This is a Cicada Killer Wasp, a native insect that, despite its intimidating name and size, is not a threat to people. They are only concerned with catching cicada prey and adding them to a burrow (for female wasps) and finding mates or chasing-off rival males (for male wasps). They might investigate a person who comes close to their perch by flying closer to them, but otherwise will not be inclined to sting (and males cannot sting, though they might try to fake it if held). The only instance when a female might sting in self-defense is if stepped-on barefoot or captured and grabbed. Sweeping-up soil mounds off a sidewalk might discourage the female and encourage her to move elsewhere, but we can't guarantee it. Their activity will end in about a month as the adults die out for the year.

Miri