Have you got a bell and if you have do you use it? It's compulsory in Germany and they have to warn pedestrians that they are there, especially when coming up behind them. It's a system that works and cyclists and pedestrians acknowledge each other as they pass, very civilised.
Yes I do have a bell but when I do use it mainly on the prom to let pedestrians know I am behind them as they walk three abreast, even so I usually get a dirty look as though I have absolutely no right to be there, even though I always say thank you afterwards. I'm not trying to tar all pedestrians and car drivers with the same brush, I just wish everyone would have a bit more consideration on the roads. [/quote]
you mean the pedestrians that walk 3 abreast on a cycle path accompanied by a dog that is on an extendable lead, 6 meters away and so you have to go on a major detour around dog and lead or say excuse me to which i usually get a dirty look for.
when it comes to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, i am all 3, and i find that pedestrians attitude towards cyclists is worse than any other of the options.