Personal observation: I have found that, in terms of traffic and such, if you are running on sidewalks it is slightly safer to run with traffic. The reason being is that when approaching an intersection (or driveway, or parking lot exit/entrance), people who are pulling out into traffic tend to look left only (assuming a right hand turn). If you're facing traffic, there is a real good chance the driver never even looked in your direction. I have been almost hit by cars due to this more times than I can count. A few received dents in their hoods for the lack of observation.

Yep. This is the number one thing I look out for when running against traffic (road or sidewalk). I've never been clipped but the majority of close calls have been from this. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a car come up to a stop sign, take a quick glance left, and make a right turn without ever stopping.

... can't imagine how they'd treat a vulnerable runner.

You can't? Do you not drive? Myself, I would not want to hit a human not shed in 3000 lbs of car, and I believe when running other drivers think the same. But accidents do happen.

I try to stay away from concrete as much as possible.

You can't? Do you not drive? Myself, I would not want to hit a human not shed in 3000 lbs of car, and I believe when running other drivers think the same. But accidents do happen.

I think you're giving the drivers around here too much credit...... I watch out for runners and bikers but it seems like nobody else does.

Incredibly, it's true. I had never heard of this law, but I just did a search for it and found Section 21966 of the California Vehicle Code, which states: Pedestrian in Bicycle Lane 21966. No pedestrian shall proceed along a bicycle path or lane where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility. Added Ch. 751, Stats. 1976. Effective January 1, 1977.

True enough. When I lived in California, I got "warned" 3 times by patrol men and women for running in the street...even though it was 5:30 a.m. and absolutely no one was out driving around except for them! I prefer to run on asphalt or dirt. I stopped running on concrete years ago because it gave me shinsplints at the time and I heard it doesn't have as much "give" as asphalt. I think that's true also.

I am a big fan of running on the street. 1. concrete is harder 2. I've had a nasty spill this year while tripping and running up hill on a sidewalk 3. I run early in the morning so there's not much traffic and I wear enough reflective gear that unless you are truly not paying any attention at all, you should be able to see me. My husband and I disagree on this as he would prefer to have me run on the sidewalks. What I see alot of, is people running on the sidewalks, before sunup in completely black gear!! sidewalks cross roads and when they do, these people are in danger - sidewalks or streets, a vest is an inexpensive and stylish option.......