Home > The Running Report > Archives > 2008 > March > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRunning on the Wrong Side of the Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m guilty.
My normal route has no sidewalks and unless it’s dark or foggy outside I run with the flow of traffic on the side of the road. In poor visibility, I’ll run facing traffic.
Sally Flocks, president of PEDS, a pedestrian advocacy group says, “When you’re walking [or running] in the street, you should be facing traffic. The law requires pedestrians to yield to cars, which means it’s your responsibility to get out of the way.”
Flocks recalls a fatal accident in 1999. A Lawrenceville mom and her three children, walking along the side of the road, were blindsided by a teen driver dialing a cell phone. The mother’s two-year-old son was killed.
“That’s a really good example of what runners need to be aware of. You have to recognize that drivers are not paying attention, even if you are,” Flocks says.
Which side of the road do you run on? Do you think it makes a difference one way or the other? When you’re driving, do you care? Had any close calls?
In summer camp, as a kid, I was taught to walk with the flow of traffic. Been doing it ever since but now every once in a while on my running route, a driver or resident becomes annoyed enough to scold me.
Not realizing the error of my ways, I continued on the wrong side of the road for nearly three years.
Last summer a driver made me so angry with his protest that I later went online to confirm to myself that I was right. (I had planned to get a T-shirt with bold print that said, ‘I AM running on the correct side of the road!’ )
I continued to run on the wrong side because I’m used to it.
That is until today.
Flocks made a lot of sense.
Odds of Survival if hit by a vehicle per Sally Flocks:
MORE: State of the Art Marathon Training. USA Fit/Team Spirit Active Trainer. Peachtree Road Race. Road Rules. ING Georgia Marathon.
P.S. A lot of you have left great comments about the worst hills in the Atlanta area. Keep them coming. Read the blog here. Or send your hill suggestions to me here.
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Comments
By Randall
March 7, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
My high school cross-country coach, the great Richard Westbrook, taught us to run AGAINST the flow of traffic so that we could be seen by drivers and so that we would see oncoming vehicles.
By Common Sense
March 7, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
I don’t know about the law but it seems like common sense to walk/run facing traffic. Why would you NOT want to see a 4000 lb vehicle coming towards you that will only miss you by mere feet?
By Dan
March 7, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
No question, always face traffic. I think you may have had some teenage camp counselor. My high school track coach pointed out the simple logic of that 25 years ago so it is not a new concept it’s simply common sense. And it isn’t just the cars that are not paying attention. I have seen runners going with traffic veer to their left without looking to avoid a pothole or puddle. Even the simple act of turning to look over your shoulder can pull you a step into the lane.
By Native
March 7, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure that the law requires pedestrains to be facing traffic. Like Common Sense, I want to see the cars coming towards me in order to be ready to react to anything. What is really upsetting, is to see people on the wrong side of the road, in the street when there’s a sidewalk right there, in the dark, dressed in black, no reflective wear, pushing a stroller and wearing a listening device. This is the ultimate display of stupidity. I don’t see how these types have reached adulthood. I can’t believe that DFACS is not on the lookout for those that push strollers on the wrong side of the road, this is child endangerment if I ever saw it.
By Jan
March 7, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe you are even asking this question. Even though I can see the cars coming towards me, they often cut it too close.
Most of my “regular” route is a wide enough road that I don’t worry. But on one section the road is narrow and hilly. I frequently pick my way along the shoulder as a car “might” be coming over the hill and not see me.
Why would you run where you can’t see the hazards? Never mind the law, isn’t that common sense?
By Obey the Laws
March 7, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Runners should run against traffic and also obey stop signs, yield signs, traffic lights, etc. On another note - bicyclists need bike WITH traffic. If people riding bikes want me to respect them they had better start obeying lights and signs - especially the holier-than-thou Decatur area bicyclists. Don’t glide through a stop sign at a four way stop and then give me a dirty look because I’m in a car that stopped and began to go through the intersection or I’ll run over your a*s. Remember - next week it will be very dark again in the mornings because of the time change and no one will see me mowing you down!
By MAD
March 7, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Pedestrians should also read the Georgia law in regards to crosswalks. Not an advocacy page, but the actual law.
And if I ever see another “same road same rules” bumper sticker I might puke.
