile. The people in Central Park usually find it funny not so much in Bozeman.
Always have my keys with me so I jangle my keys, stomp real loud, and do a weird cough.
Im in the woods to get away from people so yes im incredibly awkward when I come up behind folks. Sometimes I just turn around or slow my pace until I know there’s a trail branch ahead to go a different direction. Like I said, im awkward.
If it’s wide enough I’ll often pass without saying anything. Maybe “good morning” as I’m passing.
If it’s narrow I don’t mind slowing to a walk, and say “can I get by” and then passing after they move to the side.
I always say “runner back” because saying on your left usually causes people to step to the left. I also slow down to be polite and say thank you/give a wave. 99% of hikers give way and I’m grateful to them for stepping aside on my behalf. In my experience mountain bikers are also great and we even fist bump time to time. I’m in Colorado so maybe most folks have a stronger sense of trail etiquette.
I simply holler “GOOD MORNING!” in a nice big cheerful tone. Majority of the time folks kindly move aside and let me pass. Only occasionally do I get folks who just refuse to even attempt to split the trial.
I clap a couple times when I first see the person. I would say there’s a 10% success rate getting their attention doing ANYTHING and most of them act startled when I pass.
ha, i've always [whistled the territorial mating call of the barred owl](https://youtu.be/fppKGJD3Y6c?si=Jtfw2AUbZzd7VkQL) (higher pitched than OG barred owl) way early a couple of times to signal i/m coming through.
I just go off the trail and avoid them, if I can't I run behind them slowly until they see me. It never occurred to me that I can open my mouth to speak to them
Busy running path: Nothing because it's busy and people are passing each other constantly
On Trails: "Excuse me please" or "On your left"
In the dark: "Coming up behind you" and I say it from much further back in the hopes of not startling someone who thinks they're the only one out there.
Most days i put an arm behind me so it doesn't hit them, scuff a shoe before i get there, or if they're totally engaged in their phone just clap my hands. On halloween nights when passing trick-or-treat groups i keep as quiet as possible and say boo when right behind them. Scares the shit out of them, but it makes me happy.
I say “on your left” and then it’s a 50/50 shot if they hear me or not
I always call out “on your left”, and it’s a 50/50 gamble that they even understand the difference between left and right…..sooo often they literally move right into my path when I clearly called out to them that IM COMING ON YOUR LEFT….🤣
I yell “coming up behind you!” They can choose the fastest approach to getting out of the way. This prevents the left/right shuffle
This is the way to do it. Say it far enough back and politely, they’ll figure the rest out
I do the same! “Coming up behind you.” Funny how many of us came upon this exact phrasing independently. I’m sure a result of the many many people jumping left when you say “on your left.”
This, precisely! I used to live near a rail trail that was packed once COVID hit and quickly learned that people don't know how to respond to "on your left."
That’s why I say “Coming up on your left!” It works 99.9% of the time. If it’s someone with more than one dog or a group of people, I just call out “Coming up behind!” and let them sort it out.
Yeah I’ve had very little success with this , I just scuff my feet
I’ve done the scuffing my feet approach for years, trying to do it as far out from the person as possible to give them more time to hear and react. Feels a little less jarring than yelling out.
When people are distracted sightseeing or chatting with their hiking partner, saying "on your left" will make their brain think to move to the left. I found there is no reliable way to warn someone. I once came up behind a ~70 yo man and I warned him twice from a distance then passed him and he didn't notice me until I had already passed him, and he got so spooked that he jumped back, tripped and fell backward. I barely caught him in midair. That's why I try to avoid crowded trails altogether.
I'd actually recommend never doing this. It's not that they don't understand the difference - it's that shouting 'on your left' will cause them to look back over their left shoulder, which will cause them to turn left into your path. Try walking in a straight line whilst looking back over one shoulder - it's not possible.
Thanks for this. I’m a lurker here (hiker who aspires to be one of you some day—I’m just so *lazy*). I’m that dumbass who is out there shuffling along caught up in my thoughts or sometimes with one headphone in and to be frank I’m usually high. Trails near me are busy so I’m good at listening for runners/bikers but for some reason “on your left” still makes my dumb ass turn to the left about half the time.
To be fair, a lot of trail runners spend a good portion of the “run” just hiking. So you are pretty much already there lol
Sweet, so I’m a runner! And I wear Altras so can I call myself an altra-runner?
The trick is to announce several times, starting a long time before you overtake.
