Running on roads with cars (Read 1904 times)

I have seen enough people running on the roads with traffic that I started to wonder if I was wrong running against traffic.

That's one thing that I find troubling about the track teams that practice at the school I teach at and around the area---the kids all run with traffic, not against...it terrifies me and i'm surprised this isn't one of those things that is hammered into their heads (yes, the coach is running with them-duh!)

ok im glad i got that cleared up as to what the law actually states but i still have to take issue with it.

 

according to law bicycles are supposed to ride on the right shoulder with traffic. it doesnt say why this is so i can only assume that its because bicycles go faster and can more easily "blend" with traffic. my problem with this is that there are definitely times when i can run faster than i can pedal. where does the logic lye now?

 

thoughts?

 

The answer you're seeking could be very long with lots of arguments espousing different points of view. I'll try to provide a brief answer to the logic behind the laws.

First let me state that pedestrian laws are pretty uniform across the U.S. Bicycle laws are, in general, the same as motor vehicles laws, but are not exactly the same. And bicycle laws vary from state to state and city to city. So there is no uniform bicycle law. Though to my knowledge, bicycles always flow with traffic except where there is a designated bike path indicating cyclists should ride against traffic.

The logic for pedestrian direction is simple: the ability to see oncoming traffic. A pedestrian will see any impending danger and step off the road to avoid it. If they were walking with the flow of traffic they would have to turn around to see the danger.

A cyclist cannot, in general, move safely off (and on) the road the way a pedestrian can. Therefore, they must stay on the road. Additionally, they are operating a vehicle, not as fast as a motor vehicle but still a vehicle. As a result, cyclists ride with the flow of motor traffic.

Wait. You're questioning the logic because you sometimes run as fast as you ride? Oh. Ride more. That will solve your logic problem.

Wait. You're questioning the logic because you sometimes run as fast as you ride? Oh. Ride more. That will solve your logic problem.

ok i feel like im beating a dead horse here but...

there are some circumstances that cause a person to ride slower, as im sure you know. im a pretty strong rider but here in the plains of illinois wind is inevitable and unavoidable. i always base my workouts depending on wind direction so on the ride home i can ride the draft. the wind here is often over 10 mph and that can be quite a drag, granted i ride a somewhat bulky frame not tuned for wind resistance.

again, im not trying to be an ass here i just feel like authority should be in question.

ok some of you guys got me a little mixed up. according to several posts it seems that those of you on the roadway run against the traffic, on the left. i can remember back in grade school learning about the proper way to utilize the road and sidewalks and that all traffic, pedestrians included, is to run the same direction whether your on the sidewalk or not. i guess i can see the point in using the left side so you can see cars coming and prepare accordingly. however, it seems (to me) safer for everyone to go with the flow of traffic. this way, provided everyone is being responsible and courteous, traffic may have to slow down but in the other situation traffic could be forced to stall.

To expand on the logic of walking or running on the left, you are then positioned farther away from traffic that's coming up from behind, that you are less likely to see, and you are in a position to see - and adjust if necessary - for cars that are coming toward you.  There's little question that the left is the safer side of a two-way road.  Safer, not necessarily safe.