Joggers should be banned from paths and pavements

[BalancedIndividual]

As a car driver I find that the occasional cyclist breaks highway codes, cycles dangerously, or cycles without care and consideration. Key word being occasional, so no biggie. Just like how the occasional car diver is a .

But as a pedestrian going for a stroll in the park, the number of rude, selfish, careless and aggressive joggers i've seen is ridiculous high.

I see a jogger coming towards me, I walk to the side/edge of the path, but joggers always decide to keep running straight down the middle....

Similar to the above, joggers not keep a safe distance, and actually brushing past me.

And lastly, the worst offenders, joggers running side by side taking up the whole path, coming towards me, and giving me looks as if im supposed to jump out the way and off the path. ***

I honestly think legislation should be brought in to ban jogging on paths and pavements. Restricting joggers to grassland/cross country, outdoor tracks, private land, and the gym. The same way that cycling isnt permitted on pavements.

AIBU?

@manymanymany

Do any of you runners consider that you might be disturbing people, particularly those anxious about COVID? My mum and many of her friends stopped going for walks for a few months due to all the heavy-breathing runners coming so close to her. And so what if the pavements are more full than before the pandemic? For some people walking is the only exercise they can do at the moment, and as pavements are designed for walking rather than running, it's clear walkers should take priority. You can always go somewhere else to run, many walkers can't go elsewhere.

I try not to go anywhere I think will be crowded, for my own sake as well as everyone elses. Its harder to run dodging dogs, bikes, scooters etc! Today I did use quite a well used footpath (I met a friend and they chose the route- ive been avoiding it because its an "obvious" choice to go) We passed cyclists, dog walkers, walkers, other runners - was all fine.

I'm considerate, I stop, I stand aside, I'm happy to wait if other people are using the path. BUt why do runners need to go elsewhere (where btw?) anywhere suitable for running is probably equally suitable for walking (barring athletics tracks- that are closed)
In fact some of the muddier paths are probably more suitable for walking (with suitable footwear) than running!

No, I don't consider that I am disturbing people, because despite what people keep accusing runners of, I don't heavy breath and I certainly don't heavy breath ON anybody.

I am perfectly entitled to take my exercise outdoors. I have excellent pavement etiquette.

I don't have any problem with more people using the paths.

What I have a problem with is the hatred and vitriol spewed towards a group of people, most of whom are doing absolutely nothing wrong, most of whom are actually some of friendliest, courteous, experienced pedestrians there are.

Simply because another, new group of pedestrians are being ridiculously over anxious, about other human beings breathing in the outside open air and now want to have the paths to themselves.

There is no evidence whatsoever that runners are spreading coronavirus. If all of these walkers were that concerned they wouldn't be out in large groups.

manymanymany Do any of you runners consider that you might be disturbing people, particularly those anxious about COVID? My mum and many of her friends stopped going for walks for a few months due to all the heavy-breathing runners coming so close to her. And so what if the pavements are more full than before the pandemic? For some people walking is the only exercise they can do at the moment, and as pavements are designed for walking rather than running, it's clear walkers should take priority. You can always go somewhere else to run, many walkers can't go elsewhere.

Other than levitating, how do you suggest runners get "somewhere else"? Where is this "somewhere else" exist anyway?

I can honestly say that I've never met anyone like you or some of the posters on here. I've never really met a heavy breather either. At least not out running. For instance, today, I passed two walkers on one side of the path, and at the same time, a cyclist literally being towed by a greyhound on a lead passed us all at speed. We all just smiled and got on with our exercise.

I know my town is very polite, but thats all that ever happens. I'm not aware that pavements are designed for walking rather than running either, thats just something you've made up. Otherwise, there would be a bye-law to that effect, printed on a sign, wouldn't there?

I think if things like other people breathing scare you that much, counselling might be a good option. Runners go past you pretty quick compared to other walkers as well, so surely other walkers, who might be unfit and god forbid, breathe heavily, are more of a risk to you and you and your mother's friends? You are obviously over-reacting and making up excuses not to exercise, while simulataneously denying others the right to. Its really quite odd.

Sorry I find the converse is true. I jump into road to avoid walkers. Please don't tar all runners with same brush live and let live and all that

manymanymany Perfectly fine, just really tired of joggers (I note joggers here self-identify as runners grin) and their heavy breathing and sense of entitlement, particularly around elderly people who may be anxious about COVID and have the right to move at a slower pace.

Theres no need to denigrate people for using the correct adjective within the English language for an activity. I watched the European Athletics Championships on tv today, would you say that the athletes there were jogging?

