Woman fell. Am I at fault?
Today I was running with my whippet (7m/km) when I came upon a woman (approx mid 60s?) occupying the entire sidewalk, and traveling in the same direction (so she didn’t know I was approaching from behind). She was walking her golden retriever (on her left side), and pushing a baby in a stroller.
I figured no problem, I’ll just pass her on her right. When I began to pass, her dog started barking, and went out in front of the stroller to get at my dog. I assume the leash pulled on the stroller, and the woman was unprepared for the force. Both the woman, and the stroller fell to the ground. The baby was secured and safe in the stroller, and the woman was fine.
Is it a reasonable expectation that you announce your presence if you intend to pass? I didn’t, and if I had, this situation would have likely been avoided. I think that would have been the courteous thing to do. But I’m unsure whether I’ve actually done anything wrong by not announcing myself. Thoughts?