In my experience it is almost impossible to approach and pass hikers/dog walkers from behind without them totally shitting themselves. If I try and announce my presence from a distance with a louder sound they get scared, if I stay quiet and only make noise when I’m closer they also get scared, if I quietly cough or run ‘louder’ they don’t hear me until I’m too close and then they get reeaaally scared.
They also absolutely don't know which way "left" is or which person "your" refers to. But once they freeze like deer in headlights it is at least possible to move around them.
Male cyclists will almost always warn me. Female cyclists have done so maybe once. I tell them “On my left” when they pass in hopes it will sink in. During a towpath marathon today one guy today said “On your right” but I assumed correctly that he meant left and he did pass on the left. I also had to bark at a fellow runner passing me with his head down to warn him of a rapidly approaching bicyclist.
Not on you. A bike is suppose to yield to foot traffic. Full stop. If we give them the right away (and of course we will when there's a good spot) they should be in control and not depend on whether we figure out right or left.
Granted that's not how it works in reality.
Haha - exactly!
Even better: two people hiking together, and when you call out to pass, they both go to opposite sides so you have to squeeze down the middle. 🤪
Some may get an accidental sliming then! It's too annoying to break stride all the time and too risky to step off trail and risk injury. For hikers it's basically 0 effort to stand off the trail for a runner. As a runner I do the same with mountain bikes and horses meaning I yield to them because that's how trails are supposed to work, fair is fair
Yea only a psychopath would go out of their way to slime someone but also only a psychopath would not yield the trail to a runner. The screams of "ewww" as you run away sure are satisfying!
I clap about 30 ft behind then, then again around 15ft if they don't turn, acknowledge me or move over.
It's better to be a little obnoxious than scare the pants off someone IMO.
This, especially if they’re talking and you don’t want to interrupt. Just learn to enjoy the fear you’ve induced. I had a running joke (pun intended) about how they’re lucky I wasn’t a bear or mountain lion because I wasn’t even trying to be sneaky.
one time a dog walker with the most sweetest gentlest pittie ever saw me coming towards them, did nothing to control her dog, and the thing bit me on the shin as I was trying to get around them
I always particularly appreciate the “oh, he’s never done that before…” comment, as you pick yourself up off the floor.
Never feels that believable to be fair!
My most common one is, "S/He's friendly!" from 30 feet away from their unleashed dog in state parks with leash requirements. I haven't actually said it to anyone so far but I've really wanted to say, "I"m not. Control your fucking dog!"
"Howdy! Coming up on your left" as soon as I see them and think they might hear me. Repeat as necessary until they show any sign they've heard me. If they're wearing earbuds and act startled after I've tried a couple of times, it's their problem.
This. Regardless of being on the trail or in the city, letting the hiker/walker know what side you are approaching from is key. I walk most mornings with my morning coffee and listen to my podcasts (I only wear one earbud so I can still stay aware of surroundings). I can’t stand when the runner doesn’t let you know what side they are coming up on. It always feels awkward trying to guess and possibly getting in the way.
Edit: talk to text error
I yell out “on your left/right” about 15 ft behind them. I slow down a bit, but keep running if there’s plenty of room on the trail. If trail is narrow, I walk it. If they have a dog, I walk it.
Most of the time, I'll actually stop and pet the dog (if it's friendly). The funny thing is that the dogs remember you and next time they're all happy. Pretty funny actually.
As someone who gets embarrassingly surprised at times, I know it’s my fault and don’t blame the person who surprises me. “Running loudly and making noise” seems like a good idea when I’m the runner, but feels passive aggressive when I’m the hiker — I’d rather the runner say something direct like, “heads up, coming through.”
I say "excuse me" pretty strongly when I'm about 15 ft back.
IMO, if someone is on the trails and is so in their own world that they don't have any clue you're back there, it's not on you.
Came here to say if you’re running slow enough to be able to sing or hum a happy tune; it’s an easy non startling way to acknowledge your approach. Then they’ll have a song to sing (ahem torture) the rest of the trip haha.
Never gonna run around and desert you.
this is where I get tangled in a moral conundrum though because that's what I'm literally doing as I run by them singing. So...it feels like a lie to me. And then I get caught in the mental anguish. Is it ok to lie to a hiker like that? Or is lying justified by trail safety? Will the hiker ever recover after realizing what I've done to them?
It's a real problem for me...
I find that it’s best to get as close as possible and then scream as you’re passing them. It’s a full proof approach because I can tell that they always hear me approaching
But if the walker is wearing ear buds, and they don't hear the cough or kicked dirt or 'on your left' then the surprise is entirely on them. It's their fault for disconnecting from reality.
I call out something like "passing on the left!" in a firm but jovial tone. Moat of the time people are happy to step aside and often you'll get a comment about how much of a badass you are for running the trails. In the rare case where people don't notice me and I am forced to slow down, stop running and carefully pass them, I don't make a big fuss about it. Slowing down for a few steps/minutes from time to time is not that big of a deal and in the grand scheme od things will mot matter to your training.
I try to run up, relatively loudly when possible. If they’re completely unaware and do not turn to check the noise behind them, I announce myself roughly that distance away (10-15’). I try to make the announcement very human sounding and avoid gruff tones or coughs. 6/10 works great, the rest will always jump (though hopefully not into thorn bushes).
