I’m Not Following You, I Promise
This is also a very thoughtful and perceptive question. Yes, women and girls might feel scared or anxious when a man is walking behind them in a quiet area where there aren’t many people around, especially at night. This is usually a scary and uncomfortable situation for women, and guys do find themselves in this awkward situation – feeling the need to signal to the women that there is no reason to be scared or anxious.
I’m, not a guy, but I’m guessing this situation doesn’t feel so great for the guy either. No one wants someone to be scared of them for no reason. I guess that if the guy can say something or signal to the girl in a friendly way that she has nothing to worry about, that would be nice. Overtaking can sometimes be an option too – just make sure that you give her enough space and don’t walk too close to her as you pass her, because that can also be scary.