When you're not policing people's use of the pavements, and their use of their own native language, is there any other legal activity you would like to restrict?

Spidder

Where I am, I regularly see three or four families together with children and dogs And none of them are social distancing. And none of them paying attention to who needs to pass in any direction on a path that is 2.5 m.

As many of us have said. There are inconsiderate path users of all types. And even more vulnerable users can still show consideration, and in my area, most often do, by not blocking a path that is wide enough for distancing to happen. Of course, on narrow areas, where they can’t is a different story.

Wise up. I'm more annoyed with the 'waddlers' who dilly dander and take up the whole path. As a runner I'm never done near breaking an ankle to jump onto the road, grass etc to respect walkers meanwhile yet some walkers don't even thank you and continue to take up a whole path with their clan.

I think it is the opposite as you post.

There are the occasional selfish joggers but most cyclists, as soon as they put the Lycra on and get on their bike, some which cost the same as a second hand car, think they are in the Tour de France.

Roads in parks with 20 mph limits, not for them, the faster the better! And, if you keep clear of the roads, the all terrain bikes ringing their bells aggressively on pedestrian priority paths, as they try to get a pb.

It is so rare to see cyclists behave with any manners that I go out of my way to thank the odd one who actually slows down when there are a lot of pedestrians.

I honestly get really annoyed by slow walkers who block the entrance and exits of supermarkets, or at least they feel as though they are. I walk very briskly, and I can't stand being stuck behind people for ages. I don't go on a rant criticising them, they are part of society and not everyone is the same after all.

I particularly hate car drivers who drive too fast and too close on narrow little country roads when passing runners and walkers. Its really bad manners and its dangerous too. But no, lets have a thread about how offensive runners are and ignore everyone else.

I honestly find it shocking that any form of exercise faster than a walk is beyond comprehension to quite a few people.

Yes! If I suddenly run on the grass, I'm risking injury. If a walker steps onto the grass, it's nowhere near as bad.

Tbf, most people tend to be considerate. I like the other people around cos I feel less anxious about the blokes who loiter and stare. I find myself weighing up how much energy I have to out run them; how far away another person might be; how much fight I could put up. I'm almost 6ft and really not attractive when I run, but you never know.

To all those suggesting we run elsewhere, where exactly is it you want us to go? I’m genuinely curious. I already avoid towpaths and parks as they are a nightmare to navigate in non Covid times. As an often lone runner (especially with Covid restrictions), often out very early or after dark, living in a town with inaccessible countryside and running tracks closed, where do you suggest I run other than on residential pavements?

I also hate the attitude that all runners can’t possibly take it seriously enough to call themselves so and must be ‘joggers’ bimbling along at a snails pace barely worth bothering. I can outrun (yes run) plenty of men in my local club over long distances and I’ve worked very hard to do so over the years. Plenty of other women I know can do the same. It smacks of sneering at people who have worked hard at a hobby they enjoy and are looking after themselves.

"Do any of you runners consider that you might be disturbing people, particularly those anxious about COVID? My mum and many of her friends stopped going for walks for a few months due to all the heavy-breathing runners coming so close to her. And so what if the pavements are more full than before the pandemic? For some people walking is the only exercise they can do at the moment, and as pavements are designed for walking rather than running, it's clear walkers should take priority. You can always go somewhere else to run, many walkers can't go elsewhere."

You can run or walk on a pavement there is no law to say it's only for walking.
I don't heavy breathe and I don't run near people, thankfully where I live near the countryside it's not a built up area and so I don't see many people walking, mainly other runners but if I do we are both considerate to each other.
I usually run in the road if I come across anyone or cross the road.
I run to stay fit and for my peace of mind I don't think anyone walking is more entitled to walk than I am to run.
People are all very nice to each other where I live.
I haven't had any bad experiences as walker or a runner because most people are friendly and considerate.
Perhaps you should move if you are so miserable.

@manymanymany

Do any of you runners consider that you might be disturbing people, particularly those anxious about COVID? My mum and many of her friends stopped going for walks for a few months due to all the heavy-breathing runners coming so close to her. And so what if the pavements are more full than before the pandemic? For some people walking is the only exercise they can do at the moment, and as pavements are designed for walking rather than running, it's clear walkers should take priority. You can always go somewhere else to run, many walkers can't go elsewhere.

That is ridiculous. I would go even closer just to piss your Mum off 😈

What's a jogging pace? Genuinely would like to know. I think I'm a runner (27 minute 5k/ 58 minute 10k), but wonder if that's actually slow and makes me a jogger.