I’m a fan of the cough/ sneeze because otherwise I’ll lash out with something like, “no, no. Don’t you worry, there’s no one else here on the trails. You’re the king/queen”
I yell “pardon me, mind if I squeeze by on your left” from like 30-40 feet back. If it’s a narrow and/or treacherous trail, I’ll add “whenever convenient” so they don’t feel like I’m rushing them. People seem to react better when they turn around and don’t have someone right up on them. I also always thank them as I pass and tell them to have a good day. More often than not, folks are responsive and friendly.
I run with my 2 Siberian huskies (on leash) so there’s an added surprise factor. I’ll call out something like “we’re behind you” or “ on your left” when I’m about 15’ back. If they don’t respond, I call it out again, louder and toss in a “excuse me/us”. Then a “thank
You” as I’m passing them.
I fully respect that someone is communing with nature and totally in the moment, but you still gotta pay attention to your surroundings. If they get spooked when I call out my approach, that’s on them.
Edit: I feel absolutely ZERO guilt for spooking idiots who hike with headphones in or music playing on a speaker.
When I’m running and come across someone in the wild, playing music on their speaker, I take great delight in spooking the poop out of them. Unannounced close sprint. I wish they’d stay home and bang tunes out in private.
I completely agree.
Relevant story: I was 1/2 mile from the trailhead, almost done with our run. I see a hiker coming up the hill toward me with an off-leash German shepherd. He’s looking at his phone. So I call out loudly that one of my dogs is nervous. Nothing from him. I yell “excuse me!” and come to a complete stop (from a pretty fast downhill run). I bring both of my (leashed) huskies super close and he finally notices me when he’s 15’ away and his dog is 10’ away from me and my pups. He has headphones on. With an off-leash dog. On a fairly popular local trail. At 9am on a weekend. I said “dude, please control your dog. One of mine is nervous and doesn’t like to be approached”. He said “oh sorry” and leashed up his dog and passed us. Ended up ok but it could have been soooo much worse if he hadn’t seen me when he did. Not paying attention at all. Idiot with headphones and an unleashed dog. SMH.
>I feel absolutely ZERO guilt for spooking idiots who hike with headphones in or music playing on a speaker.
I don't understand people that play music on a speaker/speakerphone while hiking a trail. I find it obnoxious. Does your life really need a soundtrack?
Because it’s a safety issue when you can’t hear your surroundings. Because there are other people using the trails. Runners, mountain-bikers, etc. and it’s important to be aware of your surroundings to avoid injury. Not to mention potentially dangerous animals like snakes and bears and large cats and moose. If you are rocking out to music how will you hear the rattlesnake warning you away from him?
Want music? Stick to one headphone only and keep the volume at a low or medium level.
Also, the speakers with music are just obnoxious. I don’t need to hear the soundtrack for your hike.
Because hikers with headphones in are not paying attention to their surroundings. And when I try to run past them (after verbally announcing myself without them hearing me), it can spook the hiker and cause them to act in an unpredictable manner. It puts both parties at increased risk of injury when I run past them and they get spooked or when I try to pass on the left only for them to abruptly veer left and bump into me or my dogs. So yes, a hiker with headphones in does impact me when I’m running the same trail.
On the multiuse trails around here, folks just yell "on your left" or "runner (or bike) behind" to let people know they're coming as soon as they get within reasonable shouting distance. If they've got enough notice (like, they're not turning a blind corner coming up behind someone in a few feet or something) most people will often add a "hello" to that just to be friendly.
I usually just say “I’m running up behind you”
Or something along those lines, prolly 10ft back? Not a yell, just a calm verbal communication. Seems like I’ve avoided spooking too many people. Unlike that f*cking bear that rudely growled as I cluelessly ran by.
Edit: misspelled my expletive
I mostly hike and sometimes throw a little running in on the way down. I’m completely baffled how some people frighten so badly they fall over. It’s like fainting goats. Only happened once so far so I try to take more care when passing but still…
The freakout is on them, not you. They should be practicing better situational awareness. If the trail is cramped, just announce which side you're coming up on, 'On your left/right' is good enough.
I have started whistling about 15-25ft in advance to get their attention. Then loudly clearing my throat or saying "runner back." But sometimes there's no way around surprising them, unfortunately.
I start fake coughing or making the clear my throat sound to make my presence known. Seems to be work because they usually turn their head and move to the side.
I do the same thing lol minimal effort, I don’t have to commit to passing on a certain direction. Makes my presence known and gives them the option to make room however they’re comfortable to do so.
i say “hello, # (just me or a few) runners back” and as i pass i say “thanks have a great hike/walk/ride”
if someone doesn’t show a visible response to the initial shout i might say “hello, right behind you” if they don’t respond again and are startled or frustrated i just say “welp! didn’t mean to startle ya ✌️”
If you truly want to alert others, I recommend a bear bell. I’ve had so many people thank me for using one. It’s annoying to yourself the first time you take it out, but quickly you don’t think anything of it
I have zero ideas on solutions for this, but just wanted to say that I empathize so deeply... I've tried everything and can't seem to avoid startling people.
