What are the rules for runners (i.e. pedestrians) on the road. Specifically:
If I am running along a pavement and come to a side road junction. Do cars turning into or out of the side road have to give way to me crossing the side road?
Similar situation this time without the pavement. I'm running along the road and am a road user like anyone else.
Thirdly I had a motorist rant at me for running along a country road. Said that I had to get out of the way of any car and not the other way round. Presumably I have as much right as any road user.
Fourthly is it safer to run against the traffic (like you are taught in school) or with the traffic?
Clearly I don't argue with any car (they tend to come off better in a collision than the runner), but I would like to argue with anyone who gives me abuse!
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http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/01.htm[url
Is there any distinction between A, B and unclassified roads?
I really cant see why you would do that. I hate running on the road, but sometimes its unavoidable.
If I do it - I make sure i have a hi viz vest on.
Its best to take an assertive position on the road - so dont run too close to the edge - run about 2 or 3 feet out - so you have somewhere to go to if a motorist squeezes you.
And always try and make eye contact with the oncoming vehicle. Beware of any cars that you cant see the driver - if you cant see them - they cant see you.
Why would anyone think its better to run with the traffic ? You have no idea whats coming up behind you.
2 reasons.
1. You can see them and if you need to move ito the road to take evasive action you don't need to look over your shoulder
2. You can 'eyeball' bad drivers
You are within your right to run on the roads, even if there is a pavement, but obviously the recommendation is to use the pavement if provided.
On country lanes you should walk / run on the right (so cars are coming towards you) - gives you more chance of diving into the bushes if necessary! The only exception if for blind right hand corners where it may be wise to cross over for better visibility.
Policemen. hmmmfph. And my mother brought me up to trust them!
I remember doing geometry in Primary School - we were doing right angles. So teach points at one corner of the blackboard 'whats this ?' Right angle we all chorus.
'Little cougie - what's this then ?' she says pointing to the opposite corner of the blackboard. I suspect a trap. 'A left angle ?' I say.
Teacher pi$$es herself laughing.
Beeeyatch. Hmmmph.
And don't trust policemen and primary school teachers!
If you are running along a road with no pavement you should be running on the right hand side of the road and wearing something reflective. You are responsible for keeping to the right and being seen. Drivers are responsible for avoiding you.
Thats aberdare mate. F**king loon drivers.
I often get problems as I run past the Tesco Express up the road. The car drivers just believe I'm in the wrong. It's not even a side road - it is in effect private land which gives me even more right of way ahead of them.
I echo the points about running to be seen. Several of our regular runs are down country lanes and we will always run slightly out of the kerb to give the drivers more chance to see us and us somewhere to move into.
Oh - and I'm not a car basher - I love going for a blatt in my impreza. It's a case of drivers being sensible and driving to the conditions and whats around them - runners included.