Who are you to require pedestrians to only move about "predictably"? Pedestrians don't expect anything fast behind them approaching at crushing speed*, and might ultimately decide to move or do random things because of a million different reasons you cannot know. If you at least somehow make pedestrians aware that you're coming, they can either get out of the way (I wouldn't, who are you to dictate me to scatter on a pedestrian way) or make an effort to move in a straight line.
> and pray you move predictably.
You even admit it yourself. In traffic one generally cannot take unnecessary chances with other people's safety.
*: it's very different in most other activities, I admit. When I ski, I have to be intensely aware of anything rowdies behind me might be doing so we can be safe when they zip by by less than two meters. A similar reasoning is probably at play here, but wide carving turns on easy slopes are still best reserved for early mornings or weekdays. Well-disciplined short turns look good too :)
> and pray you move predictably.
You even admit it yourself. In traffic one generally cannot take unnecessary chances with other people's safety.
*: it's very different in most other activities, I admit. When I ski, I have to be intensely aware of anything rowdies behind me might be doing so we can be safe when they zip by by less than two meters. A similar reasoning is probably at play here, but wide carving turns on easy slopes are still best reserved for early mornings or weekdays. Well-disciplined short turns look good too :)