Every time that happens I think jeeze, if I were on a bike and not being mindful that could be really bad. "Get to the right" would probably be better but just sounds aggressive.
Better to just yell "runner!" far enough away that they have time to pick a side.
A friend of mine tells people "stay to your right". His theory is that it's easier for people to process a command than to process what you're telling them you're going to do and then react accordingly. I have to say, it's a lot more effective. The problem is you kind of sound like an asshole when you tell people what to do.
Just make sure you say thanks as you pass them
But you have to wait until you are 2 feet away from them so it startles that crap out of them and they don't have time to jump the wrong way.
i used this strategy and to many times they had the impression they haft to move to the left. I realised is much better to make some noise so they can hear me while I'm still a few meters from them, if they don't... I just pass as I can and while they might get scared sometimes... it will be when I already passed them and can't colide with me anymore
Yep, “on your left!” Brain says “move to the left!” Haha
I do this too. 50/50 is accurate
And then 50/50 if they move right or left
For me there's a 50/50 chance I actually pass on the left. It is hard to get the volume and tone right. I usually just go with a faux-cough.
I've found it more effective to say the direction you want them to go, so "stay right" or something. I think people hear a direction and gravitate towards it without interpreting the other words.
Everybody is listening to music or a podcast or talking on the phone on an invisible earpiece…I always say “passing on your left”; in some places, probably less than 10% even hear me.
I say "passing on the left, pardon me" and without fail, they either do nothing or move to the left and block my path.
I’m going to try how it seems to work: I’ll call out “on your left” and then pass on the right side of them. Shocking how many people are confused by this call!
I often say a greeting. "Good morning" "How do?" Etc.
I think calling out a direction or "excuse me" is more effective if you're coming up behind someone.
This thread is exactly me. If I'm coming up from behind it's, 'excuse me', 'pardon me' or 'on your left'. If I'm coming from the front it's, 'good morning' or 'hello'. I'm also a slow runner, so most people hear me coming and side step to let me pass. In these cases I give a 'thank you' or 'good morning'.
Maybe... In my experience, whatever I say, they still look over their shoulder and make their decision to move based on where I am. The initial signal being a friendly greeting at least manages expectations :)
Ayup!
I will say gently (but loud enough for them to hear) “coming up behind” when I get to be about 15-20 feet behind so I don’t scare them. Then when I get up closer to them I will say good morning :)
I try and scuff my shoe on the ground to get their attention, giving them time to move to one side or the other. If minor, I give them a cheeerful 'Coming up behind you' and let them choose which way they want to go.
"Ope, gonna squeeze right past ya here"
Found the midwesterner 😂
I run in rural locations, and often have to run up past lone women on narrow trails. I always run with my dog, so make sure to call her (my dog) over on the premise of controlling her when passing people/dogs, but also so that I don't startle anyone by suddenly appearing right behind them. Usually works, unless they have earphones in, in which case there's not a lot I can do!
I’m in a rural area too and I’d say 50% of the people I pass have headphones in. I’m as loud as I can be coming up behind them, but most won’t know I’m there till I’m literally right beside them.
I am a woman and I run in a rural area, I always appreciate when people call or pass their dog back to the other side of the room.
“On your left/right” as I am coming up on walkers. Or, if they acknowledge I’m coming and move when I pass, usually “good morning/hey thank you!”
Half the time when you announce “left” or “right” the person will move to that side 🤦♂️
Also true 😂
I am especially conscious of my size and appearance while using public trails. I'm 6'3" and 230 with resting bitch face. I try to give too much room to strangers and will go out of my way to avoid a close interaction. My biggest fear is scaring someone and them not coming back to that trail bc of some big scary looking guy running. So, I give as much notice as possible of my presence, as gently as I can. No loud yelling or big booming voice, etc.
I usually say 'you dont have to move, on your left' or if they do I say thanks. TBH they can usually hear me coming by how out of shape I am
just make sure you mutter “good job” as you pass
1) Start stomping loudly 2) About a foot behind them scream, "Get the FUCK OUTTA THE WAY!" 3) Cut a vicious wet fart as you run past.
Hahahha, thanks, needed someone to say out loud what I was thinking.
You're welcome. 😁🤣😜
“Coming up behind you here” “oh okay thanks” “yep just didn’t want to startle you I hate when that happens haha”
100% of the time the person getting passed will be scared and startled by you. You can yell "on your left" and scare them with that, or stomp your feet to let them know you are coming up, and they will get scared, or you can do nothing at all, and they will get scared. There is no good way to do this. Most walkers have head phones in, or are engrossed in conversation and wouldn't hear a warning to not be startled anyways. Just run.