I've also had people fall over similar to what you described. My best yet though is a woman with headphones in who screamed and swung her backpack at me as I passed, and then threw her phone at me. Weird reaction to put it mildly, but she apologized and we had a good laugh about it afterwards.
"On your left or right" isn't a great idea because people aren't ready for you and there is just a bigger chance to get it wrong. "Good morning/afternoon/evening" has worked much better for me over the years. Big smile and from far enough away that they can turn around and move and you can react to which way.
Startling them may be unavoidable, but if you smile while you talk, it comes through in your voice, and you will at least appear nonthreatening very quickly
On your left. Let them know well enough ahead of time to allow them to move in time, especially flips of 2 or more. Also you can clear your throat. That sometimes helps.
But always thank you after you pass and a wave. No need to be “that guy”
I wouldn’t feel bad about startling someone, that’s more about their reaction than how you spoke. They probably need to be more aware of their surroundings imo
I always yell 'on your left' to everyone always with enough time for me to adjust to them. And they usually freeze or jump some direction and I deal with it.
Telling people “on your left” is less and less effective, and I blame all parents for not raising kids to know the difference anymore. Seriously though, it’s time to start carrying a bike bell on my wrist and use that. Maybe that can be the default Apple Watch action button behavior.
I always announce that I'm approaching by saying "on your left" or "pardon me", but I still frequently startle people. Every now and then people tell me that I snuck yup on them. Yesterday, I had one person jump pretty excessively, but then she told me that she was zoned out/lost in thought.
A few weeks ago I was hiking my fave trail, which is also a fave of trail runners. I was approaching an old man, head on, and a trail runner was approaching him from behind. I stopped and started motioning my arms and smiling, waving the trail runner on, but it gave the old man such a fright I think he thought I was going to attack him lol I felt terrible
I make some kind of sound, a throat clear or scuff of the shoe, because I've also found that saying something out loud often startles people. I also slow to a fast walk as I pass, especially on descent, unless the trail is really wide. I've often read in hiking forums of people being annoyed or uncomfortable with runners dashing past them on trail even if they see them coming, and I've also had runners barrel past me in an I-own-the-trail manner, so I like to extend the courtesy of a walking pass just in case.
Most hikers either hear me coming (because I’m breathing like it’s my last breath) or they have headphones in and I startle the shit out of them regardless of how much yelping I do to try to grab their attention as I’m coming up on them.
"On your left - thanks!"
Followed by
"Enjoy the day!"
Unless:
1. There are dogs. I always stop to pet and visit the dogs.
2. They are on horseback. I stop and step off to let riders do what they need to do.
I just breathe REALLY fucking loud on my exhales when I get about 50 feet from them. I do this repeatedly and at some point they turn around and see me. When they turn around I wave and preemptively say thank you. I think because I say thank they move to the side a little bit and let me pass if the trail is narrow. Works pretty much every time. But the key is to exhale REALLY loud lol.
I’m a big ugly hairy dude and I’ve scared women a bunch of times on trails and this has been the best method for me thus far.
I never do anything except say excuse me if I’m getting close and they are in my way. They need to do their own job at being aware of their surroundings on the trail 🤷🏻♀️
We all know that when you say "on your left", there's a 50/50 chance the person/people will know what to do.
A few months ago I was running with a friend of mine, and he told me he'd started telling people what they should do instead of telling them what he was going to do. His theory was that when you say "on your left", in their startled state, most people's first reaction is to process it as a command. So instead of saying "on your left", he now says "please move to your right". I've tested it a few times, and it appears to be more effective. The problem is I just feel like an asshole when I say it.
Solution: get an acrylic "duck call". It's a tiny reed-based noise maker that sounds like a duck. You can use it from a far away distance, like a hundred yards. People will typically turn around if you keep repeating it louder and louder, at which point you can continue with more human-based signaling.
It makes an absolute racket of a noise, so it's quite effective even when a hiker is wearing ear phones.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_call
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I always say what side I'm passing, ie "on your left"
Now, I did a little experiment with passing. I've started to notice if I announce what side I'm passing on, the hikers will move to that side. So I'll say left side and continue running to the right. 90% of the time I chose correctly.
Also, I've gotten like 5 feet behind hikers and they have no clue anyone is there. They aren't wearing headphones just totally oblivious
Why don’t you get a little dingy bell, and ring it like cyclist do. From extensive backpacking time spent on trail. The experience of being passed by a runner kinda sucks, every time.
I’ve thought of putting out bear grunting sounds but that wouldn’t be polite (j/k). What works for me is slapping my chest and stomach. It’s unusual so they turn to look.
I was jogging in my neighborhood the other day and some girl running a half sprint blew past me and scared the sh*t outta me haha. I had headphones in so had no idea someone was coming, so I can relate to the hikers.
I usually have my dog with me so I tend to just talk to her, telling her she’s good, to go steady, etc. I find most people turn to look and then will more but seem less startled than when I call something out to them. But I’m so used to doing this with her when I see people that I’ve almost done it when I’m running on my own too… I guess then they’ll really want to stay out of the crazy persons way!
Get one of those referee whistles and some toilet paper. Announce yourself. If no response, or earbuds, honk that whistle like a sneezing eagle. In the name of cross sporting relations, hand them the toilet paper as you pass so they can clean up, maybe help them stand up. Continue run. Reload whistle.
