Meeting and passing
This is not a situation that only happens on paths. It has happened many times when I was riding on the roads and the car behind wanted to pass when there was an oncoming car meeting us. I consider this the most dangerous situation I encounter on a regular basis. The cars will always try and miss each other and the bike is at risk.
The cardinal rule for everyone is that you must always use common sense. The other applicable rule is any vehicle overtaking (attempting to pass) must keep out the way of the one being overtaken.
The key is controlling the vehicle behind you. You cannot control the vehicle that is oncoming. Sometimes I pull out to prevent the pass which is risky and sometimes angers the vehicle attempting to pass but has always worked for me. I get a honk about 25% of the time.
The other thing to do is just pull over and stop and let the car, cart or cyclist pass. It only takes a few seconds.
The same thing can happen when I am overtaking a cyclist. If I cannot see a clear path for a safe pass. I will slow down behind the bike I am overtaking a say I am waiting for a safe place to pass. I do this to make my intentions clear. Some cyclists become nervous when someone is sitting in behind them and, if they start looking around, it could be dangerous. Your bike or cart generally steers in the direction you are looking.
Hope this helps. At all times: Avoid the RISK of a collision.
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