They are big cats, but they are still cats! I believe a large backpack helps, and oftentimes hikers are in groups. Formidable in size.
Now compare that with a small stature jogger. Running. Running away from the cat. Something kicks in, and there’s no stopping them. I would bet my house solo hikers are routinely stalked, but nothing ever usually transpires. They are secretive.
Have you ever got the heebie jeebies while out hiking alone? That feeling someone (or something) is watching? Humans have well developed senses that we are not fully conscious of, or vice versa or something.
I almost stepped on a HUGE desert rattler one time along the Colorado river basin. Their camouflage is superb. It never moved, never rattled. I saw it before I recognized it, the dirt and foliage melted into a recognizeable, muscular shape of diamond pattern coloration.
“Interesting” how the human brain is wired to instinctively fear snakes. I think it is genetically passed on somehow, it isn’t learned behavior I could tell that.
Now I will say the old fellow wasn’t botherin’ anybody. He (she?) didn’t attack me or go out of its way. I was happy to give it a wide berth and continue on my way. This is why, most likely, some of the founding fathers wanted the Rattlesnake as a national emblem.
“Don’t tread on me” indeed!
Running away probably activates a running prey instinct. I believe you are correct.
I suspect the same for bicyclists.
They are much more fragile than bears. It doesn't take much to fight one off.