This week, a concerned eCoronado member wrote in:
“I had an interesting experience this morning and thought it might be an interesting item for an article or a little investigation. As I drove to drop the kids off at before care this morning, there was woman running down the middle of the road on 6th St. From several blocks away, it looked like she was just taking a long time to cross the road. As I got closer, she stayed directly in the middle of the road and did not move as cars came by. She was not running straight, but weaving as she ran. As I passed her, I slowed down. I asked her if everything was all right. She said yes. I then asked if she realized she was in the middle of the road. She looked at me like I was the completely crazy one in this conversation and simply replied that the middle of the road was flat.
After a few conversations, I have heard other people are as starting to see this trend.
As someone who has taken up running again, I love running on Coronado. However, I will not be running down the middle of the road.”
I just thought it was an interesting event and wanted to know if it was a one time event, if it is against Coronoado City rules, or if people are going to start running down the middle of the road, I will now keep an eye out for runners (in the middle of the road) as well as the teenagers talking on their cell phones while riding their bikes.
The Road Runners Club of America’s Etiquette for Runners states- Don’t run down the middle of the road or trail.
We love Coronado and especially eCoronado.com, but there are odd folks everywhere.”
According to Coronado laws, running in the middle of the street isn’t something that can be cited, but running between traffic can increase the danger of getting hit by a car.
The Road Runners Club of America’s Etiquette for Runners also includes the following rules:
- 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 be a road or trail hog.
- Don’t run down the middle of the road or trail.
- If you are running an out-and-back route, don’t just 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.
- 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.
- Respect private property along your route. Don’t relieve yourself in the neighbor’s bushes.
- Don’t litter. If you can’t find a trash can, carry your trash home.
Ultimately, Coronado has many running pathways down the strand and near the beach, which are flat and much safer to use than the middle of the street, especially with the busy summer months ahead. So next time you lace up your running shoes, head for one of our safer destinations.
When heading out for a run, make sure to stay in safer areas, especially when wearing headphones.
Have something to say about this article? Comment below!
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Marie Balfour
Online Editorial Intern
eCoronado.com
Have a Coronado news item you would like to share? Email me at [email protected].
