SO Sorry to the runner on Wyoming I did not see

I think of myself of being very careful and conscious of runners and walkers while I am driving.  I truly did not see this runner approach my car while I was turning onto Wyoming this morning.  I am still mystified as to how I missed him when I know I looked.    My apologies to him and I will know I need to be even more cautious.  How is it that some folks can blow through stops without stopping at all or only looking to oncoming traffic, there must be just misses all the time with the runners. 


On wyoming avenue, it would help if joggers ran same direction as traffic.  This way when you look to the left for a car you would see the jogger vs just glancing to the right.  I get that joggers like to run against traffic on narrow roads but absolutely makes no sense on Wyoming avenue.  


It makes sense to run against traffic on Wyoming because A) many drivers are going much faster than the posted 35 mph limit and B) when cars stop to make a left turn, the following cars like to use the shoulder as a passing lane. I'd prefer to see the situation than be blindsided from the back. It's not just joggers. Drivers should look both ways because there are also pedestrians that could be entering the crosswalk from either side.


mikescott said:
On wyoming avenue, it would help if joggers ran same direction as traffic.  This way when you look to the left for a car you would see the jogger vs just glancing to the right.  I get that joggers like to run against traffic on narrow roads but absolutely makes no sense on Wyoming avenue.  

First, it's the law.  Pedestrians are required to walk/run against traffic when there is no sidewalk.

Second, you need to look instead of "just glancing."  


I run on Wyoming every day (against traffic) and appreciate your caution.  I had a car drive right into me several years ago while making a right turn onto Wyoming.  Most drivers stop at stop signs, but some "roll" onto Wyoming without fully stopping, or are in such a hurry that they don't look properly.  Drivers need to realize they are driving in residential neighborhoods.    


mikescott - It is much safer to run against traffic, it doesn't matter what type of road it is, especially when there are cross streets.  I am an experienced runner with thousands of miles logged on residential streets. (Believe it or not, I also have a car as well).  I will take my chances with a car coming at me (that I can see) vs a car coming up from behind.  

You give the example of "when you look to the left" for a car... drivers are required to look both LEFT AND RIGHT, before rolling into a crosswalk.  There is a white line on the road before every stop sign where you are supposed to stop, then look BOTH ways, then roll up slowly to make the turn.  Obviously everyone knows that drivers do not do this - like you describe, they roll through the crosswalk with their neck craned to the left looking for cars without even glancing at potential pedestrians coming from the right side (not just runners - people walking dogs, with strollers etc.)  I would say this happens to me on 90% of my runs around town - and usually multiple times throughout the run.  For my own safety at intersections - I have to watch out for cars approaching from cross streets and literally look into the driver's eyes and make sure they see me.  I also don't even trust that either, so I am mentally prepared at all times to jump on the hood of a car if it comes at me. This is what safety conscious runners have to think about at every single intersection - as opposed to drivers just looking both ways. 

And just to address your suggestion - sometimes I do run in the same direction of traffic, but there are very dangerous issues with that. Several times drivers making right turns have come up behind me at an upcoming intersection - determined that they can "make it" (and beat me to the intersection) and literally cut me off and turned right in front of me.  I have had to stop in my tracks to avoid getting clipped or literally having my toes run over.  This has happened multiple times and trust me it is much more dangerous because you don't know when it is coming. Like I said, I would much rather take my chances seeing everything in front of me - and have a chance to jump out of the way or onto the hood of a car vs. getting run down from behind without warning. 


I run and I drive.  And I know on most streets it is better to run against traffic but not on wyoming.  Cars come up the street, look to the left and then drive out.  Drivers should  look both ways, but many do not.  


I would never, ever run or walk with traffic on Wyoming. From experience, I am prepared to stop at every intersection, and I am ready to jump out of the way of oncoming pass-on-the-righters. 


would also help if runners didnt run with earbuds in.  mostly the novices and recreational folks but running with traffic with earbuds is about the dumbest goddamn thing someone can do.


Also, make yourself visible.  This includes bicycles.   


Reflective vests are available for as little as $5.00.


As long was we’re discussing etiquette...as a biker I ride with traffic, in the shoulder on both Wyoming and Ridgewood and encounter runners coming from the opposite direction. Majority of time we peacefully coexist however, when I’m on Ridgewood, where the shoulder is very narrow, an approaching runner should divert to the sidewalk for a few feet rather than stand their ground and have me veer into traffic. 


cuethesun said:
As long was we’re discussing etiquette...as a biker I ride with traffic, in the shoulder on both Wyoming and Ridgewood and encounter runners coming from the opposite direction. Majority of time we peacefully coexist however, when I’m on Ridgewood, where the shoulder is very narrow, an approaching runner should divert to the sidewalk for a few feet rather than stand their ground and have me veer into traffic. 

 This. I don’t understand the obstinate gaze I get at times when coming upon a runner. I quite regularly have to go round people who, if observed by a visitor from another world, would appear to be positioning themselves to jump through my windshield. It’s bizarre. 


Dead middle of the lane, staring at me, not my car, as if I pulled into their driveway.


I really try to give runners and bike riders a massive berth already- I always want enough room in case they squirrel one way or the other because they don’t see me, or swerve for an object or just eat it... it happens. They make the margin of safety for everyone smaller and I really don’t understand the mentality.


I’m a bike rider part time in addition to being a driver. So I’m on both sides. Consideration in both sides is needed, but man, the price paid for error is heavily weighted to one side. Seems like I care more about their safety than they do!




mikescott said:
I run and I drive.  And I know on most streets it is better to run against traffic but not on wyoming.  Cars come up the street, look to the left and then drive out.  Drivers should  look both ways, but many do not.  

So you prefer that runners break the law and run with traffic on Wyoming.  Got it. 

Totally unsafe. 


As a runner AND a driver, I really wish runners would avoid main roads like Wyoming and Prospect  during rush hour. I know it's everyone's right to run whenever and wherever they please...and I know the pedestrian ALWAYS has the right  of way. I am very cautious myself, and very sensitive since I'm a runner too....but also aware that rushing and tensions are high during rush hour, and not everyone is as on guard. I don't want to be flamed for saying this, just sayin' that in the interest of safety, I wish everyone would avoid main roads during rush hours. Just a wish. 



I run including occasionally on Wyoming and I couldn't imagine running in same direction as traffic. Running against traffic is the generally accepted protocol and the safer option.  



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