I almost drove into a local runner last week as I was returning home from work in the dark. It's not something I expect on a modern housing estate with ample pavement to run on. I assume he he thinks he has some sort of right to run on the road. Maybe his 'quick time' is more important than his personal safety! He also shouted some kind of abuse as I passed him. Next time the driver might not see him at all...
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Broken, pivoting and icy paving slabs are a reason to run on the road. Not a great reason, but a reason.
Having said that, if a runner knows they are likely to have to spend even a short segment of their run in the road then being luminous and highly reflective should be a priority!
T Rex, although I love running those places most of my runs have to be at night time and as a pretty tiny 25 year old female who looks about 18 I tend to stick to well lit places. Can't wait for lighter nights so I can run in some more interesting places!
Rule 1
Pavements (including any path along the side of a road) should be used if provided.There was a very lengthy thread on this subject some time ago. Actually got hilarious at times. There's 2 answers to this -
1. You can debate the highway code (again) and its applicability (or not) as a legal ruling, and get into things like the fact that some roads don't have pavements, and that the pedestrian has right of way. Period.
2. The legal intricacies and rights / wrongs of this debate will be cold comfort to you if you get run down by a car. So anyone with any sense will make sure they're visible, stay on pavements where they can, stick to well-lit areas, etc. Self-preservation.
As I understand the legal position, the pedestrian has right of way, regardless of whether a car driver likes it or not. It's a driver's responsibility to look out for pedestrians and take action accordingly.
But at the same time, I have no desire to put this to the test, and I know that if it comes to a fight between me and a car then I'm going to lose. So like anyone with any sense, I'll run sensibly and not get into a car vs. runner situation.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/AM-RUNNER-marathon-months-training/dp/1520530323/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488549043&sr=8-1&keywords=i+am+a+runner
PB’s
5k- 19:03
10k- 39.28
HM- 1:28.25
M- 3:07.59
Pavements where I live are not maintained. Most of it is flagstones, but cracked and broken, lying at funny angles. Uneven, bumpy and inconsistent paving is downright dangerous when running at a decent pace. Then at every driveway there's a curb down, then up again. Not to mention every side street. I don't enjoy having to concentrate on my footfalls - I just wanna run!
The road is well paved - smooth, flat and consistent and reliable! I run facing the traffic but close to the pavement in case a car gets too close for comfort. Doesn't happen often, as I usually have hi viz gear. Drivers are usually respectful, occasionally steering wide to give me room.