Originally Posted by
CliffordK
I like to just say "Hello" when passing people. Not demanding anything from them, but it should let them know that someone is coming up from behind.
As far as passing on a road, I would simply follow a person until I knew I could safely pass. If I can't safely pass, then I won't.
The only super high speed road that I could imagine trying to share a shoulder would be on a freeway... which would be exceptionally rare.
I have found that saying "hi" or "good afternoon" results in less instances of unpredictable reactions from amateur cyclists, who sometimes misinterpret "on your left" as a command to veer to their left.