Runners & Walkers - Etiquette

finisklin

Hello!

I am running, training at the moment and a lot of my miles is both on the road and off the road. Well not so much roads but footpaths etc. During my runs and particularly this time of year there are many walkers, strollers etc. Normally I give way and leave the path for the walkers. However, given the volume of people walking etc I am criss crossing and hopping up and down etc to facilitate them.

I am thinking maybe I should keep the head down and see if walkers give way? I reckon this might be difficult as sometimes there may be a couple and it could end up as a game of chicken with two versus one.

On the bright side it's extra work so helping my training.

It does get to be a pain in the ass, especially towards the end of a long run and your energy levels are on the floor.

TFBubendorfer

Shoulder charging people is way out.

If it's THAT busy, you should find some quieter paths. Otherwise, personally, I think it's up to the runner to move out of the way. It's not like people pushing prams are able to get out of your way easily.

RoyMcC

One of the many benefits of getting off-road, or onto quieter streets or trails. Runners can get most anywhere.

dna_leri

The rule is: Whoever is moving faster gets out of the way.

Runners get out of the way of walkers.
Cyclists avoid the runners.
Cars just do what there owners like!

finisklin

I agree with whoever is going faster.....the only thing with going onto quieter trails etc is that running, walking etc is so popular nowadays that trails, walkways etc are busy.

I did try the idea of going running very early in the morning.....this was just as busy! At 7am on Sunday last I met 8 people - runners, joggers etc. The idea of a quiet run away from people is long gone! Hence my improved ability to dodge walkers.

RoyMcC

finisklin wrote: »

I did try the idea of going running very early in the morning.....this was just as busy! At 7am on Sunday last I met 8 people - runners, joggers etc. The idea of a quiet run away from people is long gone!

I used to enjoy my early morning Dublin runs, out along the Docklands and Sandymount. No bother, only a handful of joggers & dog walkers. I quickly gave up the idea of evening running in Dublin as hopeless.

PaulieC

I was out running last Fri, Sat and Sun up Sandymount prom between 8 & 9, very few people out walking or running. Certainly not enough to be worried about having to dodge them. Evenings are carnage though

Gringo78

You need to develop the ability to dodge walkers efficiently in most races anyway so no harm getting it done in training.

finisklin

Gringo78 wrote: »

You need to develop the ability to dodge walkers efficiently in most races anyway so no harm getting it done in training.

With buggies, holding hands, looking everywhere but straight ahead, dogs on leads and coming towards you? :eek:

nerraw1111

If it is just walkers, they'll usually give you space.

If they are power walkers wearing rain coats on a sunny day, be prepared to be forced on to the road/verge/river/lake/sea.

az2wp0sye65487

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

personally, I think it's up to the runner to move out of the way.

dna_leri wrote: »

The rule is: Whoever is moving faster gets out of the way.

finisklin wrote: »

I agree with whoever is going faster......

I don't agree at all with this. I also don't think this can be generalised.

For example: If I'm running on a footpath that's wide enough for 2 people; and there is a couple walking towards me side by side, why can't one of them fall in behind the other until I pass? Is the rule different if I'm walking towards them instead of running? Why should I risk jumping out on to the road & possibly into traffic? Obviously if it's somewhere with a grass verge, or a wide footpath then I'll just go around them - but in cases where you're travelling along a narrow path towards people, it's up to both parties to make an effort!

When I'm out walking I'm always conscious of my surroundings and try to keep out of the way of power walkers, joggers, runners etc. coming towards me or trying to pass me. It's just common courtesy.

sconhome

Whatever you do, be sure to look over your shoulder before dodging aside. Personally I don't mind hopping up and down the kerb.

kingQuez

Roads are lovely and quiet at 6.30
If it's bothering you, I'd try find somewhere quieter to train, or head out at a different time of day if possible. Dont let the small stuff stress you, especially if you're out to *enjoy* a run!

Krusty_Clown

What about dogs kept off a leash?
...and young children...

az2wp0sye65487

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

What about dogs kept off a leash?
...and young children...

What about them?

Kids are kids... you can't really go barging through the middle of them. Kids by nature are selfish in that they don't yet understand that there is more than just 'their world' in existence.

I have dogs myself and I include them in this - if they get in your way a small tap with your foot will move them. If they're being agressive a boot in the face usually does the trick!

dna_leri

Ricky Uninterested Ignition wrote: »

What about them?

Kids by nature are selfish in that they don't yet understand that there is more than just 'their world' in existence.

...if they get in your way a small tap with your foot will move them. If they're being agressive a boot in the face usually does the trick!

That's a bit harsh.

