"Now that it’s officially fall in the United States" huh? I thought it begins on Septemer 22
Best way for runners to stay visible at night? Don't run.
Better still don't run at all, save injuries to your legs, ankles, and feet and do other types of exercise.
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@Paul
There are plenty of articles you will find regarding how inaccurate your misconception is.
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@TDD Thank you for your reply. Yes, you are correct but there are also plenty of articles that say I am right.
In my youth, despite careful training, I was running (pun intended) into all sorts of foot problems when I took up running. My doctor told me to eschew it in favor of other less strenuous exercise.
I am now a senior and thank her to this day and in great health re the following. All my gym rat and marathoner running senior friends are now all "cripples" with all sorts of knee, back, foot operations, procedures etc.
Yes, yes, I know you are a senior runner and don't suffer from this. Congrats, you are either a freak of nature or fibber and anybody else that responds that way.
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@Paul One last thing. Ironically, couch potatoes and obese people run into similar problems as gym rats and marathoner runners albeit the latter being in better health other than the injuries I mentioned.
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I often use my front bike light for running, and carry it in my hand. It has different modes for different situations and I can point it down so as not to blind people who don't deserve it.
In March or April of this year, I nearly joined the dearly departed club while out for a walk. At a particularly tricky intersection with little illumination, I crossed and had a minivan pass so close to me than one foot less, and I wouldn't be typing these words. Had the vehicle hit me, I would be fortunate to even be rehabilitated and back at home. More likely, I would have died from blunt force trauma from a head-on collision of a minivan going 20 mph to make the turn.
Take your time negotiating any intersection. Keep running in place. Keep walking in place. Slow down. Take your time. If in doubt, don't cross that intersection till you can safely do so, or double back. Yes, cars, trucks, SUVs, and airplane stair trucks should watch for pedestrians, but that will do you no good with a crushed pelvis if you are lucky or an ugly, nasty death if you are not lucky.
Let the vehicles win and find another path to walk or run. These high visibility devices are excellent safety items to purchase and put to use. I wear a reflective vest-and-belt combo and also turn on a hand-held light when crossing any intersection to stand out more. Whenever I am in doubt, I wait for the cars to clear the intersection and double-check before I step onto the road.
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I'm thankful I live in an urban area where I can run on a well light sidewalk. Running on the road is no joke!
It's worth remembering, as well, that if it's both dark and raining, then even wearing lights might not help due to the scattering effect of the water on the car's windshield. Even an aware, conscientious driver may not see a pedestrian until it's too late. This is not about victim blaming - this is about staying safe. Yes, pedestrians have rights (and in NJ a law recently passed requiring drivers to pass at least 6' from a pedestrian), but being right won't help if a vehicle hits you.
@Sad
I mean, let's be honest: When it's dark and raining, that's the time to be inside, not out running. Have you ever noticed that the police don't stop people on rainy days?
In a crowded metropolitan area, runners who wear headlights are the bane of everyone coming toward them. The light temporarily blinds the oncoming pedestrian/biker/driver. Also, blinking lights can instigate seizures in people who are prone to them. Best to wear reflective clothing and carry a small flashlight (not pointing it directly at people)
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I'm not a runner, but I used to commute in the early morning and early winter evenings. Please, please, please, runners wear something so you can be seen! Countless times I suddenly came upon runners, dressed totally in black, running with their backs to the traffic, and dodging in and out of the cars parked on the street. Terrifying!
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@Reader
I drive in urban NYC which may be well lit and I couldn't agree more! If you must wear the "NY Uniform" of all black PLEASE wear something reflective so I can see you! I don't want to hit you!
Wear the lights and reflective vests and clothing, run facing traffic, always move your body assuming the car, or cyclist cannot or does not see you. Tell someone your route or let them know you're heading out and a general ETA so if they don't hear from you they know to check on you and wear a safety device; I have my Garmin set up to email people my route (Live Track), enable incident detection on wearables, etc. and when possible, run with another person or a group, it's easier to see two or twenty people that look like moving holiday light displays versus one.
Common sense, you don't go running in the dark, end of story!.
@COHENOWITZ
But you can drive in the dark, correct? Including at times where there's no road illumination? And the expectation remains that nobody will hit you, right?
