Fall is here, which means the return of cooler temperatures and shorter days. Fall also means it is time to dust off your headlamps and reflective gear for those early morning and evening runs. It’s easy to become complacent of the rules of the road, particularly while running with a group, but please take a minute to review these important safety guidelines, courtesy of RRCA:
- Run against traffic if running on the road. If running on the sidewalk or multi-use trails, travel on the right and pass on the left.
- Never run more than two abreast if you are running in a group.
- Don’t run down the middle of the road or trail.
- If you are running an out-and-back route, don’t make a sudden u-turn at your turn around point. Stop, step to the right to allow oncoming traffic the opportunity to pass. Ensure the road or trail is clear of oncoming traffic (runners, cyclists, in-line skaters, etc.) then make your u-turn. Making a sudden u-turn without looking over your shoulder is a good way to get hit (and has resulted in litigation in other states).
- Alert pedestrians when you are passing them – don’t assume they are aware of their surroundings. A simple “on your left” warning will suffice.
- Be alert on blind curves.
- Stop at stop signs and ensure oncoming traffic yields to you before proceeding across a road. Don’t assume cars will stop if you are entering a cross walk, even if the walkway is equipped with flashing lights.
- Source: http://www.rrca.org/education-advocacy/etiquette-for-runners/ (accessed September 20, 2015).
In addition, some of the municipalities where BTC members often run have specific lighting/reflectivity requirements. For example, the City of Mountain Brook restricts access to city streets during early morning hours except to those wearing proper gear:
Sec. 46-7. - Use of city streets and roadways by pedestrians.
During the hours of 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., individuals shall be permitted to walk, jog, or run along and upon city streets and roadways, as long as said individuals are within six feet of the edge of the street or roadway, and provided that said individuals shall wear either:
(1) Reflective clothing between the waist and shoulders on the front and back that covers at least 50 square inches; or
(2) Strobe style continuously flashing lights at least two inches in diameter between the waist and shoulders that are visible from the front and back.
(Ord. No. 1665, § 1, 6-13-2005).
Several of our BTC partners carry the gear you need to stay safe and in compliance. Be alert, be safe, and be seen out there, friends!