By Jen
March 7, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
When I was learning to ride a bike as a kid I wanted to ride against traffic so I could see the cars and avoid getting hit. But my dad told me that a bike is a vehicle and it has to go the same way as traffic. He’s also the one who told me that if I am a bike and going WITH traffic and I feel it’s too narrow for cars to pass me that I should plant me and my bike in the middle of the road for safety. He also told me I have to obey the same laws as cars.
And it was my mom, the consummate walker, who told me to walk against the flow of traffic for safety if I HAD to walk in the street. She also told me that no matter if a cross walk has a Yield to Pedestrian signs on it that it would REALLY REALLY hurt to get hit by a car.
I have to agree about the cyclists. I walk to work 4 days a week and see many, many, many cyclists. 90% of then cut to the front of the line at a stop sign or traffic light - ON THE LEFT. This is very dangerous, not to mention very egotistical.
Once, as I walked down Lullwater and go to the round-a-bout at N Decatur I was waiting at the cross walk for a break in traffic so I could cross N Decatur and I saw the most infuriating and amazing thing. A car was on Lullwater, waiting it’s turn to enter the round-a-bout. A cyclist, obviously fit and wearing his super-hero costume, came up behind him and along side on the left. The driver of the car did not see him immediately, of course - because he’s not supposed to be there.
When the car began negotiating the round-a-bout so did the cyclist. The cyclist tried to get in front of the driver, who was startled, and then angry. The driver gunned his car and force the cyclist to the side of the road. The cyclist yelled out “Share the road, Mother@##$%!”
I could not believe the ego of that guy! Otherwise he must be plain stupid.
By midnight runner
March 7, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Wow!!! Great topic. I have been running for about 14 years now and I can only recall one close call.
While on my regular run on a desolate road between Alpharetta and Canton, I actually had a guy making hand motions for me to get off the pavement through the windshield of his Jeep as he approached me. It was just me, the Jeep, and a deep ditch full of briars on this lonely stretch of road.
It was only in my nature to stand my ground and throw up my hands in frustration. The guy stopped yelled some explicitives at me, I yelled back “bring it” (like I was going to runaway on foot from a guy in a MOTORIZED vehicle), he yelled a few more explicitives and drove away. Like a joke I’ve heard, Jeep’s are like porcupines execpt the pricks are on the inside.
Common courtesy is what should be used no matter what side your on. I yeild where possible and I am keenly aware of what the cars are doing around me and I typically wave nicely at approaching vehicles 1) for my safety, and 2) to be courteous.
Pay attention, wear bright colored clothes, wave to get a little attention, and enjoy the run.
I can’t wait for the close calls while cycling blog!
By anonymouscoward
March 7, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
As a cyclist and runner I have to agree with many comments. Cyclists are considered motor vehicles under GA law and must ride with traffic and obey the same rules for lights, yield and stop signs. I know plenty cyclists that don’t and push it a little too far. On the other hand I’ve biked along the road and have had many drivers including school buses try to push me off the road. I try to keep my cool but sometimes things get very dangerous.
As for running - I work on Windward Parkway, and I have to say it is one of the most dangerous roads on which to run. The city of Alpharetta in their infinite wisdom haven’t put in continuous sidewalks, and while one can run in the grass along the road there are places where things get a little dodgy. One has to be careful and mindful of where they are and look and listen! However, I’ve been hit by one car and narrowly missed by another while running through a crosswalk WITH the green light. The drivers were waiting in the oncoming lane to turn left and once they get their chance they gun it through the intersection, not bothering to look for pedestrians. The other dangerous aspect of crossing an intersection is crossing in front of traffic trying to turn right. If you come up on their right side, they are looking to the left and usually won’t see you. Again, you have to be proactive and defensive. If you can’t get eye contact be aware of the situation and plan an escape route.
We continue to work on installing bike lanes and better running areas, but it takes time and money. Most people are more interested in putting their fat asses in their cars to drive across the street to get lunch rather than walking, so there’s not much demand for better sidewalks.
By A Good One
March 7, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
PLEASE don’t lump all cyclists together based on the actions of a few aholes. PLEASE!!!
By ali
March 7, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
I am a cyclist but I don’t live in the Atlanta area. I live in Warner Robins. I would say most cyclists are very safety concious. Of course, the law is the law but if there hasn’t been a car in sight for 20 minutes and we approach a 4-way stop, we will probably slow down and then keep going. Then again, Atlanta is not as rural as the surrounding areas of WR are.
