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Original poster

Driver etiquette when running

30 replies

Jenkibubble · 13/04/2025 17:32

Hi ….
I was out running this morning (last long one before marathon in two weeks ) and to vary my route I went down a road I hadn’t been down before . It runs parallel to a river and is a well known short cut between the city I live in and a town 5 miles away .
There was no pavement just a grass verge and so as not to risk rolling my ankle I ran on the road close to the verge .
I ran on the opposite side of the traffic .
I received several hand gestures / facial expressions from motorists who clearly had to wait for traffic so as not to hit me .
Is this the norm ?
I was quite annoyed at their response tbh .
Broad daylight and a Sunday so quietish fay not rush hour

OP posts:
rosemarble · 19/05/2025 15:30

BitOutOfPractice · 17/04/2025 20:18

You see I feel the opposite to most in this thread. If I see a runner, out slogging their guts out, while I sit in the fat comfort of my car, I’d give way to them.

I think the Highway Code should give precedence to those making the most effort.

are you running London @Jenkibubble ? Good luck.

That does sometimes happen to me and I feel the pressure to run fast and well!
It happens on a single track road, which (if I run at the right time of day) is thankfully pretty quiet. In some parts I can hug the side of the road and a car can still pass slowly, but there are a few points where I do need to either stop and pin myself to the verge, or hop onto it.

Now and again the oncoming car will wait where the road gets a bit wider. Always appreciated and I give them a big thanks, but boy.....that wouldn't be the time to start gurning, praying for help from Jesus, or just stop dead and do some stretching!

dynamiccactus · 26/05/2025 19:38

If there's an obvious grass verge I will move over but if there isn't, then cars have to wait, even if they don't like it. I do try to avoid roads without pavements though, as it's just too dangerous if a driver isn't paying attention (and lets face it, even roads with pavements aren't that safe as so many drivers think it's fine to park and drive on them).

rosemarble · 26/05/2025 19:50

dynamiccactus · 26/05/2025 19:38

If there's an obvious grass verge I will move over but if there isn't, then cars have to wait, even if they don't like it. I do try to avoid roads without pavements though, as it's just too dangerous if a driver isn't paying attention (and lets face it, even roads with pavements aren't that safe as so many drivers think it's fine to park and drive on them).

I live in a village. Unless I do 1.5 mile loops (a bit more if you go up and down every single feckin' cul-de-sac!) I have to run where there are no pavements.

I don't think I've ever had to make a car wait. Even if there is no verge to hop on, I can stop and stand close to the edge of the road. Sometimes I'll indicate that I'm heading for a layby or passing place and there will be a nod of acknowledgment. Mostly people are not arses.

Doingmybest12 · 26/05/2025 20:01

There is something quite odd about a runner running towards you while you are trying to slow and negotiate to drive by with oncoming traffic , they are ploughing towards you,no matter what you are doing. The drivers shouldn't be rude to you though as you have priority as the pedestrian.

rosemarble · 26/05/2025 20:04

Doingmybest12 · 26/05/2025 20:01

There is something quite odd about a runner running towards you while you are trying to slow and negotiate to drive by with oncoming traffic , they are ploughing towards you,no matter what you are doing. The drivers shouldn't be rude to you though as you have priority as the pedestrian.

I try to make eye contact so I know they've seen me and they know I've seen them, and if there's a car coming the other way I either stop or hop on to a verge if possible. I try and avoid busy roads, or at least certain roads at certain times of day. I always thank them.

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