So why the 2nd set of rules for pedestrians?
If you are on the path using a light, please point it downwards so it doesn't blind people coming in the opposite direction.
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I wear a Petzl Swift RL headlamp and a NoxGear Tracer 360 lighted vest. I'm like a running Christmas tree!!!!
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I use a light up construction-type vest. You can set it to shine constantly or blink. Though I feel like I should be parking a jet, I KNOW they can see me.
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It is better to be safe and take precautions BUT I can tell you that reflective gear will not help when a right-turning driver only looks left before stepping on the gas and entering the crosswalk. As a runner I find this the most dangerous situation.
1) Runner and walkers, don’t let the reflectives and lights give you a false sense of security because there are still situations where a driver will just not be looking in your direction.
2) Drivers, please LOOK BOTH WAYS and SLOW DOWN regardless of time of day.
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@A.H. And when you're at an intersection with a car on your left, pause long enough to check that driver is aware of you. Running makes one impatient. Recognize and control it.
@A.H. "a right-turning driver only looks left before stepping on the gas and entering the crosswalk." All my close calls while running have come in this situation, and not just in the dark, in broad daylight as well. Drivers need to remember to look BOTH ways.
As to running in the dark, I used a reflective vest with lights clipped to it and carry a handheld flashlight that I point down unless it appears a driver isn't paying attention (such as the situation above - maybe that scenario is less dangerous in the dark because a light can get the driver's attention).
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@David Bean - That is what I said with my comment—be careful whether or not you are wearing reflective clothing. No need to lecture me, I am always careful.
In my experience it is driving that makes people impatient. Road rage is a thing. While recovering from surgery (not an injury) I was apparently going too slow gingerly walking to cross an intersection with stop signs and a driver not only laid on the horn at me but drove through the intersection at an aggressive speed when I was still crossing and had barely cleared his path.
Reflective vests from one of the large retailers often cost around $10.00 I wear one every walk around my almost rural neighborhood. Cars always veer around me.
I see so many runners at night who are literally invisible to drivers. I've wanted to stop to let them know how hard it is to see them. They can see drivers, so they assume drivers can see them. Not true at all. Please wear lights, reflective vests, and stay on the side walk or side of the road. I'm careful, but the guy gunning behind me is not.
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@mm I wear a reflective vest and lights and have had drivers stop to thank me for being so visible. Safety is everyone's job.
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@mm
You "see" "literally invisible" people at night? They must be doing something right -
@mm On occasion I have pulled up to runners or walkers on my street to tell them that they are barely visible. Not sure if they care but it made me feel better to let them know.
As others have said, when there aren't sidewalks, walk/run on the LEFT side of the road. So you're facing the car that could hit you.
Here in Oregon it's the law and yet nearly everyone walks or runs on the right side of the road. Whenever I ask why, it's always, well that's what cars do!
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If runners and walkers knew how poorly most older folks see in the dark, they would be wearing every reflective, neon, and bright item they could find. You don't have to be elderly. My husband had almost total night blindness by the time he was in his mid fifties.
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As a long-time morning runner, you can dress in red neon and in an outfit that catches on fire Hunger Games style, and it still won't make a lick of difference to the rushed AM drivers who can't be bothered with anything that may impede their morning routine.
I've routinely stated that the most dangerous place in the world to be as a runner is in between a school and a mama bear in her SUV.
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Reflective vest and a running light are essential for running in the dark plus a white color in your outside jacket. One problem running in the dark is twisting your ankle when you step on a stone or acorn or into a hold you did not see cause it is dark. A good running light as mentioned in article is important.
I tell my adult daughters all the time to wear a reflective vest in the daytime while biking or running. Even in the day wearing bright clothing is a good idea to avoid being hit while biking or running.
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@John
Spot-on: The biggest risks to running in the dark is not being able to see the surface you're about to land on.
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Isn't this a bit of victim blaming.
Yes I understand taking precautions but where is the article for drivers on how to not to hit pedestrians. Some hints. Ensure you're properly rested. Have your vehicle serviced and ensure the headlights are aimed properly including the proper type of bulbs. Slow down and pay attention.
It seems borderline hypocrisy to tell folks how not to get hit when they're not at fault.
