The Keys to Running: Road Etiquette

aka Don’t Be That Guy Part 2: The Wrath of Khan

Editors Note: Spring is here, and that means more and more fledgling runners will be taking to the streets… so I asked our resident runner, Brian Kehs, to give us another entry in the “Don’t Be That Guy” series. Enjoy!

A lot of customs have evolved in the sport of running.

Some seem really obvious, and a lot of them are just common sense. However a lot of new runners may not be aware of the etiquette that has become part of the sport.

We covered some race day etiquette previously, so let’s take at 6 golden rules when it comes to running on the road.

Face Traffic

I know this one sounds like common sense… but so many people ignore this rule it is maddening!

When running or jogging on the street, you run facing traffic. Bikes rides with traffic, you run or walk against traffic.   Why? You have better visibility of what is going on around you. You will definitely see oncoming vehicles before they see you and you will have a better opportunity to take action and move off the road if you need to.

Stop Signs and Crosswalks

Stop signs are there for your safety and the safety of others.

Yes, coming to a complete halt can affect your pace, but in this case it’s worth it. If it’s a crowded intersection, make eye contact with the driver of the vehicle in the intersection if possible, so they know you are crossing.

Crosswalks are another area of concern, maybe even more so than stop signs, as they can be very ambiguous at time. Always err on the side of caution, and make eye contact with a driver approaching or stopped at a crosswalk if possible.

I witnessed a close call in downtown Annapolis as two naval cadets (who were doing everything right) almost got hit by a truck whose driver was not paying attention. It scared the crap out of me.

And if you are the driver – watch those crosswalks, please!

Acknowledge the Other Guy

Frankly this one caught me by surprise.

Running is often a very solitary sport, training often involves a lot of time by yourself. I always assumed people wanted to be left alone.

But like clockwork when I pass by people running in the other direction I always get a friendly nod, a quick wave, or a hello.

It’s okay to acknowledge the other person; they are just as exhausted as you are. It’s a brief, shared sense of purpose that you are both just as miserable, tired, and sweaty as the other guy.

“On Your Left!”

When you are passing someone going in the same direction as you are, be it a walker or another runner, always announce yourself so you don’t startle them. They may not be aware of their surroundings, and bumping elbows with a sweaty stranger may not be their idea of a good time.

Also, if you are the one being passed, move over a bit to allow the other person to get around you easily.

Don’t Hog the Road

If you are running or jogging on a multi-use trail by yourself, try not to run down the center.

Stay to the side (right side for trails) moving to the center only to pass others. Share the trail with others – you’ll be passing walkers, and cyclists will be passing you. (Raise your hand if when you read “walkers” you immediately thought zombies…)

If you are running with someone else or in a group on the trail, limit yourself to running two people side-by-side. Any more than that and you will have difficulty passing others, and making it harder to be passed… You don’t want to be the bottleneck!

If you are running an out and back on a trail, don’t just stop when you are ready to turn around and head back.

Look over your shoulder and check your surroundings before making the u-turn to head home!

Wear Reflective Colors or Lights

When jogging in the morning before sunrise or at dusk, be sure to wear brightly colored or reflective clothing.

You want to be sure others can see you. Most shoes have some sort of reflective markings on them, but add a brightly colored shirt or shorts with reflective material. Since the running apparel industry seems to love making obnoxiously bright shorts, shoes and shirts, this really should not be a problem.

Also recommended is a clip-on light – a simple strobe LED light that lets motorists and other runners know you are there.

You know. So you don’t get hit.

I resisted these for a while, but when I saw someone else wearing one from really far away, I realized how useful they could be.

I’m a fan of the one to the right…

Well there you go!

Six road rules to keep you safe and in the good graces of those around you.

What about you though? What rules of the road do you adhere to?

Speak up in the comments below!

– Brian Kehs

About the Author: Brian Kehs is a husband, father of two, a runner, and a manager in IT. In addition to running, Brian is an avid Star Wars fan boy who thinks Neil Gaiman’s Sandman may be the best literature out there. He regularly run 5Ks, 10Ks, 10-milers and half marathons. In his free time he coaches an elementary school running club!

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