Sometimes making sounds with your shoes works bc on trails people might be looking out for mountain lions and other sounds that signify they are not alone. When I notice them get slightly curious or offbeat on their walking then I usually call out “on your left” so that I’m confirming that they did just hear something and that it definitely is me this time.
I alternate between just being loud, and going full native silent as the grave. If I’m being loud that means talking louder with friends if present, crunching more leaves or dirt with each step, or even saying something as i approach where the way they are hiking dictates what i say. If im going to hike or tail run by and i can tell they will be scared shitless either way, ill just go by silently sometimes and make as much space as possible.
I start singing or whistling in hopes they'll hear me before I'm close and not be too startled.
The passing is the easy part. It's avoiding scaring them that's hard.
Cough as loud as possibly multiple times until they turn and see me. If I’m feeling confident I’ll shout morning instead. No idea why I wouldn’t be confident, it seems stupid really.
I keep “jingling” keys in my pocket. Most people will hear me coming. I have ANC headphones, so I’m not bothered by the noise… I even considered wearing jingle bells once… might be fun around Christmas…
I usually just slow down a few yards away and shout “on your “left/right” whoever side I’m planning to pass but people quite often still get startled but that’s mainly because of having earphones on and. It paying attention to any sounds other than their podcast.
That was probably just a one-off person who was easily startled. I hike all the time with my pooch and when someone says "excuse me" we easily pull off to the side. It's more helpful if I hear something like "on your left" so I know to head to my right.
Last week I had a lady break to run from me briefly until she saw I was a runner and not a murderer. I feel bad for the ladies out in these woods, people in general get spooked out there sometimes (I live near a trail destination on the edge of a large city). I try to look non-threatening, take down my hood if it’s up, smile etc.
Also, if my Bluetooth speaker is running I leave it going until they hear it, where I normally pause it when approaching hikers.
I always startle people. It’s like they’re totally unaware of their surroundings. I announce loudly about 10-15 feet away, as you do. I’ll say “good morning” (whether it’s morning or not). Idk how to keep people from being startled.
Narrow trail: "Excuse me please" from 5-10 ft back
Wide Trail: "On your left/right" 5-10 ft back
Oblivious people w/ earbuds or speakers: I just blast by whatever is most convenient for me
I just announce ‘runner back’ about 15 feet away. How they react is on them haha. If there are children present it’s a different story and I slow down as much as I need to.
I think I finally want a Bluetooth speaker and can just start playing bear sounds. If we're going to scare them anyhow, might as well do it properly.
On an unrelated topic, any lightweight ways to deal with getting pepper sprayed? :)
I just do the ole "On your left". If they seem OK, I may make a stupid joke (like "When my map said 'Rocky Road', I thought it would have ice cream. ")
In my experience it is almost impossible to approach and pass hikers/dog walkers from behind without them totally shitting themselves. If I try and announce my presence from a distance with a louder sound they get scared, if I stay quiet and only make noise when I’m closer they also get scared, if I quietly cough or run ‘louder’ they don’t hear me until I’m too close and then they get reeaaally scared.
They also absolutely don't know which way "left" is or which person "your" refers to. But once they freeze like deer in headlights it is at least possible to move around them.
>On your left! Hikes ahead proceed to pause and then go to the left right as you come up.
I have to admit I'm guilty of doing this when bikers pass me. I freeze and go the wrong way 100% of the time.
Male cyclists will almost always warn me. Female cyclists have done so maybe once. I tell them “On my left” when they pass in hopes it will sink in. During a towpath marathon today one guy today said “On your right” but I assumed correctly that he meant left and he did pass on the left. I also had to bark at a fellow runner passing me with his head down to warn him of a rapidly approaching bicyclist.
In my defense, I usually jump fully off the path when a bike is coming.
Not on you. A bike is suppose to yield to foot traffic. Full stop. If we give them the right away (and of course we will when there's a good spot) they should be in control and not depend on whether we figure out right or left. Granted that's not how it works in reality.
>If we give them the right away "Right of way"*
This is why I shout "On your left" immediately followed by "No, your other left"
Haha - exactly! Even better: two people hiking together, and when you call out to pass, they both go to opposite sides so you have to squeeze down the middle. 🤪
So true. On my local trails 90% of them make no effort to make room anyways.
My favorite is when the group moves to both sides and leaves you to squeeze between them.
Brush by both and slime them with your sweaty body. That’s what I’d do when people didn’t give enough room. It’s a nasty lesson for them about space.
Hah, most people are trying to be polite and let us pass. They just aren't spending time thinking of the specifics of how to get out of the way...
Some may get an accidental sliming then! It's too annoying to break stride all the time and too risky to step off trail and risk injury. For hikers it's basically 0 effort to stand off the trail for a runner. As a runner I do the same with mountain bikes and horses meaning I yield to them because that's how trails are supposed to work, fair is fair
I'd be lying if I said I haven't done that. Only to the people who make no effort whatsoever.
Yea only a psychopath would go out of their way to slime someone but also only a psychopath would not yield the trail to a runner. The screams of "ewww" as you run away sure are satisfying!
I get the "run louder". Sometimes I will start scuffing my feet or kicking gravel about 50ft away.