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@John Paul As a driver I have had to deal with head to toe black clad runners running on a poorly lit road. The streetlights in the world won't help if they are obscured by trees. While the ultimate responsibility may lie with the driver, I think there is some "contributory negligence" on the part of the runner. I'm not sure it isn't jaywalking anyway.
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@John Paul - Runners in the NY/NJ area love to run in black, because it's NY and black is a vibrant party color around here. Well, black at night is camouflage. It renders you invisible. It doesn't matter how bright the lights, how well focused, how much ... anything. A runner in black is invisible.
Same goes for navy blue.
Same goes for charcoal gray.
You know what's visible? Bright, fluorescent colors. Try that yellow that British police wear on a rainy day. Or fluorescent hunter orange. Both of these absolutely POP out at dusk and at night.
It's not always the driver's fault. If someone's in the lane and wearing nothing reflective, they're liable to get hit.
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@John Paul
I am a 40 year runner. Cars are often at fault, and I have cussed many of them. I once had a guy almost hit me and I was wearing a headlamp, the Noxgear vest that is highlighted in the article, a neon yellow shirt, shorts with reflectors, and neon yellow shoes with reflectors. (No kidding) But sometimes runners are at fault. Cars have blind spots and there are lots of various things to keep from hitting in a car. In dark and wet situations dark clothes literally become invisible, so let's just try to do our parts to keep ourselves safe. Also, take the headphones our of your ears. They cut off your most important sense when determining if cars are approaching from behind or out of a side street.
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All of us who walk, jog,or run in the early morning hours are out there in the dark for most of the year. Hence, it is important that we do our best to make ourselves visible to anyone else who might come near during our exercise session. Ideally, this can be accomplished in the least burdensome fashion.
For the last 24 years, I have gone out between 4 - 4:30 AM for a minimum of 1 hour power walking. I have tried many items to assure my safety. I have never had an incident with a motor vehicle, bicyclist, or runner in all this time.
What has helped me stay out of harm's way? 2 things. I wear a reflective vest. I also wear a powerful headlamp (from Petzl) on an elastic band around my forehead, usually over a baseball cap. The head lamp has multiple illumination settings & adjusts to several different angles, so that I can always see objects in my path up to 200 feet away.
Much of my route occurs on a protected bike path, but whenever I am not on the bike path I always walk on the shoulder of the left hand side of the road.
While there is never a 100% guarantee of safety, these measures have worked well for me over the years & should work for any of you out there who are considering how to protect yourselves.
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@Doctor B
Thanks for mentioning Petzl.
Wonder if you have ever worn it around your bare forehead.
Reflective clothing alone is risky because it only works when headlights shine on it. Pulling out of my driveway on a dark night I nearly hit a runner wearing a black reflective suit. You need to add a light.
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Cross behind cars (moving or stationary); i.e. assume they don't see you. Personally I'd also rather cross in the middle of the block where traffic is predictable rather than at a corner where you have random unsignalled turns -- and where you aren't sure whether drivers are waiting for you (visible or not) or just checking their texts before going.
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In addition to wearing reflective clothing, walk or run facing traffic (left side of the road in the U.S.) so you can see what’s coming. It’s not safe to have your back to traffic. Sounds elementary I know, but every day I see runners and walkers—and children—trusting that drivers coming from behind in the vehicle lane will see them. Sometimes they can’t.
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The Proviz brand Reflect 360 products are amazing. You glow bright silvery white in the dark. (Am I my own patronus?) That said, I know I'll be adding a headlamp to my next morning run. Street lamps are inconsistent, and sidewalks in New Haven are a nightmare.
https://www.provizsports.com/en-us/collections/reflect360
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@Marisa Proviz products are great! their customer service and return policy is not so great -- order carefully!
I was walking home from work one winter evening. I was wearing dark color hat, coat, and pants. A pickup truck stopped next to me, the middle aged man rolled down the window and screamed at me in an angry voice “You are wearing all black, I almost hit you!”. From that day on, I always have a light clipped onto my backpack.
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@Earthling
How on earth did he see you in order to yell at you, what with all that camouflage you were wearing?
I actually stopped running early mornings because the vibe outside isn’t great. I haven’t felt this unsafe in the city. Ever. I’ve been here since 96.