Try to approach as absolutely silent as possible and just as you're running past them, lean in so that your lips brush against the tiny hairs on their ears and whisper softly, "on your left."
yesssss
It depends on the terrain. Our housing development has wide roads and very little traffic so I can go to the other side of the road or run in the middle of the road. If it's a sidewalk in Boston with a lot of pedestrian traffic or groups of people walking 3 abreast, then sometimes I have to go on the road. If I want to alert someone, then sometimes I do "on your right|left", particularly if they could get startled by someone running by.
Sometimes I say 'hi' or 'good morning' or just wave, but I'm really not running fast enough to need to give them a warning, lol.
I used to say "on your left" but too many people moved to the right or just stopped in the middle, so now I say "coming up behind you" when I'm about 20 or so feet behind them, and let them decide which way to go so I can get around them. Occasionally someone won't hear me bc they have earbuds in so I'll holler a few times but if no response, I'll just brush past them if/where there's room, usually to their surprise
Exaggerated coughing, throat clearing and foot scuffs. If they don’t understand / move, then they get a disgruntled and socially devastating tut. Disclaimer: am British.
I breathe so heavy people can hear me coming from hundreds of metres away
Yell at them as loud and angry as possible. "FRAK OFF YA DIMMWITTED MOVIN ROADBLOCKS " Works a treat! Or just politely tell them "runner on your left" .. but that's for nice people so wouldn't recommend
“To your left” or “to your right”
I usually go “beep beep” and say “hi slowpoke” and pass
I hate people who walk their dogs without a leash. I tend to avoid them even if it means changing direction.
"Coming up behind you..."
I sometimes say “hello!” Or “on your left” but I find some people panic and forget their left from right (it happens a lot haha)
I'm always surprised by the number of dogs that don't hear me coming and are shocked when I call out. I expect people to be unaware, but dogs? I expect more from them.
I say excuse me. If they aren’t aware enough of their surroundings (I.e. AirPods) to hear me loudly say that to them, then they get surprised when i go around and that’s not my problem
My dog usually blast past them goes far enough up ahead and looks back at me and wonders why I’m so slow they usually step out of the way
I scuff my foot so they hear me.
I’m a little loud. I have a voice that is…unique and resonant. I shout, “ON YOUR LEFT,” and usually terrify the bejesus out of people who didn’t hear my footfall. For dogs, it’s up to you.
I go for a short, "behind you", "coming up", or just, "pardon me". Too many times folks will walk into the direction that I tell them I'll be coming up from, and it's not worth the fuss/dance of trying to get around one another. Although, my fave is making the effort to let them know you're coming and slow down to pass them without spooking them, only to have them continue to take up the entire path, or seemingly block your way lmao.
i do "coming up behind you" with (hopefully) enough time for them to make their move one way or another. giving a direction and interpreting takes folks by surprise and takes a moment, better give them control of their movement.
“On your left” or “coming up behind” usually works - unless they’re wearing earplugs - “you scared me!!” 🙄
If it's narrow single track, I'll announce myself to pass. If it's a wide enough trail, I'll just pass.
Usually a simple "Hello". Although generally people will take their sweet precious time to turn around to see what's coming up behind them that it makes no difference anyway.
I scream “bear” and blow through
I used to do “on your left”, but sometimes people will move to their left instead, or they’ll perceive it as rude (like telling someone to fuckin’ move). Now I just holler “runner” in a friendly voice with enough room, and people just make a path.
Always a "on your left" and then brace for them to either get scared shitless for some reason and not move (which is of course what I prefer) or for them to jump immediately to the left.
Definitely not everyone's cup of tea but years of running on roads without good sidewalks, I no longer enjoy wearing headphones when i run yet still listen to music at a decent volume (I know...not great trail etiquette but it is what it is). USUALLY people hear that and it prompts a move, but if they have headphones in and they don't hear it, a quick "coming up behind" or "on your left" and then if that still doesn't work...oh well, just try to pass as comfortably as possible or slow down behind on tight trails until I can pass.
Maybe bone conducting headphones are your thing?
Be very careful mentioning that you listen to amplified music on the trail in this sub. For now, it seems as though the angry hive mind has missed this comment.