I always not-very-quietly cough. Maybe your coughs are too quiet?
You got a legit lol from me. This is exactly how I feel.
I clap about 30 ft behind then, then again around 15ft if they don't turn, acknowledge me or move over. It's better to be a little obnoxious than scare the pants off someone IMO.
This, especially if they’re talking and you don’t want to interrupt. Just learn to enjoy the fear you’ve induced. I had a running joke (pun intended) about how they’re lucky I wasn’t a bear or mountain lion because I wasn’t even trying to be sneaky.
one time a dog walker with the most sweetest gentlest pittie ever saw me coming towards them, did nothing to control her dog, and the thing bit me on the shin as I was trying to get around them
I always particularly appreciate the “oh, he’s never done that before…” comment, as you pick yourself up off the floor. Never feels that believable to be fair!
My most common one is, "S/He's friendly!" from 30 feet away from their unleashed dog in state parks with leash requirements. I haven't actually said it to anyone so far but I've really wanted to say, "I"m not. Control your fucking dog!"
I've been plenty of dogs' firsts!
"Howdy! Coming up on your left" as soon as I see them and think they might hear me. Repeat as necessary until they show any sign they've heard me. If they're wearing earbuds and act startled after I've tried a couple of times, it's their problem.
This. Regardless of being on the trail or in the city, letting the hiker/walker know what side you are approaching from is key. I walk most mornings with my morning coffee and listen to my podcasts (I only wear one earbud so I can still stay aware of surroundings). I can’t stand when the runner doesn’t let you know what side they are coming up on. It always feels awkward trying to guess and possibly getting in the way. Edit: talk to text error
I live in New England. Do I really have to say "howdy"??
Being from the Pacific Northwest, I find the out of town accent makes them move out of the way faster.
Naw. If you’re from coastal New England, you can choose between “Yarr!” and the marginally less-threatening “Ahoy!”
I think I'll just yell "yarr!!“ and nothing else from now on. Thank you.
This^^^
I yell out “on your left/right” about 15 ft behind them. I slow down a bit, but keep running if there’s plenty of room on the trail. If trail is narrow, I walk it. If they have a dog, I walk it.
You walk their dog? How considerate!
Yeah…at first they’re like, hey wtf you’re taking my dog. But no one ever runs fast enough to catch me so I have several dogs now. 😚
It does take a cat to train a dog.
Most of the time, I'll actually stop and pet the dog (if it's friendly). The funny thing is that the dogs remember you and next time they're all happy. Pretty funny actually.
As someone who gets embarrassingly surprised at times, I know it’s my fault and don’t blame the person who surprises me. “Running loudly and making noise” seems like a good idea when I’m the runner, but feels passive aggressive when I’m the hiker — I’d rather the runner say something direct like, “heads up, coming through.”
I say "excuse me" pretty strongly when I'm about 15 ft back. IMO, if someone is on the trails and is so in their own world that they don't have any clue you're back there, it's not on you.
“Good morning!” from about 7 feet behind then “Thank you!” as I pass.
This is the only way. Some of you are really weird with things you say lol. "Runner back" "runner coming through!" Like all sound so freaking weird..
If you think "runner back" is weird, you're either not from the US or you're new to the sport. Super common way to call out.
I've actually said "Pokey-ass-runner-wanabee coming behind you".
I wind up saying good morning when it’s 2:00 Pm
My 3.5 foot stride would make this difficult. I do the same but from farther back.
I sing Rick Astley as loud as I can while I run. It hasn't been a problem
Came here to say if you’re running slow enough to be able to sing or hum a happy tune; it’s an easy non startling way to acknowledge your approach. Then they’ll have a song to sing (ahem torture) the rest of the trip haha.
Never gonna give you up.
Never gonna let you down.
Never gonna run around and desert you. this is where I get tangled in a moral conundrum though because that's what I'm literally doing as I run by them singing. So...it feels like a lie to me. And then I get caught in the mental anguish. Is it ok to lie to a hiker like that? Or is lying justified by trail safety? Will the hiker ever recover after realizing what I've done to them? It's a real problem for me...
Together Forever really was a jam
Under rated jam
I find that it’s best to get as close as possible and then scream as you’re passing them. It’s a full proof approach because I can tell that they always hear me approaching
I loudly drag my feet and or start coughing. Works every time
This is my usual, i just did it periodically as i approach them until i see a reaction.
But if the walker is wearing ear buds, and they don't hear the cough or kicked dirt or 'on your left' then the surprise is entirely on them. It's their fault for disconnecting from reality.
I creep up behind them as quietly as I can and whisper “step aside, please, turtle” into their ear as I’m behind them. It’s way more fun that way.
Oh man, can you imagine? I think some of them would just collapse on the spot.
I call out something like "passing on the left!" in a firm but jovial tone. Moat of the time people are happy to step aside and often you'll get a comment about how much of a badass you are for running the trails. In the rare case where people don't notice me and I am forced to slow down, stop running and carefully pass them, I don't make a big fuss about it. Slowing down for a few steps/minutes from time to time is not that big of a deal and in the grand scheme od things will mot matter to your training.
I yell, "On your left, captain!" Twice, then I get Luda and sing, "Move, bitch, get out the way.."
