Just let the cane hit your legs. If you're worried about tripping, slow down for a sec and let the blind person past. Honestly though, a blind person on a crowded sidewalk should/will probably be using a different cane technique than they might on an empty sidewalk, involving holding the cane farther down the shaft so it doesn't stick out as far, making slightly narrower sweeps, and moving a little bit slower. If you're walking normally, a blind person will probably hear you well enough to either avoid you completely, or just tap your ankle on the way buy. Personally, where I have a problem is when someone sees me coming, panics, and freezes. Now they're not making any sound at all, and they've come to a dead stop in the middle of the sidewalk. Ironically, it's these people who I sometimes end up crashing into, because I don't hear them, and because they're not moving in the same way (speed/direction) as everyone else I'm sharing the sidewalk with.

If you're elderly, or using a crutch/walker yourself, it can be helpful to call out to a blind person coming up to you: "Careful; I'm using a walker!" or something similar. This should draw our attention to the fact that you might be moving slower than we expect, and that we need to be careful about not knocking into you.

Usually a simple hello is good enough to let them know you're there. If you really don't feel like talking, just do whatever it is you do when a sighted person is walking towards you.
In some ways, the cane represents the eye, so if it touches you, that allows the person to "see" you. If the person then gets tangled up or whatever, he/she's using bad techniques and probably needs more training.

People have so many different cane techniques.
Some have used the cane since they were a kid; some are recent and insecurr.
My recommendation: say something nice. Like "good morning, itʻs a lovely weather isnʻt it?" To the direction of the person with the cane.
Beacuse too often people are just too afraid.
Just beacuse someoneʻs eyes canʻt see the way other peopleʻs eyes do it doesnt mean he orvshe cant tell what weather feels like - OR notice that someone is talking at their direction.

Depends on the blind persons sweep.

My mom has a very short sweep, so its easy for others to pass by normally. Though some of the friends shes had, they have some very large sweeps and most people just give a wide berth.

Don't over think it too much, they may know you're coming their direction anyway and adjust accordingly.