I am a 6'2 male with fairly long legs. As a consequence, I find that I am a much faster walker than most people (even compared to other tall people...I just have a quicker pace).

I often find myself in a situation where I am slowly gaining on someone I am walking behind and it feels awkward.

1. I don't want to startle or scare someone especially in situations where it is dark out or they are listening to music
2. I don't want to dramatically slow my pace when I get close because then it seems like I am stalking them or something. I would also prefer to walk my natural pace.
3. There is not always a chance or take a wide path around the person (eg. sidewalk next to a busy street).

The best I've come up with is to scuff my feet on the ground when I am approaching so hopefully they hear that I am there or look at my phone as I'm passing so they don't see me as threatening (I don't even know if this is a good rationale). The scuffing of the feet against the pavement does not work in the case that they are listening to music.