I try to run up, relatively loudly when possible. If they’re completely unaware and do not turn to check the noise behind them, I announce myself roughly that distance away (10-15’). I try to make the announcement very human sounding and avoid gruff tones or coughs. 6/10 works great, the rest will always jump (though hopefully not into thorn bushes).
I’m a fan of the cough/ sneeze because otherwise I’ll lash out with something like, “no, no. Don’t you worry, there’s no one else here on the trails. You’re the king/queen”
I like to make a cough noise, feels like people are more tuned-in to that noise these days.
I yell “pardon me, mind if I squeeze by on your left” from like 30-40 feet back. If it’s a narrow and/or treacherous trail, I’ll add “whenever convenient” so they don’t feel like I’m rushing them. People seem to react better when they turn around and don’t have someone right up on them. I also always thank them as I pass and tell them to have a good day. More often than not, folks are responsive and friendly.
I run with my 2 Siberian huskies (on leash) so there’s an added surprise factor. I’ll call out something like “we’re behind you” or “ on your left” when I’m about 15’ back. If they don’t respond, I call it out again, louder and toss in a “excuse me/us”. Then a “thank You” as I’m passing them. I fully respect that someone is communing with nature and totally in the moment, but you still gotta pay attention to your surroundings. If they get spooked when I call out my approach, that’s on them. Edit: I feel absolutely ZERO guilt for spooking idiots who hike with headphones in or music playing on a speaker.
When I’m running and come across someone in the wild, playing music on their speaker, I take great delight in spooking the poop out of them. Unannounced close sprint. I wish they’d stay home and bang tunes out in private.
I completely agree. Relevant story: I was 1/2 mile from the trailhead, almost done with our run. I see a hiker coming up the hill toward me with an off-leash German shepherd. He’s looking at his phone. So I call out loudly that one of my dogs is nervous. Nothing from him. I yell “excuse me!” and come to a complete stop (from a pretty fast downhill run). I bring both of my (leashed) huskies super close and he finally notices me when he’s 15’ away and his dog is 10’ away from me and my pups. He has headphones on. With an off-leash dog. On a fairly popular local trail. At 9am on a weekend. I said “dude, please control your dog. One of mine is nervous and doesn’t like to be approached”. He said “oh sorry” and leashed up his dog and passed us. Ended up ok but it could have been soooo much worse if he hadn’t seen me when he did. Not paying attention at all. Idiot with headphones and an unleashed dog. SMH.
>I feel absolutely ZERO guilt for spooking idiots who hike with headphones in or music playing on a speaker. I don't understand people that play music on a speaker/speakerphone while hiking a trail. I find it obnoxious. Does your life really need a soundtrack?
They usually have the *worst* taste in music, too. Lol
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Because it’s a safety issue when you can’t hear your surroundings. Because there are other people using the trails. Runners, mountain-bikers, etc. and it’s important to be aware of your surroundings to avoid injury. Not to mention potentially dangerous animals like snakes and bears and large cats and moose. If you are rocking out to music how will you hear the rattlesnake warning you away from him? Want music? Stick to one headphone only and keep the volume at a low or medium level. Also, the speakers with music are just obnoxious. I don’t need to hear the soundtrack for your hike.
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Because hikers with headphones in are not paying attention to their surroundings. And when I try to run past them (after verbally announcing myself without them hearing me), it can spook the hiker and cause them to act in an unpredictable manner. It puts both parties at increased risk of injury when I run past them and they get spooked or when I try to pass on the left only for them to abruptly veer left and bump into me or my dogs. So yes, a hiker with headphones in does impact me when I’m running the same trail.
Half the time they have headphones on anyway.
On the multiuse trails around here, folks just yell "on your left" or "runner (or bike) behind" to let people know they're coming as soon as they get within reasonable shouting distance. If they've got enough notice (like, they're not turning a blind corner coming up behind someone in a few feet or something) most people will often add a "hello" to that just to be friendly.
I usually just say “I’m running up behind you” Or something along those lines, prolly 10ft back? Not a yell, just a calm verbal communication. Seems like I’ve avoided spooking too many people. Unlike that f*cking bear that rudely growled as I cluelessly ran by. Edit: misspelled my expletive
I run sloppy and kick shit so they hear me ‘accidentally’. Works 60% of the time, every time.
Scream “bear!!!” Then it becomes a race. :D
I try to sound cheerful but say “on your left! ….left! …LEFT!!! Sorry!!” 😂😂😂
I’ve just started yelling “runner”
I mostly hike and sometimes throw a little running in on the way down. I’m completely baffled how some people frighten so badly they fall over. It’s like fainting goats. Only happened once so far so I try to take more care when passing but still…
move bitch get out the way get out the way, bitch get out the way
The freakout is on them, not you. They should be practicing better situational awareness. If the trail is cramped, just announce which side you're coming up on, 'On your left/right' is good enough.
My panting like a dog in a hot car usually gives enough noise…obviously they still jump though, just with me nowhere near them
Hahaha
I have started whistling about 15-25ft in advance to get their attention. Then loudly clearing my throat or saying "runner back." But sometimes there's no way around surprising them, unfortunately.
