[Scrambler Bob]

My experience is that anyone walking alone gets short shrift from couples and groups.
= = =

Agree.

Sometimes when these groups are approaching, I just stop and stand still, maybe directing my attention somewhere besides them, like a store window or ...

Works fine. They deflect. Now if they used NBA rules on charging and moving blocks, I would end up flat on the sidewalk, with the foul on me.

[Mr. Lucky]

I prefer NHL rules and assume that one of them has the puck in her purse.