Rules of the Road



Image from Dynamic Chiropractor.

 As a runner, I’ve never been one for tracks or treadmills, so I take to the streets. I love that there’s always something new to see–moms with their jogging strollers, cyclists with chiseled calves, crazy kids on skateboards. What I don’t love is the lack of guidelines for runners, pedestrians and cars to coexist on city streets and sidewalks. Now I’m not out to be the sidewalk gestapo, but here are some things we should all practice to keep each other sane (and safe) out there:

1. Don’t assume you own the road. OK. I’ll admit it: I break this rule a lot. Mostly in my head, but  sometimes I act like I’m obviously entitled to the right of way. After all, Mr. SUV, I’m the one running my butt off while you sit in your air-conditioned car, doesn’t that automatically make me the better person here? But if we all pledge to be considerate of each other (a big step, I know) and stop thinking that if we let this one car/runner/pedestrian go first our entire day will be thrown into a tailspin, we’d save ourselves the wasted frustration and road rage. And who knows, maybe we’ll even store up some karma for allowing that elderly couple cross in front of us without rolling our eyes in exasperation. It’s worth a shot.
2. Listen and react appropriately. Nothing annoys me more as a runner (or a quick-paced pedestrian) than alerting those ahead with an “on your left” and either not having them move or having them move in the wrong direction. Granted, dodging pedestrians can be just the obstacle I need to spice up my otherwise monotonous run, but come on, people! If I’m giving you the courtesy of a heads up, the least you can do is step out of the way.
3. Be space considerate. I realize walking alone is boring and/or scary for some people, but if you’re walking or running with others, make sure you leave space for oncoming pedestrians or runners coming up behind you. Don’t assume they’ll just go around you. I once had a trio of people stare me down as I ran around them and the nearby parked car since they refused to walk one behind the other. It’s that whole “do unto others” thing at work here…
4. No catcalling. I’ve never understood the need to catcall (although this could be another post in and of itself). What do you hope to accomplish? That I’ll suddenly abandon my workout to come wherever with you? No thanks. Maybe you’re trying to compliment me. Again, no thanks. I have supportive people in my life who look me in the eyes and tell me I look nice (when I actually do look nice and I’m not all sweaty and gross). I generally don’t feel attractive while I run (insert running meme here) and your whistles, hoots and shouted comments don’t help matters any. Great, now I feel sweaty and dirty. Thanks.
5. Go against the grain. This one I remember from my days as a Girl Scout. I remember because I got it wrong on the safety quiz. If you’re running or walking on the side of the street, you’re supposed to run towards oncoming traffic. This was never more practical until this summer when I started running on mountain roads with little to no shoulder and definitely no sidewalk. And the crazy curves didn’t help matters any. So while I try to limit my running time on two-lane roads up here, I always make sure I’m running facing oncoming traffic in case I need to dive out of the way of a semi or tractor barrelling down the hill. I’m praying that never happens. [Crosses fingers. Knocks on wood.]

So in advance, I’d like to thank all those pedestrians out there considerate enough to let me pass on my run without having to do the awkward side-stutter step. And you can always check out this article from Road Runners Club of America for even more etiquette for runners.

One last thing: whatever your speed or preferred method of outdoor cardio, just get out there and get your heart pumping!