Anyways, what really aggravates me about some of the drivers down here is that while I am biking going one direction, a car going in the complete opposite direction will start blowing his horn at me and giving me the finger. I swear, I have gotten honked at more from those drivers than the ones that sit behind me while trying to pass me.
By Paul
March 7, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
I am a runner that runs almost every day and a veteran of 26 marathons and countless other races. A few years back, I injured my left ankle. My orthopedist instructed me to not run against traffic because of the slope of the road and the pressure that would be placed on my ankle. So sometimes you cannot run facing traffic. But for the most part, runners should adhere to the following:
Safety on the run” should be an integral part of your running program.
Run on sidewalks where available as required by law. Run on the left side of the road facing traffic. You will be in a better position to anticipate and react to vehicles. Run on roads with wide shoulders. Be cautious on blind curves where you will not be visible to approaching cars. Be aware of factors that affect motorist visibility - glaring sun, rain, snow, fog. Run single file when running in a group - particularly in high traffic areas. Anticipate potentially dangerous situations and be ready to deal with them. Always make the first move to protect yourself. Do not expect cars to alter their paths to avoid you. Obey traffic rules and signals. Runners, as pedestrians, are bound by traffic laws. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles at intersections. Drivers may not heed traffic signals or signs.
By Jen
March 7, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
A Good One, like I said…90% of the ones I see are arrogant jerks…but I do notice the 10% that are law-abiding and road respecting.
But that 10% need to work extra hard to give cyclists a better name…take the bad ones to task or just do something. Just don’t be an apologist.
By Yo
March 7, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Adrianne,
What summer camp did you go to?
It’s kind of funny how things like that stick with you…
At least this isn’t a cyclist blog where driver annoyance is exponentially higher.
As I run and cycle, I find drivers are much more courteous to my running on “their” road than cycling where I am often taunted and harassed.
By John
March 7, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
It depends on where I am…I live in Atlanta so you can usually run on sidewalks. The problem with some of the sidewalks in Atlanta is that many of them use those diagonal stones and they often get pushed up by erosion or a tree root…I’ve sprained my ankle a number of times on those. So in some parts of the city I’ll run on the street.
Another thing that a lot of runner’s don’t notice is the crown of the road, it’s not even…so if you run on the same road in the same direction all the time, one of your legs is going to plant higher than the other…if you start having hip or ankle problems, this might be something to think about.
Intersections are horrible in Atlanta…even if you have the right of way or the light is green, if you can’t make eye contact with the driver, run behind the car, not in front of it…this is especially true when the driver is making a turn but looking the other way (away from you) to check traffic.
By Native
March 7, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Anybody see the problem with traffic calming bulb-outs at intersections?
By Sorry - Not!
March 7, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
To the superhero bicyclist riding down Dekalb Avenue this morning - in the road. There is a BIKE LANE 20 feet from where you were riding. Did you not see it or did you want to show your arrogance at the cars driving in the rain? By the way, I was the one that ran through the big puddle just as you were passing by and drenched you. Ha-ha.
By Jen
March 7, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
And just to qualify myself…I didn’t get my first car until I was 23 years old. So, I rode a bike EVERYWHERE - to the grocery with an empty backpack, to my job as a bartender, to my college classes (rain or shine), to friend’s houses, everywhere! I admit I rarely rode for recreation as a result…but I didn’t let not having a car stop me from going anywhere.
I’d ride 15 miles to go to the nearest Wal-Mart because it was the cheapest place for a college student to shop!
And this was before people regularly wore helmets…so that dates me!
But I rode all over the city where I went to college for years.
So, I understand the frustrations of cyclists when it comes to bad drivers.
But, the fact remains…as my mom told me…it would REALLY, REALLY, REALLY hurt to get hit by a car….
By Nan
March 7, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
I was always told that pedestrians should walk(or run) facing traffic so they could see what’s coming and be sure the traffic could see them. Bicycles were supposed to go with the flow.
Given the hit-or-miss availability of sidewalks and/or bike lanes in Atlanta and the generally poor driving skills the people in cars demonstrate (way too many idiots on cell phones while driving) I think anyone on foot who walks or runs with the flow of traffic instead of facing it probably has a death wish.