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Please wear bright colors and lights even in daylight. I live on a country road that attracts lots of bikes. If a bike is in the shadow of trees it is next to impossible to see it at distance, especially if you are wearing dark clothing.
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@Sue
Assuming none of the trees wear bright colors or lights in the evening, how have you managed to avoid hitting one for so long?
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Jen Miller - this is a very important topic and could use a second article with more information.
There is a large body of research showing that pedestrians overestimate how visible they are to drivers.
From the pedestrians point of view they can easily see the vehicle’s headlights and they feel very illuminated by them. The problem is the amount of light being reflected back to the driver’s eyes is much less - and it’s the light that makes it back to the driver which matters. If they don’t detect you and recognize you are a pedestrian in time to avoid you nothing else matters.
This unfortunately leads to collisions many of which could be avoided if the pedestrian was wearing reflective clothing. Lights are also good - but small lights can also be misinterpreted by a driver and appear to be larger lights that are further away.
You want to be bright and have enough reflective coverage to be obvious that you are a person. This is why a little reflective tag, on your shoe or one little spot on your jacket isn’t really that helpful - unless it’s enough to be apparent that you are a person it’s not useful.
Finally a white t-shirt is slightly better than a black one in the dark, but really you don’t want to be relying on a white shirt, it’s nowhere near as good as a piece of reflective clothing.
Having investigate many pedestrian fatalities it’s unfortunate that this information is not more widely known. Perhaps a longer, well researched article could help with that.
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@RobO Thank you for this observation -- it's so important for pedestrians, bicyclists, and runners to consider their visibility. Of course vehicles are at fault. But you need to be defensive and make yourself obvious to oblivious drivers.
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The sidewalks where I live are have so many trip hazards they are a deathtrap at night and walking on the road (against traffic flow) is common practice in the neighborhood.
I wear a Noxgear Tracer 360 - very lightweight but incredibly effective, especially in flashing mode. I also got a Noxgear Lighthound for my dog.
Received many comments of thanks from drivers and cyclists.
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I walk back and forth on the same street that has little traffic. But of course in the opposite direction of the traffic. Don't trust the drivers with their multiple distractions behind the steering wheel. I was hit by one in broad daylight in the middle of pedestrian crosswalk. Fractured my knee and pelvis and had multiple abrasions - easily eight months of physical therapy. The driver's excuse? Said he didn't see me...
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I live in a very very curvy place. It is shocking how many people can fit in the front pillar of my car, which completely blocks my sight of them. I have to actively whip my head around both sides of the pillar at intersections to not accidentally hit people. This phenomenon is much worse on one of the curved or staggered intersections where my reduced speed tracks with walkers who therefore remain in my blind spot. I’m a walker myself, then all i can do is to wait and make eye contact with the driver, or hustle through quickly (Chicago-style).
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For many years in Columbia, SC, my wonderful sister has been giving reflective bandanas to the invisible walkers and runners who're out at night.
Early morning walkers and runners are on their own; she's still asleep.
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I picked up a pair of highly reflective running shorts and matching windbreaker that I picked up at Target. They were not expensive and cars' headlights light me up like mid-day sun.
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I'm not a runner anymore, but I do walk my dog at night. My problem is not being seen, but being able to see the sidewalks. In the suburbs of Los Angeles, many of the sidewalks are old and broken, creating tripping hazards. I use a flashlight that straps to my chest and can be directed to illuminate the area in front of my dog and I. My dog has also learned to use the flashlight beam to safely walk as well.
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In Seattle at this time of year, its pretty much dark day and night. So, I never leave the home without tossing on my bright yellow rain slicker instead of my usual darth colors. Besides, its pretty much always raining so out comes the bright yellow rain slicker. Little lights are a good start but not enough for biker/runners/people crossing streets at night.
If I'm on your secret Santa list, feel free to get me a high-visibility class 3 waterproof jacket. My Goodwill rain jacket has seen better days. And all the cool guys wear ANSI Class III gear.
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I’m here for the comments. I love to read the comments on health and fitness or studies on coffee. Since I’ve opted out of social media, this is where it’s at! Also, I’m team reflective vest. PS: the end of daylight saving time is horrible on the very eastern side of central time. Have a good one!
