Do You Follow Good Running And Walking Etiquette?
By: Jen Mueller,
DailySpark Blogger
3/31/2010 10:12 AM
: 195 comments
: 17,523 Views
I've been a runner for a number of years now. Sometimes I train on my own, sometimes with a small group, and other times with very large groups depending on the race. No matter how big or small, I always seem to notice things other runners do that get on my nerves. I think there's a basic code of etiquette all runners (and walkers) should follow. I try not to focus on the negative things in life, and I don't think my expectations are too unreasonable. But take a look and see what you think.
1. Like it or not, pedestrians do not rule the road. Cars, trucks, bikes- they are all bigger than you and can do a lot of damage if you end up getting hit. So make sure you wait until it's clear to cross the road, and don't assume that vehicles will willingly share the shoulder. Sometimes you have to be ready to jump up on the curb or in the grass if someone won't give you the space you need.
2. If you are going to spit (or do something similar), make sure you have enough distance between you and the person behind or next to you. It's never fun to have to dodge someone's spit, or even worse, be hit by it. Yes, I've seen it happen.
3. Don't be a litter bug. When training for long distance runs, many times you have to carry fuel with you (Gu, sport beans, candy, etc.). Be sure to clean up after yourself. It's no one else's job to pick up my wrappers because I didn't feel like finding somewhere to store them while I finished my run.
4. When passing other runners or walkers, say hello. I've always said that true runners (and walkers) greet each other instead of passing in silence. If you're wearing headphones, keep the volume low enough so that you can hear someone as they come past. It's always a bummer when I say hello to someone with headphones but they don't respond because they can't hear me.
5. If you are running with someone on a narrow path or sidewalk and another runner (or walker) approaches, give them room to pass. It's never nice to make someone jump into the grass because they don't have enough room to get by.
Those are just a few of the basic courtesies I think runners and walkers should follow when out on the road. Do you agree? Do you have any others to add to the list?
1. Like it or not, pedestrians do not rule the road. Cars, trucks, bikes- they are all bigger than you and can do a lot of damage if you end up getting hit. So make sure you wait until it's clear to cross the road, and don't assume that vehicles will willingly share the shoulder. Sometimes you have to be ready to jump up on the curb or in the grass if someone won't give you the space you need.
2. If you are going to spit (or do something similar), make sure you have enough distance between you and the person behind or next to you. It's never fun to have to dodge someone's spit, or even worse, be hit by it. Yes, I've seen it happen.
3. Don't be a litter bug. When training for long distance runs, many times you have to carry fuel with you (Gu, sport beans, candy, etc.). Be sure to clean up after yourself. It's no one else's job to pick up my wrappers because I didn't feel like finding somewhere to store them while I finished my run.
4. When passing other runners or walkers, say hello. I've always said that true runners (and walkers) greet each other instead of passing in silence. If you're wearing headphones, keep the volume low enough so that you can hear someone as they come past. It's always a bummer when I say hello to someone with headphones but they don't respond because they can't hear me.
5. If you are running with someone on a narrow path or sidewalk and another runner (or walker) approaches, give them room to pass. It's never nice to make someone jump into the grass because they don't have enough room to get by.
Those are just a few of the basic courtesies I think runners and walkers should follow when out on the road. Do you agree? Do you have any others to add to the list?
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Comments
Sometimes I feel silly - but it is worth it. Most times I get a thank you or a smile. I think we've all been pushed off the paths or trails by another runner/walker/biker at some point. It can be a little scary!
cj - 1/31/2011 10:18:30 PM
Number 4 is just stupid. Forcing others to say hello and interrupting their routine is not only not GOOD etiquette, it is actually rude. It is also not a good idea for women runners to interact with random males on the street. - 11/7/2010 6:39:29 AM
Thanks for sharing! - 5/26/2010 8:49:49 AM
Keep on moving :)
- 4/4/2010 9:08:56 PM
Most people are fine, but their dogs can be a challenge. I did have one cute little dog chase me for a while. shoo... shoo... Folks, let's remember to not only be mindful of ourselves, let's be mindful of our dogs. I've nearly run into lots of dogs and they've nearly run into me.
