biking etiquette

I would suggest that if you are biking on the sidewalk (ignoring the ethical / legal issues of whether you should be using it), and you can't get a response from the person you are approaching, the polite thing to do is slow down substantially or stop altogether until you can safely get around them. Just continuing at full speed and hoping they don't jump in front of you is rude and dangerous.

I experience this problem occasionally while running - you have people daydreaming and weaving back and forth or a group walking 3-4 across and totally blocking the sidewalk. After I yell several times, I eventually slow down to their pace while trying to get their attention, and then start running when they allow me to pass.

I think it depends on where you live. Where I live I can go on a 7 mile bike ride on the sidewalk and encounter 2 pedestrians and 1000 cars. I would rather ride on the sidewalk and have to go around the 2 pedestrians than try to navigate the road with 999 people on their cell phones texting. For my safety.

Riding on sidewalks is not recommended for the reasons you've found out. Paths are fine, and you should pass on the left as you tried to do. Otherwise, I suggest riding in the street for your safety and those around you.

And if you do that, keep in mind that you are in the wrong and the pedestrians have the right of way.

I have been nearly mowed down on the sidewalk by people on bikes who don't think they need to move for the pedestrian as they ride right down the middle at full speed.

Ye who has the longest lance gets the right of way.

Around here, it's mandated that bicycles have a working "signaling device" (such as a bell, horn, what-not).

Of course, not everyone does have one.

The advantage of having one is that they produce a sound that is distinct and uniquely different than the spoken voice. They can often cut through the sound of music on headphones, particularly the high-pitched bells.

I have, and use, a bell. 90% of my bike commute is on a shared pathway in a major tourist city, and near the downtown core the path density can be extremely variable, and not everyone will be English-speaking.

And on that note, I can't wait for the snow to melt. We're still in a deep freeze, and biking weather is looking to be a good two and a half months away Great cardio, and I can save on the cost of a bus pass!

I think it depends on where you live. Where I live I can go on a 7 mile bike ride on the sidewalk and encounter 2 pedestrians and 1000 cars. I would rather ride on the sidewalk and have to go around the 2 pedestrians than try to navigate the road with 999 people on their cell phones texting. For my safety.

Riding on sidewalks is not recommended for the reasons you've found out. Paths are fine, and you should pass on the left as you tried to do. Otherwise, I suggest riding in the street for your safety and those around you.

And if you do that, keep in mind that you are in the wrong and the pedestrians have the right of way.

I have been nearly mowed down on the sidewalk by people on bikes who don't think they need to move for the pedestrian as they ride right down the middle at full speed.

I have never had any complaints or even dirty looks. I just go around pedestrians after slowing down. Never came close to hitting one or even being within touching distance of one - I give a wide berth. However the one time I was in the road because I was giving room for a pedestrian the cars speeding by at 45-50 were closer to me than I was to the pedestrian.

Funny. Four posts at exactly 11:34 stating "get a bell"

Check YOUR city/ county/state cycling bylaws and recommendation. Maybe it is different in the US, but in Canada cycling legislation regards to sidewalks is pretty much local jurisdiction, and what is ok in one city may not be allowed in an other city and vica versa. You may or may not allowed to ride on the sidewalk, you have to check it for yourself. In my city there is over 300 km shared sidewalk. I only bike from April to October due to he weather, but I ride 90% on (shared) sidewalk totally legally.. One of the major shared sideway/pathway route goes near to my house and goes to the university and that is my main commute route. Usually these types of shared pathways/sidewalks are wider than normal sidewalk and they are clearly marked for bike use.
Most cities issue yearly updated bicycle maps, which usually color coded and tell you exactly where you are allowed to bike.

Here you also legally obligated to have a bell on your bike, and you supposed to use your bell to tell pedestrian that you are coming.

I never heard about yelling things like passing on your left. I know mysleft if I somebody surprises me with yelling that something on my left, I would go to my left assuming that what he want me to do.

Google Maps has a link you can select that shows all of the trails, bike lanes and bicycle friendly roads in your area. I recommend you study it carefully and select routes that keep you safe. I am sure you can find some great trails to ride along. That's a far better option than dodging texting adults, sniffing dogs and wayward kids!!

I cycle a lot and try to avoid sidewalks as much as I can; even on the shared paths people wander around totally oblivious to everyone else around them. Sidewalks are even worse.

Ride safe.

In my town, you have to ride on the road unless it was a major road (and I live near both CT 341 and Route 7) So the only way I can ride my bike on the road is on the residential streets.

You don't have the right to use the sidewalk where I live.