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As a runner for over fifty years I have seen a lot. Retirement has allowed me to become a daylight runner. For years I have went running on the of the city streets or in Central Park at 4am. My Creep show remembrance as I call it, was while running thru a construction job site in the pitch darkness, I suddenly heard squealing and felt an unpleasant softness under my shoes, it a large pack of rats that I had disturbed, it's amazing though tired and running uphill I found the energy to high step and pick up speed. Needless to say, I avoided that section of sidewalk for a long, long time.
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Just a reminder that the reflective spot on your shoe that is half the size of a dime is not visible from a half-block away. Cars need stopping time. It helps to see reflection, light, and movement. As a driver, I would be devastated if I hit someone. Don't worry that you are overdoing it. You aren't.
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@Bonnie
It may help for you to imagine that the runners you're trying to avoid are your children, not some random citizen. Don't be surprised to find your stopping times shortening and your reaction times quickening.
Yes - Please, please runners wear reflective gear AND lights..... and not just if you plan to run on sidewalks - even if you are going to stick to multiuser trails.
As a cycle commuter you would not believe how many people I see running without anything (even on streets) and NO your white T is not really any more visible than a dark one and yes, you need both reflectors and lights.
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This goes double for bikers riding after dark!
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I love my light belt!
https://lightbelt.myshopify.com/
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I had the ingenious idea of a jacket that was entirely made of reflective material for athletic activities and, lo and behold, so did someone else. Check out Proviz -- the model I purchased is great for cycling, a little warm for running.
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To all those wondering why runners are in the street and not the sidewalk, asphalt is far nicer to our knees than concrete. Not an excuse.. but a reason.
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@Dr Geo I mean academically yes. It is softer but at the forces that humans generate there is effectively no difference even in something dynamic as running. It's mostly placebo effect.
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@Dr Geo
I started running in the street when I realized that they prioritized plowing the streets vs. the sidewalk. Hard to run through 7 inches of snow.
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Not the point of this piece but I'll share an ongoing concern about lighting in city parks (in particular Central Park). About a decade ago, Central Park upgraded to LED lighting. However all the lamps are placed appropriately for the previous lighting that cast much wider light patterns. The LEDs are very bright but they cast much narrower light patters. The result is that there are very bright areas close to each lamp but very dark areas as you move further from the lamps and certain pitch black areas around trees and corners.
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We wear safety vests like flaggers on road crews wear when we bike. They’re mesh, yellow and orange with wide reflective tape. Best part, they’re light enough to fold up and put in a jacket pocket or bike bag and they cost $12. You can find a variety of styles at most hardware stores. They may not be the coolest but they work.
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Do a google search for 'alert shirt' - they don't pretend to be specialized running gear, so the price is very reasonable. And you will be seen! Especially in the colder winter months, I wear mine over my other layers, and it doesn't even need to be washed very often.
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Just walking and crossing streets I've been thinking of wearing a bike light on my purse, or other reflective gear.
Not only runners, but pedestrians are in danger on sidewalks and crossing streets from cyclists in dark clothes, coming through with no lights. There seems to be no regulation of this in NYC, which is a walking city.
We know to look out for cars. But bikes are silent, come from out of nowhere, zip around corners, thru intersections. A bike even if it's slow, can accidently collide and knock a person down and injure them. There is no city pressure to obey traffic rules, so they do what they want.
The city's public relations campaign increased biking, with Citibikes available in so many locations. Compared to the past, now walkers have to be always on the alert for a moving vehicle coming from out of nowhere.
Dangerous esp for children, and for elderly who can break a bone if they fall on pavement.
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@Meredith Automobiles are far, far more dangerous and kill exponentially more pedestrians than bicycles in NYC, stop spreading this fake news that bikes are the problem.
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@Miri Bikes aren't *the* problem, but they are *a* problem for pedestrians. Sorry but it's true.
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@Miri Here is a challenge. Go to any intersection with traffic lights in midtown with a bike path. Stop for 10 minutes and record the # of cars which ran a red light as a % of all car passing by. Do the same for all bikes which run the red light vs all bikes passing. I guarantee that the % of bike running red lights are easily 10x those of cars. That lawlessness is the problem. So yes, cars are more dangerous, but many bikers are more reckless.