- 4/4/2010 1:27:22 PM
Couple of other things:
Spitting = GROSS. Period. Just swallow it. You need the liquid anyway. Just - eew.
Heaphones - I don't require you to be cheerful, but if you really can't hear me, then you can't hear a lot of things that could well be a danger to you. Too-loud headphones aren't just a courtesy issue. They're a safety one.
Passing - slower traffic to the right, please (UK, Japan, and Samoa excepted). If I am coming up behind someone, I'll say "coming up on your left" or just "on your left." Surprises from behind are rude. - 4/3/2010 12:45:37 PM
Thanks for sharing. - 4/3/2010 1:55:24 AM
2. Not usually an issue for me because I never run with groups, but when I see someone else spitting (or snot-rocket-ing) outside I always find it so gross.
3. Yeah, just stick the wrapper in your pocket.
4. I disagree - sometimes I'm working too hard to give a cheerful greeting to another runner. But if they say hello to me I smile back.
5. Oooh, big pet peeve for me! I can't stand it when a group of people is walking slowly and hogging the whole sidewalk, or when someone has their dog's leash spanning the width of the sidewalk, or when people try to stay on the left (I'm in America - traffic stays to the right!).
Heehee. - 4/2/2010 10:52:14 AM
It helps keep all of us (including the cyclists) safer and more aware of what's going on around us. - 4/2/2010 1:20:54 AM
And speaking of passing, some people think they own the sidewalk, and well that's just rude. - 4/1/2010 9:44:12 PM
I completely agree that you should pack out your trash. I often pick up trash on my hikes.
I would like to add Obey all Traffic Signs and Laws. Just because you are running, doesn't mean you should cross against the light. Use the red light to stretch or something. That goes double for bikes. - 4/1/2010 5:44:29 PM
at golds gym rarely i take cardio aerobic workout classes & martial arts
at golds gym. - 4/1/2010 4:38:39 PM
I am a mostly solitary person, but I get great satisfaction from thanking a driver for pausing for me in a crosswalk with a smile and a wave. Sure, they are only following the law, but isn't it nice to be acknowledged for it? And often I slow my pace (imagine!) so that a driver can get through the intersection before I get there. It's simply nice to do.
When we are working out on the streets and sidewalks and approach another person, a nod and a smile are welcome, but I understand that many people are afraid to make eye-contact with strangers. I like eye contact and always look at the person I am passing. If they look at me, I say hi or smile and nod, if they don't look at me, I just keep moving. No problem. - 4/1/2010 4:30:30 PM
As far as the spitting thing goes, I know some people do it on purpose to get people to GET OUT OF THE WAY when they are chatting it up, being rude, won't get out of the way, etc. - 4/1/2010 2:48:24 PM
As the weather begins to warm, there are more people who come out from hibernation. Some of the older people are hard of hearing, so it is very welcome when someone coming from behind alerts them before they are right on top of them. And sometimes any warning has to be spoken loudly in order to be heard above the traffic.
If you're biking at night, you should have lights on the bike. You're going faster than a walker and could easily cause serious damage if you run into someone.
I've also been out on the path when the high school running team has come out as a large group running directly at you even when you're walking single file and are totally surprised if you don't move over for them. I can't imagine that etiquette wouldn't be one of the first issues addressed when the teams convene. I've seen some paths that have a line drawn down the middle just to make people aware of the left and right concept similar to driving a car.
Reflective clothing or vests are another issue. When driving, I've seen way too many people lately who are walking on the road at night, with their backs to you, wearing dark clothing on unlit streets. If it's raining out or there's a car coming toward you, it's even worse as you can be blinded by the headlights and not even see anyone walking by the side of the road.
I follow the concept of greeting anyone who passes. This has allowed me to meet and get to know more people in the community where I live and you also find some who can become exercise buddies. - 4/1/2010 2:25:08 PM
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