If I were learning to drive a car, the first thing I would learn would be the laws and rules that govern the operation of a car. When someone takes up running or cycling as a hobby it is harder to find out what the rules are.
Today, being a Saturday in July, I have seen quite a few people running and cycling on public streets. I also went to the new recreation center in my neighborhood to run in comfort (air conditioning, no hills, good surface) and saw several other runners. Now, I admit that I am a very amateur runner. I've been working on a Couch Potato to 5K program (www.coolrunning.com) for a couple of months and I keep having to start over, (insert excuse), but at least I keep trying. The only reason I know some of these rules is that I have family members who run and/or cycle on a more hard core level. Also, I read an article in my daughter's running magazine about running courtesy.
So, let's start with you bicycle enthusiasts. First off, if you are going to ride on the street you must ride WITH the traffic, not against it. You are going to fast for us to see you in time if you are coming toward the cars. Please, please, please! As a driver I try to extend as much courtesy to cyclists as possible. My son-in-law is a cyclist and I try to treat each cyclist I see as if it were someone I cared about. (And hope that those who drive around my son-in-law will do the same.) However, when cyclists are on the wrong side of the road it is much harder. I don't have the time give them as much courtesy because I don't see them as soon. If you are riding with traffic I have a lot more time to plan so that I can slow down and not zoom past you; I can give you more space on the road if I have time to gauge the traffic.
Secondly, if you are going to cycle on the sidewalk, you have to obey pedestrian rules. That means that you don't argue with cars about who has the right of way at an intersection. Approach intersections with caution. If you are on the sidewalk, you should expect that most drivers either a) will not even see you or b) will under estimate you speed. Either way, the bicycle is more maneuverable and less protected than the car. I wouldn't argue.
Runners who run on the road should follow the same rules as pedestrians. Run against the traffic. I know a lot of the time it is nicer to run on the road than the sidewalk, but remember you are more vulnerable there. You need to run against traffic so that you can see the cars that are coming and because you probably don't move fast enough to diminish the amount of time the driver has to process that you're there. Again, if you choose to run on the sidewalk you must observe all pedestrian rules. Never assume that the cars in the road are aware of your intention to cross an intersection.
Now to the more complicated part, the part I learned from reading my daughter's magazine. If you go running on a track, make sure you read the posted rules. (This applies to indoors as well as outdoors) If you are running on a school or public track make sure you find out if you can run during any activities that are taking place. Never assume that just because it is a public track you can run on it any time you want to. Some activities they don't mind if someone is running and others they will get quite upset at you for running. Check the rules and when in doubt, find someone in charge and ASK.
If it is a track that is only for running you still need to know the rules. Many of these tracks have different directions on different days. Make sure you are going in the right direction. Also, slower runners need to move to the right. I don't care if you are running with a friend, don't make it hard for people to pass you. Ideally, you should always pass slower runners on the left. If necessary call out a warning, "On your left" or "Look left." If you feel that passing on the right is your only choice, it is doubly important to give a warning.
Tracks often have other rules, such as "No eating or drinking," or "Please use headphones." Make sure you know what those rules are and that you follow them. My neighborhood rec center requests "no food or drink, no water." It says "discipline is good for you." This is not as tough as it sounds since this is an indoor track and there are water fountains, yet people ignore the rule.
Okay, I got that off my mind. Now I can get on with my day! :D