Runners and other pedestrians need to keep in mind: when it's dark and you're on the street (or sidewalk), a car with its headlights on makes you feel like you're in the spotlight and you must stand out like a blazing beacon. WRONG. You are INVISIBLE, or close to it.
You don't even have to be wearing dark clothing; if it's not reflective, it doesn't reflect. I see jaywalking pedestrians all the time in the form of black silhouettes, visible only by virtue of the light they block from streetlights or oncoming traffic. Your white sports jersey or orange jacket will not help you.
If you're going to be out on the street after dark, wear one of those reflective vests that makes you look like a road crew worker, or have a designated jacket that you adorn with strips of reflective tape.
Also, you should keep in mind that drivers are just as likely to be looking at their phones as at the road, so wearing a flashing police siren on your head may not help you either. Use the sidewalk.
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@Bruce ...white clothes are better than black. But I'm thinking that a small bike light on my purse may be good at night for walkers. What do you think?
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@Meredith
I think it's a good idea especially if you think a biker might come by you on the sidewalk at night.
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@Meredith nope - Bruce is totally right, I can back him up that a white T is really no better than a dark one.. on a runner I'm more likely to see their face before their shirt, no matter the color, if they aren't wearing anything reflective.... Often the only thing you see is the little reflectors on the back of their sneakers.
And yes - a small bike light would work on your purse, most of the rear lights have a clip option, but there are plenty of clip on lights made specifically for runners/walkers too. Buy yourself some reflective velcro or slap bands as well. You can put them on your arms or purse straps.
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As a cyclist that rides laps in Prospect Park (Brooklyn) after work, I really appreciate the runners, walkers, other cyclists and (clever) dogs on leashes that have some sort of lighting or reflective strips to make themselves more visible. It really helps.
For those who insist on wearing dark clothes with no safety lights, you are also endangering everyone else around you if vehicles, bikes and other runners have to suddenly swerve or stop to avoid hitting you because they don’t see you until the last second. It’s okay to remove yourself from the gene pool, just don’t take anyone else with you.
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Safety Skin is a no-brainer. Easy to use. Strong reflective power. Washes right off.
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Great article! I too have tried Safety Skin Reflective Skin Spread and love it! I was so tired of wearing extra articles of clothing, especially on the warmer evenings and early mornings. It applied right onto my skin and I took a flash photo with my photo and boom, there it was. That must be what the cars see! Definitely an innovative product, glad you found it at your running store.
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Reflective vests are truly miracles . They work by catching the light from a headlight and sending it back exactly in the direction it came from which is to your headlights. Your eyes are close enough to the headlights to see the light.
Also if you really want to be seen use a flashing light. It is picked up by the brain much faster than a steady one.
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Well, duh.
Wait - the key information is that a runner (or biker, or walker) should improve visibility so drivers can more easily see them?
Well, duh.
Slow day at the NYT, I guess.
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@Jim Propes — No, it is a completely appropriate discussion given that days are getting shorter and even the quality of light itself differs at certain times of day. Runners may think they are sufficiently visible, but in some cases they are not.
A word to the wise, a friendly reminder, better safe than sorry..,all apply.
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@Jim Propes No! This is very important information. I regularly see wakers and bikers in the road at night without lights or even reflective clothing.
They don't realize they are nearly invisible to drivers until it's too late. It's not just NYC, in Tucson we have a high rate of pedestrian deaths at night.
The commenter who said blinking lights are more easily seen at night than steady lights was exactly right.
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Good advice that addresses the need to be visible when running or cycling on or near roadways. The only addition I have, after 40 yrs of running and cycling, is to wear a high visibility vest, shirt, or backpack during daylight hours. This achieves the equally important need to be noticed, not merely to be visible. If the runner or cyclist doesn't break through a distracting phone conversation or song, he or she runs the same risk that follows not being seen at all. Front and back lights, blinking brightly at irregular intervals, are annoying and, thus, effective.
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Every early morning while driving to work I come across runners who wear very little, if any, reflective gear, and as a runner myself, it absolutely enrages me. I cannot see them until I am right beside them, in some cases. Note: The little reflective strips that are on your shoes are not enough for safety. Running with a hand-held penlight is also not enough for your safety. Daily I count at least five runners who are virtually invisible.
