Jogging on the road

[AKMild]

Why do some joggers insist on running on the road when there's an empty pavement next to them? It is made worse by those that do this running in the same direction as the traffic (i.e. on the left in the UK) and wearing clothing that blends in with the background. Nothing against joggers/runners, all credit to them, but I nearly hit one in the road this morning running with her back to the traffic in drab attire, iPod in, NEXT TO AN EMPTY PAVEMENT. A bit of common sense needed, I feel.

[milly143]

Can't say I see many on the road when there is a pavement available to them. However if you are going to run on the road you should at least become familiar with basic rules, i.e. which side to run on. And listening to music through ear phone is a pretty dumb idea if you are on the road.

[CanisMajor]

I suspect they are also the same people that cycle on the pavement! ie lacking in common sense.

[AB Editor]

Often pavements are bumpier than roads (if baldy maintained). While you might imagine this doesn't make a difference, it does; a uneven surface can lead to a slip and injury.

Of course they should be running towards you with their hi-vis on - but then, there's no telling some!

Spare,

[bookbinder]

I understand (from a friend who does a bit of running) that if they jog on the pavement, and they come to a side street, dropping down from one pavement, then up again at the other side of the street, upsets their rhythm. Plus there's the danger of tripping over the kerbs.

[Garmard]

Maybe Jogger Jane can explain that one Mild, something psychological that only joggers can explain?

[AKMild]

I suspect that the outcome of tripping over a kerb would be less serious than being run over from behind. If people must run on the road then they should, as others have pointed out, face the oncoming traffic (unless that would mean being on the inside of a bend) and wear something highly visible.

[bookbinder]

My guess, for what it's worth, is that some of them run on the road, rather than on the pavement, because they think that it's up to drivers to look out for them. In other words, "it's not my responsibility to take care of my safety, it's somebody else's".