Quote Originally Posted by pooks
The first few times I (walking a path with a friend) heard a cyclist call "On your left," I thought they were telling me to "Move left." A lot of times "Left" is the only word you hear in that situation. So first, remember that many walkers don't know the lingo, and may not even hear everything you said. That's what makes "On your left," so problematical.
Ive worked at Southern California racing stables a long time so that I've realized that many people don't know the difference between left and right -- because they don't understand English!
I've done this for years... if I have no choice but to walk up behind a horse, I make as much noise as possible and call out, "Behind you!" I found that it freezes rider/groom and forces them to look around (and alerts the horse as well), while I cruise past them. Seems to work on the bike, too.

Joy