For the thousandth time: Wear a miner’s type headlamp, good enough to be seen for several feet. Wear a reflective vest, or anything that is lighted or reflective — one that also flashes is a bonus — over your shirt. Many online outlets and all runner’s specialty stores sell these. If you run with Fido, same goes for him — they sell reflective collars and gear for him, too.
Finally, in the name of all that is holy, run AGAINST traffic and not WITH it, and run on the sidewalk. If the
sidewalks are that messed up where you live, wait for better light or go to a park, track, or path. This goes double for runners who travel in packs. Even though traffic is usually light at 5:30 a.m., streets are still for cars, and I am tired of holding my breath when I approach a slight grade that I’ll come face to face with two or three people.
I do my best to ensure your safety. Can you at least meet me halfway here?
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@MDB
Agree so strongly with everything you say. Live in a small college town supposedly filled with smart people yet constantly seeing runners on the street at dusk and at night dressed totally in black without any reflective gear or lights and running with traffic instead of against. They seem to have no idea of how impossible they are to see until you are practically upon them. And they will also dart in and out of parked cars. If there is a Darwin award for runners this would be a prime contender.
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@MDB
I flip-flopped on my running direction so many times, but I've always come back to running with traffic on the sidewalk after SO MANY runs where drivers pulling across the sidewalk to turn right don't even look to their left. I run into this while, well, running, but also walking my dog and both at night and broad daylight. Drivers turning right just DO NOT look to their right--they only look left for on-coming traffic. Therefore I'll put myself to their left.
Considering I have to check behind me before cross a street regardless of the direction I run, I'm going to keep running in the same direction of traffic so that I am visible earlier (and in some cases, visible at all) to drivers pulling past a stop sign and into the crosswalk.
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@J — I have had problems with drivers as well, so I just don’t assume anymore that they see me. I wait until they are out of my way, or until we make eye contact. I have had a few very close calls with people backing out of driveways. Because these streets are quiet, people don’t think to look both ways. So, I stop and wait for them, too. The upside is, it’s made me more aware to make sure nobody is on the sidewalk near the end of my drive when I back out.
My concern is the runners I see in the street, when there is no good reason for them to be there. From my running, I realize how easy it is to drift from a straight course. When the light is poor, this is a problem if I’m coming up on someone, especially if they wearing inadequate or no reflective gear. I think it’s just safer for everyone if the runner is able to see what is coming at him or her. (I certainly hope, too, that they aren’t running with earbuds at that time of day.)
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Please don't run toward me with a light on while I'm driving. It's very distracting and annoying. In fact, it's best to stay out of the street altogether. In the Jersey suburbs where I live, there are many options for running without risking your life (and mine). All streets have sidewalks, for starters. In my town alone, there are two outdoor tracks. While they're technically closed at night, they aren't locked and the police have never bothered me. Same with running the paths in the park. That's why they're there. Of course, there's always the option of running at the all-night gym.
I've tried all of these. The only time you'll find me in the street is when there is no traffic. That's usually 3 am, midweek, summertime! Otherwise, I'm on the sidewalks. I don't use a light but I rely on the small stripes on my shorts, shirts, and sneakers to make me visible when I have to cross a street or just for other people not to be startled at seeing me in the dead of night.
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@Ron A
I completely agree. Reflectors are perfect, the runners with lights are blinding.
7
@SW
I disagree. What is blinding are all the SUVs with super bright lights set right at the level that they blind any driver in a normal car not perched as high as they are.
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@White Buffalo
Pick Ups are the bane over here. Don't know who's selling them but they sure must be a deal because they're everywhere. White lights, sometimes six of them, will blind anybody and they're not at car level but at eye level!
14
One evening I was driving in my little town. I pulled up to a stop sign, which happened to be under a street light. Suddenly, out of nowhere, two kids on bikes appeared under the street light. In amazement, I realized these kids had been riding on the sidewalk parallel to my car for most of a block, completely invisible to me. It unnerved me, and I couldn't stop thinking about what if those kids had been riding in the street with me.
Please, please, runners and bike riders, make yourself visible after dark!
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