I huff and puff when I walk up hills.

And for these people who can 'only walk slowly' at the moment, what's their usual form of exercise?

Spidder What's a jogging pace? Genuinely would like to know. I think I'm a runner (27 minute 5k/ 58 minute 10k), but wonder if that's actually slow and makes me a jogger.

Jogging is what you do between hard intervals, to recover your heart rate to under 130 or so.

I don''t jog my steady runs either though. Jogging is a really, really slow pace that doesn't cause your heart rate to go very high.

I feel really sorry for less confident runners who might be reading this thread, or people who are anxious about running on their own and now think people are giving them death stares as they go past.

Im not sure where the distinction of jogger/runner starts and stops but it seems the people who do neither feel they should adjudicate!

I refer to myself as a runner but in any case its (slightly) irrelevant to the discussion.

If we're talking about heavy breathing (huffing or puffing ) or peoples breath...one thing I have wondered about in the last year is smoking or vaping on a pavement. I am sure their breath must linger and waft far further than a passing runner...but Ive not seen many complaints about that.

The problem is the divergence of purpose between walkers and runners.

Walkers are out for a stroll, enjoying the fresh air and a break from the four walls of home. Runners are tooled up with fitness gadgets, trying to beat their mate’s time on Strava. They have a single mindedness and other people are collateral damage as they ruthlessly pursue their goal.

But people out for a stroll should still stick to the universal rules when passing others: single file and KEEP TO THE LEFT. Ffs, my kids could do that as toddlers.

What gym do you recommend people go to when they’re all decking shut???

Walkers (mostly) view other pavement users as people. Runners view them as obstacles to be navigated in pursuit of a greater goal. If there was a "blast" function which allowed them to wipe out obstacles in their path like dogs and baby buggies, no doubt many would choose to use it.

Only the one that coughed in my face last week !!

@Angelica789

The problem is the divergence of purpose between walkers and runners.

Walkers are out for a stroll, enjoying the fresh air and a break from the four walls of home. Runners are tooled up with fitness gadgets, trying to beat their mate’s time on Strava. They have a single mindedness and other people are collateral damage as they ruthlessly pursue their goal.

I'm impressed you can tell what every runners purpose is! There are some runs where I admit I'm aiming for a strava segment, these tend not to be heavily congregated areas , but if by chance there were lots of people out for a stroll, I would simply forget it and try another day. Most runs I just want to go out and enjoy some fresh air, and exercise, the same as walkers...just at a faster speed. Todays run was endurance and we tend to use quiet country lanes to do a 10-15 mile run. (not fast, and happy to take breaks for passing pedestrians, crossing roads, eating jelly babies, having water etc)

I've been running for over 10 years. Pre-pandemic, the routes that I regularly ran along were very quiet and only had other runners, cyclists and serous hiker types, who were all considerate to one another.

However, now these routes are completely clogged up with "walkers" with no awareness of their soundings, and who walk three or four abreast chatting.

I'd personally ban all the people taking so-called ”exercise” in lieu of their pre-pandemic trip to the shops. There's been a huge rise in litter in green spaces in my area caused by social "walkers”. This recently ended up with a calf eating some of the rubbish and dying.

I always move into the road now if I see a group of people on the path. So sick of having to dodge dogshit on the grass verge because the ignorant sods will not walk single file. If there’s lots of cars coming, I say excuse me as I’m coming up behind them. A lot of the time they jump like scalded cats as if they expect to the only ones outside. Makes me laugh! I always turn my head away if I pass anyone on the path anyway.

I’m usually a gym goer and have only taken up jogging in the periods the gyms have been shut. I’ve come to the conclusion that some people HATE seeing other people exercising. I think it makes them feel like it’s something they should be doing . The amount of nasty glares I get, from women especially, has been eye opening.

@Angelica789

The problem is the divergence of purpose between walkers and runners.

Walkers are out for a stroll, enjoying the fresh air and a break from the four walls of home. Runners are tooled up with fitness gadgets, trying to beat their mate’s time on Strava. They have a single mindedness and other people are collateral damage as they ruthlessly pursue their goal.

I've never used Strava or a fitness gadget (or headphones for that matter). Years of training on the track allows me to mentally plot my pace down to the nearest 400m split for any given effort. Incredibly accurate. Most runners I know don't use Strava either, or even wear heart rate monitors. Its the training thats important, not the gadgets. When you've done so many runs for so many years, all you can be bothered to do is actually put on your shoes (elasticated laces preferably although those zip up spikes look a godsend), go out the door, and run.