Another good technique is to commit to avoidance early, and stick to it. For example, when you notice the collision course, start bearing left immediately - the

Another good technique is to commit to avoidance early, and stick to it. For example, when you notice the collision course, start bearing left immediately - the other person may have started to move in that direction, which would normally start the 'shuffle' as you both shift to your right, but you short-circuit that by not reciprocating - keep left. Seems like it might be rude, but in practice it doesn't seem so, the relief outweighs any ill feeling (or so I imagine!)