By Joey
March 7, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Jen,
Judging by your comments about the attire of that cyclist it sounds like you just plain don’t like cyclists. Are you sure it wasn’t you in that round-about that ran the guy off the road? Some of you drivers don’t exactly know the rules either. In Georgia cyclists can ride two abreast…that means they are legally entitled to some portion of the road…yet every cyclist I know will give up that right and form a single file when cars approach from behind. I ride and I obey the rules mainly because I get enough harassment from drivers just for being on the road. I have had beer cans (full of beer) thrown at my head…I’ve been run into a ditch because the rednecks thought that would be fun…and I know a seasoned cyclist that now has metal rods in her pelvis because some silly twit on a cell phone ran a red light and creamed into her. So maybe if you aren’t among those type of drivers you should do a better job of giving them a better name.
By JJ
March 7, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
No matter where or when you bike, run, even drive, you are going to encounter rude drivers. Atlanta drivers are THE RUDEST and think they are superior human beings, just because they are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. I have never in my life seen such rude drivers as we have in Atlanta.
It’s pouring down rain this a.m on my commute, the guy in front of me is creeping along at 45 MPH in a 55 zone. The guy behind ME is honking, and flashing his lights for us to speed up. It was raining so hard this a.m. I couldn’t see the guy in front of me.
There’s always a jerk in traffic no matter where you go.
By Jen
March 7, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Native are you talking about the ones on McLendon Ave or are there others.
I know that on McLendon that was to try to keep the commuters from bypassing DeKalb Ave and using McLendon as their 50mph motorway…especially at 8am when all the kiddies are walking to Mary Lin. It’s a residential area!
So, kiddies walking to school and residential speed limits, to me, take precedence over cyclists - especially since you could probably take Iverson (I believe bumpouts start at McLendon and Candler Park Drive) down to Candler and the swing on over to Euclid.
But…mostly I just thing more efforts are needed to keep McLendon from being third lane to DeKalb Ave….like fireballs that shoot into the undercarriage of your car if you go over 35mph….
By Darrel
March 7, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
If you don’t have a license plate on your hind end, then, you don’t belong in a lane of traffic with moving vehicles. PERIOD!
By Spock
March 7, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
This blog is about running, not cycling. Please stay on topic.
By Joey
March 7, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
last comment because I don’t want to hijack this blog into a cyclists blog…it’s about running (I run a little also).
but on that note..conerning the bike path along Dekalb Avenue…it’s dangerous for bikes…people run on it, they rollerblade on it, and they push baby strollers on it. Some woman with a stroler screamed at me one time because I was riding on it.
Bike lanes…(the few that exist) aren’t much better. They aren’t maintained so they are full of branches,glass, and even nails…nice place for a flat.
By with traffic
March 7, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Well I’ve always learned the rule is to walk facing traffic so everyone can see each other. Maybe there’s a different rule for running. Regardless, I have seen too many runners on the right side of the road running with traffic, their back to me, wearing a headset listening to music, thereby minimizing any chance they’ll see or hear anything which could threaten their safety. It does bother me, altho I don’t think I’d get out of my vehicle to say something to them. As far as cyclists, they are supposed to ride with traffic (same direction). But I don’t accept the “same road/same rules” slogan. Rarely have I seen cyclists use hand signals and almost never have I seen them follow speed limits. Why not just “Watch for cyclists”?
By please protect yourself
March 7, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
And for goodness sake, if you’re running/walking at night or in poor visibility, please wear light-colored clothing or a reflective item. It’s all about YOUR safety. No one wants to hit you but it could happen. You’ll be dead or terribly hurt and it will be on the driver’s conscience forever.
By Native
March 7, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Jen The ones that affect me are in Buckhead. The point at which side streets intersect the main road were narrowed by means of the bulb-out in order to slow down turning cars and to try to keep them from cutting the corner. This design forces a runner/pedestrian into this narrowed lane of traffic when one is trying to either access or exit the sidewalk, or simply cross the main road. The city denies that it is unsafe.
By Jen
March 7, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Joey didn’t you read my post? I was a cyclist before it was cool - out of necessity and when there was LESS awareness of Share the Road…so I have tons of respect for cyclists. I’ve actually been hit by a car because the driver decided to cut in front of me to make a right hand turn! And it REALLY, REALLY, REALLY hurt! And she didn’t even stop to see if I was okay!
So don’t be an obtuse moron…I said I was walking to work when I saw that cyclist in the round-a-bout…would you like me to stupidly accuse YOU of being THAT cyclist? No…because it’s a dumb thing to do.
