Ask HN: Bicyclists, What Does “On Your Left” Mean?

As a bike commuter on dual-use paths I use it to mean "I am overtaking on the left, do not veer into my path". Moving to the right if easy would be courteous but not necessary.

I use it in this way when passing both pedestrians and other bikes. I have a bell I sometimes use for other bike commuters but almost always use the call out for pedestrians. I have enough room by quite a large safety margin, I'll pass bikes with no warning.

ETA: If you are running or biking 2 or 3 abreast, I may actually mean "move right", but that is a fairly rare occurrence...

Assuming you're running in your lane and not weaving, I mean "I am overtaking on your left".

When I say it, I'm just trying to advertise my presence and intent, "do not veer" is stronger than what I'm thinking. Especially because on the paths I ride it usually results in surprising the pedestrian, so I am already giving them lots of room.

Whenever I hear that, I usually just freeze and do not move in either direction :-)

"I'm passing you on your left side, please react appropriately"

Thanks to one and all.