Is it just me, or do other runners find that pedestrians just refuse to get out your way when you are running towards them?
My natural reaction is to move out of the way of a speeding on-coming object. But it seems I'm the only one who thinks this! It gets especially dangerous when people are walking with their open umbrellas taking up the whole pavement too.
Are runners resented as a social group by non-runners?
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trying to think of a sensible reply but life's too short, just go round them.
The pavements around where I live are quite narrow but I must admit most people are pretty good at moving aside. The worst place is along the seafront, even though it's quite wide I've had to step in the road before now.
Pedestrians also wind me up when I'm cycling, I don't use cycle paths much now but when I used to there was always some moron toddling along in the middle of it.
I much prefered it when I lived in Germany, walk in a cycle lane there and you really take your life in your hands. One of the best things out there though was the rule that cars turning into a side road had to give way to pedestrians and cyclists. It's much safer.
Even before I was a runner I would give way to a runner coming down the pavement, as it makes sence for him/her not to disrupt their stride pattern etc and just let them zoom past. If with a friend I go single file to let them past. Even before I started running it would not have occurred to me to force a runner into the road, and I don't know what's the matter with people who do.
Now a runner myself I sense mixed reactions. Those that like myself would give way (and I always say thanks!), and those that give you attitude for some bizarre reason.
That's 2 sensible posts in a row on this thread! Go back to social where you can express yourself properly...
There is no reason why a pedestrian should just move. They have as much right to be there as you have. It's as dangerous for them to be forced into the road as you.
Some comments make it seem like pedestrians are resented by runners.
*tottles off causing havoc elsewhere*
When walking I always get out of the way for runnings and likewise the only pedestrians I would expect to have to run into the gutter for are peeps with prams and old folk.
Thing that gets me, usually when walking fast rather than running actually, is some plonkers who, when you swerve to go round them, put their arms out. No you twat, you don't need to catch me. I'm not falling over, I'm avoiding you. And making yourself wider does not help...
On the pavements i find that pedestrians rarely move out of my way.
However, i often run on a towpath along a river where there are other runners and cyclists. I find that pedestrians/walkers here often go out of their way to give me room as i run past.
Its almost like there is some kind of pecking order...
We also have the 'lets just stop suddenly' brigade who want to either admire a particularly inspiring building (usually M&S) or look at a map. These are usually spotted by the heap of people at their feet who have all collided as they too were too busy looking at the map/skyline/hen party/school girls who have taken to wearing pelmets rather than skirts in the hot weather to notice the stopped couple infront of them.
This being a posh town there are also the gangs of girly teenagers and gangly boys who amble down the pavements at a pace which is so slow scientists are investigating whether this inverse speed ratio can in fact cause black holes to randomly appear in the universe. With these groups you can run/walk/cyle or in fact just try to stand your ground. Because you are old (over 20) you have become completely invisible to them. They will not step out of your way, avert their course or even acknowledge the fact that they have shouldered their way past you and that your shopping is now rolling down the street as the two inch gap wasn't wide enough for you and your fragile carrier bag.
The final group are the regular locals who on finding that for once they have the entire pavement to themselves aren't going to throw away the privelege quickly. As the town is full of mad runners and hosts a half marathon every year which gets increasingly large, causes roads to be shut, cars to be towed and generally makes life very incovenient for a whole weekend they are going to wreak their revenge. They valiantly stand their ground staring at you with a 'that's for the fact that I couldn't get the car out of the drive for 5 hours for your silly race' look in their eye.
As a runner the only safe course of action is to step into the road prior to any pedestrian encounter. However it is aways good to bear in mind that the driver is very likely a hopelessly lost tourist who is either looking at a set of really complicated instructions on how to find their B&B in a language that isn't their own or arguing with the partner/children/ sat nav because they have been round this part of town in heavy traffic three times now and they are therefore not watching the road or you.
Ah what a joy it is to live in a city and run - hence the reason I rise at 6 to get to the pavements before everyone else!
However, cycling on cycle lanes through Medway can be a mixed experience. Most people will get off of the cycle lane when you are hurtling towards them, but you still get the odd tattooed tit who thinks its a game of chicken and then gives you torrent of abuse when you point out he's on the cycle lane!
At the weekend I am up early(ish) and run between 6.30 – 8am. Most of the people I meet are dog walkers who are all friendly, say hello and make sure their dog is safe. However during the week, I run in the evening and encounter a much more surly bunch