And you KNOW that there are MANY MANY cyclists who do what I just described.
The FACT remains that the larger proportion of cyclists I see, mostly lone cyclists and not so much pairs or groups, often break this one law of riding up on the left and cutting through traffic.
And hey, it’s not just cyclists. STupid scooterists do some insane stuff - like come up on the left or ride on the sidewalk. And I love scooters! I have one! And a bicycle I ride all the time!
Repeat after me. It hurts to get hit by a car. It hurts to get hit by a car. It. Hurts. To. Get. Hit. By. A. Car.
So, don’t get hit by a car - follow the ruls and pay attention to the a***** drivers out there!
By Beavis
March 7, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Huh-huh. Huh-huh. Joey said “abreast”! Huh-huh. Huh-huh.
By Joey
March 7, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Jen,
Actually, no I didn’t see your post. You must have posted it while I was writing mine, so I didn’t see it until it was too late. Be careful when you call someone a moron.
By Jen
March 7, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Joey I called you a moron for accusing me of being that driver in the round-a-bout. Because that was just plain dumb. I could call you fat. That would be dumb, too.
By Jen
March 7, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
And I apologize for calling you a moron. I can’t possibly know that to be true and it was unkind. However, I still think it was dumb for you to accuse me of being that driver in the round-a-bout…
By Joey
March 7, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Jen,
Apparently you aren’t to quick when it comes to sarcasm.
I also haunt the McClendon Ave, Clifton, Dekalb Avenue area.
Maybe you’ll get lucky and have the opportunity to call me a moron in person.
By Joey
March 7, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Sorry, another missed post.
Truce then.
Let’s not get hit by cars.
By jon8j
March 7, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Great article. As a runner & cyclist I never knew law required me to yeild to vehicles while running! O.k. cool - I can handle that, but as a cyclist, I never yeild my rightful space. I do my best to be curteous and law-abiding, but I admit to being somewhat aggressive beyond that point. Hey, I live in the boondocks and get buzzed / honked quite often.
By jon8j
March 7, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Great article. As a runner & cyclist I never knew law required me to yeild to vehicles while running! O.k. cool - I can handle that, but as a cyclist, I never yeild my rightful space. I do my best to be curteous and law-abiding, but I admit to being somewhat aggressive beyond that point. Hey, I live in the boondocks and get buzzed / honked quite often.
By Beavis
March 7, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Huh-huh. Huh-huh. jon8j said “buzzed”. Huh-huh. Huh-huh.
By Runner
March 7, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Which situation has more common sense involved:
A. Running with the flow of traffic so there is only 1 set oy eyes watching for a possible accident (and even one is doubtful between cell phones, eating, putting on make-up and generally not paying attention.
B. Running towards traffic so you as the runner are watching on-coming traffic (2 sets of eyes) for a possible issue. You are actually in charge of your own safety because you have the chance to move out of the way of an idiot driver.
There is NO debate. You run against traffic.
By butthead
March 7, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Shut up, Beavis.
By kristin
March 7, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Always run facing traffic. I had an incident where I was running with traffic (on the sidewalk though) and a man in a car came up from behind and followed me in his car exposeing himself. So ever since then I always run facing traffic even on sidewalks.
And to all my fellow AM runners, with daylight savings aproaching PLEASE go buy a reflective vest this weekend!
By Defensive Driver
March 7, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Personally, everytime I leave my driveway, whether on foot or in my vehicle, I proceed as if every motorist I encounter is mentally and visually handicapped. I never expect any of them to follow the rules of the road and I am rarely disappointed. I always face traffic while walking in the neighborhood, unless there’s a blind curve involved, in which case I take whatever side of the road allows me to get the farthest off the right of way, then I safely cross back over to face traffic again. Unless you’re walking on a high school running track, you can’t let your guard down for a minute. Otherwise, you’re gonna be roadkill. And to the numbnuts in my neighborhood who walk or jog in the road when the sidewalk is right next to you … WTF?
By Flattop
March 7, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Most pedestrians are far more in tune with reality than the morons on bicycles who chant “Same Road. Same Rules” then proceed to break every rule in the book.
By MP
March 7, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
I walk with traffic on a SIDEWALK! I try to stay out of the road period. The reason I walk with traffic on a sidewalk is people turning onto my road from a side street or driveway have to see me regardless of which was they are turning. They have to look left to make a turn regardless. On the other side they only have to look left and may not see me coming.