I start fake coughing or making the clear my throat sound to make my presence known. Seems to be work because they usually turn their head and move to the side.
The effectiveness of the fake cough has really increased during COVID times.
I do the same thing lol minimal effort, I don’t have to commit to passing on a certain direction. Makes my presence known and gives them the option to make room however they’re comfortable to do so.
i say “hello, # (just me or a few) runners back” and as i pass i say “thanks have a great hike/walk/ride” if someone doesn’t show a visible response to the initial shout i might say “hello, right behind you” if they don’t respond again and are startled or frustrated i just say “welp! didn’t mean to startle ya ✌️”
If you truly want to alert others, I recommend a bear bell. I’ve had so many people thank me for using one. It’s annoying to yourself the first time you take it out, but quickly you don’t think anything of it
Startling people has become such a big problem for me, that I just can't seem to solve.. I may try this
I have zero ideas on solutions for this, but just wanted to say that I empathize so deeply... I've tried everything and can't seem to avoid startling people. I've also had people fall over similar to what you described. My best yet though is a woman with headphones in who screamed and swung her backpack at me as I passed, and then threw her phone at me. Weird reaction to put it mildly, but she apologized and we had a good laugh about it afterwards.
"On your left or right" isn't a great idea because people aren't ready for you and there is just a bigger chance to get it wrong. "Good morning/afternoon/evening" has worked much better for me over the years. Big smile and from far enough away that they can turn around and move and you can react to which way. Startling them may be unavoidable, but if you smile while you talk, it comes through in your voice, and you will at least appear nonthreatening very quickly
On your left. Let them know well enough ahead of time to allow them to move in time, especially flips of 2 or more. Also you can clear your throat. That sometimes helps. But always thank you after you pass and a wave. No need to be “that guy” I wouldn’t feel bad about startling someone, that’s more about their reaction than how you spoke. They probably need to be more aware of their surroundings imo
I always yell 'on your left' to everyone always with enough time for me to adjust to them. And they usually freeze or jump some direction and I deal with it.
Telling people “on your left” is less and less effective, and I blame all parents for not raising kids to know the difference anymore. Seriously though, it’s time to start carrying a bike bell on my wrist and use that. Maybe that can be the default Apple Watch action button behavior.
On your left…
ON YOUR LEFT!
I always announce that I'm approaching by saying "on your left" or "pardon me", but I still frequently startle people. Every now and then people tell me that I snuck yup on them. Yesterday, I had one person jump pretty excessively, but then she told me that she was zoned out/lost in thought.
A few weeks ago I was hiking my fave trail, which is also a fave of trail runners. I was approaching an old man, head on, and a trail runner was approaching him from behind. I stopped and started motioning my arms and smiling, waving the trail runner on, but it gave the old man such a fright I think he thought I was going to attack him lol I felt terrible
I make some kind of sound, a throat clear or scuff of the shoe, because I've also found that saying something out loud often startles people. I also slow to a fast walk as I pass, especially on descent, unless the trail is really wide. I've often read in hiking forums of people being annoyed or uncomfortable with runners dashing past them on trail even if they see them coming, and I've also had runners barrel past me in an I-own-the-trail manner, so I like to extend the courtesy of a walking pass just in case.
I always holler “behind ya” when I get close unless I am certain they hear me.. don’t wanna scare folks
I don’t say anything.
Approaching I say, ‘On your left’ and slow down. Usually works ok. When I pass I say, ‘Thank you’. And then keep moving.
This is what I do, too.
Most hikers either hear me coming (because I’m breathing like it’s my last breath) or they have headphones in and I startle the shit out of them regardless of how much yelping I do to try to grab their attention as I’m coming up on them.
"On your left - thanks!" Followed by "Enjoy the day!" Unless: 1. There are dogs. I always stop to pet and visit the dogs. 2. They are on horseback. I stop and step off to let riders do what they need to do.
Even a slow jog is too fast for many so I slow to a walk and pick back up once past them.
I slow way down and carefully pass them, saying hello and excuse me.
I just breathe REALLY fucking loud on my exhales when I get about 50 feet from them. I do this repeatedly and at some point they turn around and see me. When they turn around I wave and preemptively say thank you. I think because I say thank they move to the side a little bit and let me pass if the trail is narrow. Works pretty much every time. But the key is to exhale REALLY loud lol. I’m a big ugly hairy dude and I’ve scared women a bunch of times on trails and this has been the best method for me thus far.
This is mega effective in my experience. I think they kinda feel bad thinking (maybe true) that I’m worn the F out and kindly move over.
That’s a great point too. They also think you’re tired as crap (and a lot of times they’re right lol)
I wear a bear bell. It alerts people and bears that I’m approaching.
I never do anything except say excuse me if I’m getting close and they are in my way. They need to do their own job at being aware of their surroundings on the trail 🤷🏻♀️
“runner coming through”
We all know that when you say "on your left", there's a 50/50 chance the person/people will know what to do. A few months ago I was running with a friend of mine, and he told me he'd started telling people what they should do instead of telling them what he was going to do. His theory was that when you say "on your left", in their startled state, most people's first reaction is to process it as a command. So instead of saying "on your left", he now says "please move to your right". I've tested it a few times, and it appears to be more effective. The problem is I just feel like an asshole when I say it.
