From the self-translated-rants department
Cyclists who don't respect pedestrians' priority are simple hypocrits. They would certainly be most unhappy if motorists meted them the same treatment.
At the end of the day, the pedestrian must always have priority because walking is basic. And yes, even buffoons, the tipsy, and clueless tourists have the right to walk freely.
So when you operate a potentially hazardous machine such as a bicycle in their vicinity, take great care! Always respect a minimum passing distance of one metre, and ride at walking pace if space is limited. Always give way to crossing pedestrians.
Making eye contact enables the courtesy of indicating the pedestrian's priority as follows: look the crossing pedestrian right in the eye, and the instant they glance back, tip your cap with a brief nod, and brake to a halt theatrically. Ideally I will make no other signal, neither visual nor audible. I aim to briefly maintain a track stand at least 3m from the crossing markings, before getting briskly on my way once more. It's convivial and efficient.
If you don't like the effort of reaccelerating after giving way to a pedestrian, buy an ebike and be done
Note:
This is the translation to the English of a comment in French made here
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