JUST STAY OUT OF THE ROAD, it’s too dangerous either direction!
By Mark
March 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
I proclaim that Darrel is an idiot.
By Ryan
March 7, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Here is some running and biking advice. If there is no sidewalk, run on the grass not on the side of the street. Unless you are Lance Armstrong don’t ride your bike on busy 2 lane roads.
By Ryan
March 7, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Here is some running and biking advice. If there is no sidewalk, run on the grass not on the side of the street. Unless you are Lance Armstrong don’t ride your bike on busy 2 lane roads.
By Randall
March 7, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Now that we’ve opened this can of worms:
These cyclists are ridiculous. Sharing the road is d*mn-near impossible when it is a narrow two-lane somewhere deep in Cherokee Co. and there’s an oncoming dump truck. It seems to me that if they want to ride their silly little over-priced bikes they’d do it ITP where they can all stick together. The arrogance that makes them believe they have equal claim to the road is indicative of a larger attitude problem, and ITP is the place for such attitudes.
By Randall's Mom
March 7, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Randall, get off of your sister and give it a rest.
By Jen
March 7, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Randall this is not an ITP/OTP thing.
The law says that cyclists have the same rights to the road as a automotive vehicle. If you violate their rights and harm comes to the cyclist it is you (in general, not necessarily literl) who will go to jail or be charged in some capacity.
It doesn’t really matter what your opinion is on this.
By justduckie
March 7, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
bike WITH traffic. Run/walk against traffic if there is no sidewalk - otherwise STAY ON THE SIDEWALK. Which summer camp did you go to? Don’t want to send my kids there..
By Adrianne
March 7, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Wow. Hot topic.
By John
March 7, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
I sometimes run around Capitol City country club over in Brookhaven. Here’s what I often see: Girls running in the same direction as traffic in the middle of the lane, with headphones on, or mothers walking in the same direction as traffic in the middle of the lane (or the whole lane if there’s two of them) with baby’s in strollers and talking on a cell phone or to each other. Not only can they not see a car, they can’t hear it either. If anyone has ever been over to this part of town you know that the roads are twisty and curvy…people in cars don’t have a long line of view. It’s an accident waiting too happen.
Just a note about sidewalks…the concrete that they are made from is slightly harder than the pavement of the road…some runner’s think that running on the road may be easier on the body. It’s a negligible benefit considering the risk of a few tons of metal slamming into you.
By kevin
March 7, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Jen - not only does the law state cyclists have the same rights as motorists, but that they are REQUIRED to ride on the road, unless there is a dedicated bike path adjacent.
Oh, and cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast.
I didn’t make the rules, but those are the rules.
By imatapper
March 7, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Run facing traffic. You want to see the car that possibly hits you. I tend to run in a neighborhood that doesn’t have sidewalks. I don’t run on the grass because it is uneven and I find that hard on my knees and ankles. I’m amazed at the cars that speed up when they see me, or decide to hug the edge of the road! They will be riding happily down the middle of the street, but as soon as they see this runner, they find it necessary to get as close to the edge of the road as possible. I’ve been close enough to many cars to run my hand along the side as it passes! When I cross a drive-way or intersection, I will run BEHIND any and all cars waiting to enter the road, because I KNOW they are not looking at or for me.
I only run on a major road if it has a sidewalk, I stay on that sidewalk, and I run a loop that puts me facing traffic at all times. Drivers think it’s fun to honk their horns when they get close just to see how high I can jump.
By A Brilliant Idea
March 7, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Cyclists may have the same rights as motor vehicles, but I have the right to plow over your @$$ when you fail to follow the rules of the road on your little Huffy. Oh, by the way, if someone does decide to bike against traffic, the cyclist is the one at fault, not the driver of the motor vehicle.
By kevin
March 7, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Randall, I’m sorry that cyclists do things they’re not supposed to.
Trust me, as a cyclist myself, I get mad at cyclists when I see them run red lights, make right turns without stopping, cut people off, cut through parking lots to get ahead of traffic… wait, those are all things that motorists do in equal numbers!
NOBODY FOLLOWS ALL OF THE RULES!
Until the law of the state of georgia is changed, then cyclists will be ont he road. If you hate them, then hate every bad driver, jay walker, cyclist, jogger, etc. that don’t follow the rules.