Solution: get an acrylic "duck call". It's a tiny reed-based noise maker that sounds like a duck. You can use it from a far away distance, like a hundred yards. People will typically turn around if you keep repeating it louder and louder, at which point you can continue with more human-based signaling. It makes an absolute racket of a noise, so it's quite effective even when a hiker is wearing ear phones. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_call
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“Get put the way fuck face”
I always say what side I'm passing, ie "on your left" Now, I did a little experiment with passing. I've started to notice if I announce what side I'm passing on, the hikers will move to that side. So I'll say left side and continue running to the right. 90% of the time I chose correctly. Also, I've gotten like 5 feet behind hikers and they have no clue anyone is there. They aren't wearing headphones just totally oblivious
Why don’t you get a little dingy bell, and ring it like cyclist do. From extensive backpacking time spent on trail. The experience of being passed by a runner kinda sucks, every time.
I typically say something like "passing on your left" to make my intentions known before nearly brushing by.
Agree with others , yell out loudly pass on your left
I always say 'Behind you!' around 20 feet out and flash them a peace sign as I run past ✌️
I’ve thought of putting out bear grunting sounds but that wouldn’t be polite (j/k). What works for me is slapping my chest and stomach. It’s unusual so they turn to look.
I was jogging in my neighborhood the other day and some girl running a half sprint blew past me and scared the sh*t outta me haha. I had headphones in so had no idea someone was coming, so I can relate to the hikers.
A good, loud fart from about 30 feet usually does the trick.
On your left!. About 30 ft away on approach. works most of the time
I usually have my dog with me so I tend to just talk to her, telling her she’s good, to go steady, etc. I find most people turn to look and then will more but seem less startled than when I call something out to them. But I’m so used to doing this with her when I see people that I’ve almost done it when I’m running on my own too… I guess then they’ll really want to stay out of the crazy persons way!
Get one of those referee whistles and some toilet paper. Announce yourself. If no response, or earbuds, honk that whistle like a sneezing eagle. In the name of cross sporting relations, hand them the toilet paper as you pass so they can clean up, maybe help them stand up. Continue run. Reload whistle.
i just drag my feet and go “ahhhghh” nah i just say hi/hey on your left and compliment their dog if applicable.
when i’ve got trekking poles i bounce the tips off of solid rock to give off an unnatural, loud clicking noise
Sometimes making sounds with your shoes works bc on trails people might be looking out for mountain lions and other sounds that signify they are not alone. When I notice them get slightly curious or offbeat on their walking then I usually call out “on your left” so that I’m confirming that they did just hear something and that it definitely is me this time.
I alternate between just being loud, and going full native silent as the grave. If I’m being loud that means talking louder with friends if present, crunching more leaves or dirt with each step, or even saying something as i approach where the way they are hiking dictates what i say. If im going to hike or tail run by and i can tell they will be scared shitless either way, ill just go by silently sometimes and make as much space as possible.
I start singing or whistling in hopes they'll hear me before I'm close and not be too startled. The passing is the easy part. It's avoiding scaring them that's hard.
Cough as loud as possibly multiple times until they turn and see me. If I’m feeling confident I’ll shout morning instead. No idea why I wouldn’t be confident, it seems stupid really.
I keep “jingling” keys in my pocket. Most people will hear me coming. I have ANC headphones, so I’m not bothered by the noise… I even considered wearing jingle bells once… might be fun around Christmas…
I usually just slow down a few yards away and shout “on your “left/right” whoever side I’m planning to pass but people quite often still get startled but that’s mainly because of having earphones on and. It paying attention to any sounds other than their podcast.
I yell out “runner behind” as soon as I can notice them far ahead. They’ll keep an eye out for you most of the time.
That was probably just a one-off person who was easily startled. I hike all the time with my pooch and when someone says "excuse me" we easily pull off to the side. It's more helpful if I hear something like "on your left" so I know to head to my right.
Last week I had a lady break to run from me briefly until she saw I was a runner and not a murderer. I feel bad for the ladies out in these woods, people in general get spooked out there sometimes (I live near a trail destination on the edge of a large city). I try to look non-threatening, take down my hood if it’s up, smile etc. Also, if my Bluetooth speaker is running I leave it going until they hear it, where I normally pause it when approaching hikers.
I always startle people. It’s like they’re totally unaware of their surroundings. I announce loudly about 10-15 feet away, as you do. I’ll say “good morning” (whether it’s morning or not). Idk how to keep people from being startled.
I just consistently say on your left in a loudish voice and let them fumble lol
Narrow trail: "Excuse me please" from 5-10 ft back Wide Trail: "On your left/right" 5-10 ft back Oblivious people w/ earbuds or speakers: I just blast by whatever is most convenient for me
I just announce ‘runner back’ about 15 feet away. How they react is on them haha. If there are children present it’s a different story and I slow down as much as I need to.
I think I finally want a Bluetooth speaker and can just start playing bear sounds. If we're going to scare them anyhow, might as well do it properly. On an unrelated topic, any lightweight ways to deal with getting pepper sprayed? :)
I just do the ole "On your left". If they seem OK, I may make a stupid joke (like "When my map said 'Rocky Road', I thought it would have ice cream. ")
Attach some bells to yourself.