Below is a sneak preview of your clinic this Saturday. Read through it and ask any questions you have in front of the group. All questions are good questions and everyone can learn from each other. Be safe! I will see you soon!
The Rules of the Road
- Don't assume a driver sees you. In fact, imagine that a driver can't see you.
- Always run on the left side of the road facing traffic. The best way to avoid an untimely meeting with a vehicle is to see it coming.
- In busy areas stay on sidewalks where possible. When running in large groups, it is much safer to be out of the way.
- Run single file in congested areas or wherever there is oncoming traffic.
- Respect a driver's right to the road.
- Use your ears as well as your eyes- don’t wear headphones.
- Beware of stopped cars making a right hand turn. Either stop to wait for them to turn or go behind them.
- Don’t challenge cars to a race. If you are both approaching an intersection, stop and let them go first.
- Cross at cross walks or traffic signals whenever possible. Obey traffic rules and signals. Runners, as pedestrians, are bound by traffic laws.
- Use hand signals to show which way you plan to turn.
- If running at night, reflective great is a must (reflective vest, blinking light and/or a headlamp are all good options.)
- If running alone, let someone know your route and your estimated run time. Carry your phone.
- Always carry some sort of ID.
- If you need to stop and tie your shoe, pull off to the side of the road and out of the way.
- Be alert at all times. Be wary of “runner’s high,” fatigue, or any lapse of concentration.
- Carry a noisemaker or get training in self-defense and the use of pepper spray.
I was wondering about visibility when it comes to hills. I live in a hilly area (as do some others I've talked to) and as our runs get longer I'm going to have to start using the bigger hills. Visibility isn't the best even in the car. There usually isn't much foot or pedal traffic so speeding is normal. Also sidewalks are nonexistent. I know we are supposed to run facing oncoming traffic but I'm worried I'm going to meet a car at the top of a hill because they won't see me if I'm on the same side. I feel more comfortable running with traffic under these circumstances. Do I run on the left like we're supposed to or run where I'm comfortable because I feel more visible?
ReplyDeleteThat is a great question. When running up a hill where visibility is limited, you still want to run facing traffic. The best thing to do is to get off the road onto the shoulder or grass if there are no sidewalks. This is something I face everyday, as I do live in Cedar Lake where there are no sidewalks. Usually you can hear a car coming and if you don't feel comfortable meeting the car at the top, you can stop and wait until they are over the hill before you proceed.
ReplyDeleteTo answer you question, you would still run facing traffic.
Thanks for the post!