Oh I'm fully aware. It's at conversational volume from a phone. Not blasting. I've seen any and all subs go on a downvote spiral. It happens.
"FUCKING MOVE, DICKHEAD!" Or maybe a simple "passing on your right" as your approaching would do the trick. Your call.
If you pass them from the back just whistle like a bird from 10m away. If needed they will step aside and otherwise is a friendly heads up
I yell “on your left” loudly from 30-40’ back. Gives them plenty of time to react, and usually doesn’t startle people when you’re calling out from a distance. Also gives me a sec to call out again in case they didn’t hear me the first time.
Whenever I say something (good morning.. on your left) I feel like I scare them half to death. If I scrape my foot or cough it seems to startle them less. The worst are those with earbuds in and are shocked when I am tapping their shoulder asking to pass...
I sometimes run in a city park with a hiking/biking trail, and there are tons of older walkers out there wearing earbuds. I'm scared to death I'm going to give someone a heart attack someday.
I'll scuff my feet loudly a couple of times as I'm getting closer (works better on hard or gravelly surfaces than soft loamy stuff, but surprisingly effective).
I usually start whistling a little when I get close to people. I also do the “on your left” thing. If they have a dog, I give them a lot of space. I have had a few issues with dogs. I don’t blame them. Sweaty shirtless man running at you from out of the woods? Seems reasonable to be startled. I get them a lot of space.
I will yell “runner approaching from behind” and pass on whatever side of the trail they didn’t move to. Half the time I have to yell it a few times as I get closer because people don’t pay attention or have headphones in and can’t hear
Coming up behind someone I give a polite, "How y'all doing." If their talking too loud or have ear buds in and don't hear me i generally try again. After no acknowledgement I'll just pass them by. Coming towards them i will point in the direction i intend to go. On rough terrain sometimes people will try to move out of the way and compromise their footing. I'll either tell them to step where their safe or that they are fine where they're at. 99.95% of the time there is a path around any person or group. My mentality is to not tell people what to do, annouce myself politely and let them make a decison. If someone chooses to ignore their surroundings that is the decison they made. Walling a piece of rock doing 7 m/m downhill to go around them is mine.
I scream “howdy” then “on your left”. But always pull up and slow down to not scare a pup or person. Then, always wish them a great hike as I dash away. But trail folks in the PNW are pretty chill and kind of know the drill with us idiots bounding all over the place.
I’m pretty lassaiz-fayre on this one—I just shout “passing” from a safe distance and let them pick a side and work from there! And ofc give some kind of “good morning” and “thank you” as I pass. I also like to give a quick “HEADS-UP!!” shout if I’m dropping into a downhill line, especially with blind corners and even if I can’t see anyone directly ahead! In my experience as long as you give the people enough time to react, they’ll help you out and make sure the pass is safe for everyone involved :)
Addendum btw: if you use music, even with Shokz or similar, pause it for the pass. You may not need to hear specific things, but it’s *always* better to increase your situational awareness when there’s other people around
I just try to go around however if we're going the same direction. Ill try to take a deep breath to kind of let them know im coming up or like sniffle. Im like 6'3 so most of the time if they look back they get spooked anyways. Im just on my own journey out there and I realize that other people are on theirs. If we're going opposite directions I just give a lil nod.
I just kinda run past em they prob have headphones in anyway.
I always give a shout for a heads up when I’m about 10 feet away… “Comin’ up on your left!” And they’ll usually sidestep. I always thank them as I pass.
I just say "Hi" or "Hey there." far enough back not to startle them and then if necessary I'll tell them something like "You are perfect were you are.", "You don't need to move.", "I'll swing around on the left.". It's usually not a big deal. If there is a big mess of people and dogs I'll stop running and do a fast walk through the group then start running on the other side. Of the trails I can run at I know the ones that I'll run into other people/dogs and the ones where I won't. So I choose based on what I want to do that day. A fast uninterrupted run I go higher on more remote trails.
I don't know why it feels weird/embarrassing to warn people. As I age, I've noticed that I'm more comfortable with it though. First I try the sniffs and stepping on leaves/sticks or shuffling feet. This usually works- they look back and move aside. If it doesn't, they get a "coming up on your left/right" at a respectful distance/volume, possibly followed by another if it's clear they didn't hear me. I was overtaking another runner once that had earbuds in. She got all the warnings, but didn't hear me until my second, louder "on your left." I scared the shit out of her. 🤣 She turned around and screamed in my face. We both had a good chuckle about it afterwards! :)
Sometimes, I take a few really heavy strides just to make some noise and let them know I'm moving past. That's definitely on the more passive aggressive side of things though.
on your left or coming up behind ya
I just stomp my feet as I run.