When people yell at me for simply being on the road, my answer is always the same: “Type Georiga Bicycle Safety Laws into Google and read what it says.”
Check the link
By brilliance
March 7, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Uh, no, if you plow over a cyclist intentionally, you will go to jail. Vehicular homicide, my man.
However, if cyclists (like motorcycles) don’t follow the rules and watch every move, then right or wrong, they can get injured. Ride at your own risk, but it is absolutely within a cyclists rights to do so.
By Harvey
March 7, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
If you want to read the Georgia laws relating to bicycles, here’s the link. http://www.dot.state.ga.us/travelingingeorgia/bikepedestrian/Documents/georgiabicyclelaws.pdf
Among other things, a person on a bicycle is, in most instances, required to “ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable….” If only the cyclists I see on the roads in the North Georgia mountains would understand that law, and follow it.
By Harvey
March 7, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
The last part of the link to the Georgia laws relating to bicycles gets cut off, so you’ll need to add the following two pieces together.
http://www.dot.state.ga.us/travelingingeorgia/bikepedestrian/ Documents/georgiabicyclelaws.pdf
By Harvey
March 7, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Geez, trying to post the link to the Georgia bicycle laws runs into formatting issues - in the following, replace the space before and after “bicycle” with an underscore _ .
http://www.dot.state.ga.us/travelingingeorgia/bikepedestrian/ Documents/georgia bicycle laws.pdf
By c
March 7, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Under Georgia state law, it’s illegal for pedestrians to walk in the roadway if there’s a sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, peds are to walk on the left side of the roadway.
O.C.G.A. 40-6-96.
By jill
March 7, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
If it’s safe, I run on the road even if there is a sidewalk because it’s better on my knees. I don’t have bad knees, but one of the worst surfaces people run on is the sidewalk. Of course if it’s too dangerous, I move back to the sidewalk. Otherwise, I’m running on the road against traffic.
By Ron
March 8, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
I don’t kow how one gets to be an adult without knowing that you walk against traffic.
By kevin
March 8, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
To Harvey:
Did you read the whole thing, or did you stop after the first line of A under 40-6-294?
Read the whole thing. “Try to ride as close to the right as possible…” There are several exceptions: turning, passing stading vehicles, etc.
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been riding at 35MPH in a 35MPH zone - on a bike!!! - and people pass me over the double yellow line. Who’s at fault then? When the road turns up, I naturally slow down, and move over. Two decent cyclists riding together on flat road can be going 25 MPH.
Also, I keep pointing this out but cyclists can ride more than two abreast!!!
Read the whole thing!
Again, if the cyclists don’t follow the rules, they should get tickets. Encourage your local law enforcement to ticket cyclists - the same as motorists - for breaking the rules that already exist.
We don’t need more rules. We just need some simple enforcement.
By King of Sandy Springs
March 8, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
People, it’s just picking a side of the road while running/walking. Decide for yourself what feels comfortable, don’t rely on what the law states. This argument is clear evidence there is way too much government. The law should state avoid getting hit by a car, dumba$$.
By harold
March 8, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
harold ride a bike to work a lot. same road same rules is retarded. harold is on a bike,not in a cage. same road MY rules. MY rules is “dont get kilt.” harold cooperate with the cars and virtually never has a problem with anybody. if you get the finger and stuff from cars a lot you are probably riding like a jerk off. and no, harold dont use the sidewalk. nobody in cars looks up and down the sidewalk before turning so the sidewalk is the place to get dead zone.
By leah
March 9, 2008 5:21 AM | Link to this
It sounds like most of you could use some lessons from Hawaii and Vancouver B.C. Both of these places have major traffic with heavy pedestrians/cyclist.. yet have no problems co-existing. Road Rage doesn’t exist in either place and even in traffic, everyone let’s someone merge..car or bike. They also know how to use a crosswalk..which is something unheard of here. It’s all about education people and following the rules. We all want to get to where we’re going and it’s not that hard to show a little courtesy along the way.
By Jenna
March 9, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Thank you for this article! As a fellow runner, it infuriates me to see people running Peachtree before sunset on the wrong side of the road & with no reflectives, almost as if they have a death wish. I’ve seen many near misses on my way to work every morning. If you’re not going to invest in a $15 reflective vest, at least make sure you can see the traffic coming towards you.
By Tina B
March 9, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Never mind the traffic. You want to be able to see who is coming at you just in case some sicko tries to sneak up on you and snatch from a moving car. If you are facing traffic you will see it coming and have more than enough time to draw your weapon and shoot before he gets a hold of you.
By Lex
March 10, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
I agree with what people are saying here about common sense. I always walk/run against the flow of traffic. I’ve tried it the other way (with the flow) in a very quiet subdivision and it made me feel like I was in danger. Whenever I’m running, if I see a car coming toward me (when there isn’t a sidewalk), I’ll briefly step onto the curb until the vehicle has passed. They are usually more likely to slow down and be more courteous if I show the same courtesy to them. Oh, and if you walk or run after dusk or in the early morning, I’ve seen many people carry a flashlight (even if it’s a small one for your keychain) and as a driver it makes you much more aware of people on the road. I’ve started carrying one with me just in case it gets dark while I’m running.
Quick question for those who go walking/running on a regular basis: do you carry any type of pepper spray or anything for self-defense? Since there have been so many kidnappings/murders recently, I’m a little more cautious before going out and I could use some ideas or suggestions. Thanks :).
By Ben
March 10, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
This is another interesting quandary of civilian life; military types are taught to run with the flow of traffic and I personally like it. I have never liked the idea of running towards an oncoming vehicle. It’s because of the confusion of people that there can’t be any hard rules written to tell them to run one way or the other and there shouldn’t be.
Like the situation with helmets and bikes, children should have to wear them but it’s optional for adults as it should be. It’s a good idea to wear one in a heavy traffic urban area like Atlanta.
By Kerry
March 10, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Randall, Which side of the road do you run on now? hahahaha
By KCL
March 10, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
You must face traffic!! Drivers don’t pay attention and I’ll bet over 50% don’t know the laws. Bikes have to go with the flow of traffic. Either way we’re flirting with people who think we have no right to be on the roads and often will see who close they can come in order to scare us (only a guess but there doesn’t seem to be another reason). I just wish more drivers knew what brakes and steering wheels for for.
By KCL
March 10, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Darrel is either stupid or uneducated. I hope he knows someone that can read that may be able to help him out - unless he is incapable of learning. Maybe we need an IQ test to receive a drivers license to prevent people like him from getting behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle.
By KCL
March 10, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Ryan and Randall cant read, probably smoke and are overweight. I guess we should feel sorry for them but do wish they would learn the old saying “it is better to keep your mouth (or finger tips) shut and appear to be stupid than open it and remove all doubt.”
By KCL
March 10, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Ryan and Randall can’t read, probably smoke and are overweight. I guess we should feel sorry for them but do wish they would learn the old saying “it is better to keep your mouth (or finger tips) shut and appear to be stupid than open it and remove all doubt.”
By Troglodyke
March 10, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Here is some running and biking advice. If there is no sidewalk, run on the grass not on the side of the street.
Uh, what grass would that be? The grass in private yards? True, there is a portion of every yard that does not belong to the homeowner, but people aren’t real happy about people walking on their yards. Plus, as someone said, it isn’t always smooth.
Drivers need to be more careful, cyclists need to obey the rules of the road, and pedestrians need to be responsible for their own safety. Many people act like jerks on the road.
I drive and I walk. When I am a driver, I am cognizant of peds and cyclists, but I do get annoyed when people walk or bike as far out into the road as they can get (for no reason). I get annoyed when people crossing the street ignore the crosswalk 20 yards away, and cross in the middle of the road. I also get annoyed when perfectly healthy people cross the street not in a crosswalk, and s-l-o-w-l-y. What are you trying to prove?
When I’m on foot, I do my best to look out for cars, and to cross responsibly, and quickly. If I do have to jaywalk, I don’t amble across the road like I’ve got all day, with my pants hanging down to my knees.
As a driver, I always yield to walkers/runners in the crosswalks, even though I get honked at.
My biggest pet peeve with pedestrians (and something I never do when I am one) is when they start to cross before they have the “walk” signal, thus impeding the drivers opposite who have the turn arrow. The car turning on the green arrow has the right-of-way if you still have the “hand,” folks!
By amy
March 11, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
while you should always use common sense and protect yourself, the law is actually that pedestrians always have the right of way, and the person in the several thousands of pounds of metal traveling at speeds not possible on foot should yield to them. at least in ohio anyways. wouldn’t surprise me at all if a car-centric state like Georgia has it bass-ackwards.
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March 19, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
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