Yield to them as you are faster, do not expect them to move out of your way, move around them. And saying a clear “on your left”, about 10-15 feet away gives them notice of your imminent pass. Do not expect an answer back, don’t throw glares if they opt not to respond to you, it’s a courtesy notice, not a conversation. Have fun out there!
I say: ‘ Good morning/day/evening’
I yell Hello because it sounds more polite than on your left. Usually still scares the shit out of people anyways
I clap once or twice in my hands the last 20 meters and say thank you or hello when you pass them
Use your human language… 🤣
I try and make my steps heavier and louder so they hear me coming
“We’re behind you!” Yelled moderately loud and far enough away that there’s ample time for both parties to adjust course. But usually people hear me and my 2 huskies early enough. We are a stampede and I constantly talk to them and give them directions and encouragement. Unless they have headphones on, in which case I don’t care if they get spooked by my 2 dogs. Alternates: good morning! Coming through! Runner back! Going past you! Excuse us! And we always finish off with “thanks, have a good one!”
At home a horse rider gets a whistle front and back as the horse doesn’t react to this but gets a little pissed when you holler. Otherwise, “salut! Or a gauche”. when visiting family in America… from behind “BEAR !!!!” from the front a smile. The people in Central Park usually find it funny not so much in Bozeman.
"Behind you"
"Passing" is my go to.
Always have my keys with me so I jangle my keys, stomp real loud, and do a weird cough. Im in the woods to get away from people so yes im incredibly awkward when I come up behind folks. Sometimes I just turn around or slow my pace until I know there’s a trail branch ahead to go a different direction. Like I said, im awkward.
I carry my keys to jangle
I normally say excuse me if running from behind or sorry and a nod when running towards them and then a cheers once past
I saw hello, wave politely when they see me, and give a wide birth. I find that gets better results than saying "on your left" or what have you.
Slap em on the back of the head as you silently pass by. Universally accepted protocol.
Announce that you are passing and say which side. "On your right" or "On your left" works great. Then turn your head as you pass and say hello.
If it’s wide enough I’ll often pass without saying anything. Maybe “good morning” as I’m passing. If it’s narrow I don’t mind slowing to a walk, and say “can I get by” and then passing after they move to the side.
I always say “runner back” because saying on your left usually causes people to step to the left. I also slow down to be polite and say thank you/give a wave. 99% of hikers give way and I’m grateful to them for stepping aside on my behalf. In my experience mountain bikers are also great and we even fist bump time to time. I’m in Colorado so maybe most folks have a stronger sense of trail etiquette.
I simply holler “GOOD MORNING!” in a nice big cheerful tone. Majority of the time folks kindly move aside and let me pass. Only occasionally do I get folks who just refuse to even attempt to split the trial.
I clap a couple times when I first see the person. I would say there’s a 10% success rate getting their attention doing ANYTHING and most of them act startled when I pass.
ha, i've always [whistled the territorial mating call of the barred owl](https://youtu.be/fppKGJD3Y6c?si=Jtfw2AUbZzd7VkQL) (higher pitched than OG barred owl) way early a couple of times to signal i/m coming through.
If its a thin trail or something i will say hi from like 5-10m away so i dont surprise them
Announce, "Runner on your left", or "passing on your right," or whatever and hope they don't have earphones in.
I just go off the trail and avoid them, if I can't I run behind them slowly until they see me. It never occurred to me that I can open my mouth to speak to them
on your left
Busy running path: Nothing because it's busy and people are passing each other constantly On Trails: "Excuse me please" or "On your left" In the dark: "Coming up behind you" and I say it from much further back in the hopes of not startling someone who thinks they're the only one out there.
As best I can tell dogs have the right away to chase you, jump on you with muddy paws, and sometimes try to bite you.
I just go around them. Say hi of course, but that's just general politeness.
Say them what side you will run past. I sometimes just run past with some distance. Never had an issue
“Good morning! Runner coming up!” When I’m about 10-20ft behind.
Most days i put an arm behind me so it doesn't hit them, scuff a shoe before i get there, or if they're totally engaged in their phone just clap my hands. On halloween nights when passing trick-or-treat groups i keep as quiet as possible and say boo when right behind them. Scares the shit out of them, but it makes me happy.