PS - good setup KC.

monkeypants

Ricky Uninterested Ignition wrote: »

For example: If I'm running on a footpath that's wide enough for 2 people; and there is a couple walking towards me side by side, why can't one of them fall in behind the other until I pass? Is the rule different if I'm walking towards them instead of running? Why should I risk jumping out on to the road & possibly into traffic? Obviously if it's somewhere with a grass verge, or a wide footpath then I'll just go around them - but in cases where you're travelling along a narrow path towards people, it's up to both parties to make an effort!

This gets on my nerves too. Sometimes it can be more than two people and they decide that it's perfectly fine to take up the entire path. A personal observation; it's more likely to be women who will ignore you and take up the path, a bloke will generally give way.

Sometimes a group of teenagers will bloke a path deliberately, sometimes they'll have bikes. I don't like running on grass as I can't see the state of the surface as clearly, bumps and hollows can be hidden. So it turns into a game of chicken, but someone always moves. Over fourteen stone of me moving at pace is going to knock teenagers over like skittles.

az2wp0sye65487

dna_leri wrote: »

That's a bit harsh.

PS - good setup KC.

Ah, I see what you did there...

robinph

Ricky Uninterested Ignition wrote: »

I don't agree at all with this. I also don't think this can be generalised.

For example: If I'm running on a footpath that's wide enough for 2 people; and there is a couple walking towards me side by side, why can't one of them fall in behind the other until I pass? Is the rule different if I'm walking towards them instead of running? Why should I risk jumping out on to the road & possibly into traffic? Obviously if it's somewhere with a grass verge, or a wide footpath then I'll just go around them - but in cases where you're travelling along a narrow path towards people, it's up to both parties to make an effort!

When I'm out walking I'm always conscious of my surroundings and try to keep out of the way of power walkers, joggers, runners etc. coming towards me or trying to pass me. It's just common courtesy.

People have no problem making room for me when we are going in the same direction along a narrow path without escape route and you shout excuse me as you approach the couple. To have to say excuse me if approaching from head on seems a bit rude though so I don't say anything, but they tend to not move even though they can see you coming at them at high speed.

finisklin

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

What about dogs kept off a leash?
...and young children...

Can you clarify this....is that runners with dogs (on a leash or off) or walkers? I nearly squashed a terrier recently that was running behind a jogger. The dog was camoflaged in the grass.....though steviecakes probably thinks that's ok!

Sport101

Kerb hogging pedestrians...truly the lowest form of life.

az2wp0sye65487

finisklin wrote: »

Can you clarify this....is that runners with dogs (on a leash or off) or walkers? I nearly squashed a terrier recently that was running behind a jogger. The dog was camoflaged in the grass.....though steviecakes probably thinks that's ok!

Now now!.... N'ah sure I have terriers myself, they're hardy things! I've had to kick one of them out of a fellow runner's way before.... (he was off leash and decided he didn't like the look of your man running past) and I've been in all situations: running with my dogs / running past people with dogs / running past unleashed dogs (friendly & unfriendly) and sometimes you have to look after yourself!

finisklin

It was accidental!

Rantan

monkeypants wrote: »

This gets on my nerves too. Sometimes it can be more than two people and they decide that it's perfectly fine to take up the entire path. A personal observation; it's more likely to be women who will ignore you and take up the path, a bloke will generally give way.

Sometimes a group of teenagers will bloke a path deliberately, sometimes they'll have bikes. I don't like running on grass as I can't see the state of the surface as clearly, bumps and hollows can be hidden. So it turns into a game of chicken, but someone always moves. Over fourteen stone of me moving at pace is going to knock teenagers over like skittles.

glad someone brought this one up....I was running on a narrow footpath last week on a narrow section of the street - a family were approaching me taking up the entire width of the path with a small kid on the outside of the group - i moved over to the edge of the path to make way until I was running along the kerb, reluctant to move into the street - I assumed that the mother would divert the kid a little to give me just a little extra room to move(especially as I had moved as far over as I could) as I passed them she didn't make any attempt to move and I ended up making slight contact with the kid - as I went by the father turned and started shouted at me really angrily - I just made some pathetic comment about "that is the road and this is the path" and kept going, I felt really bad as i could have knocked the kid over but then on the other hand I think they showed an extreme lack of basic manners ...am I just a child knocking over a&&hole???

robinph

The groups of kids will generally chicken out and actually give you space at the last moment once they realise your coming straight for them. Should maybe do some proper analysis of the number of encounters with pedestrians, but I'd be of the impression that it is the wimins that tend to be the least likely to move to the side as well. And they are fully aware of you approaching, but then they turn to look back at their mate once you get closer after having seen you and pretend they didn't notice.

Gringo78

Ricky Uninterested Ignition wrote: »

. If they're being agressive a boot in the face usually does the trick!

A bit harsh on a dumb animal. If you meant a boot in the face of the dog owner then +1

Krusty_Clown

Ricky Uninterested Ignition wrote: »

Ah, I see what you did there...

Sorry Ricky Uninterested Ignition. Just doing a bit of trolling. Seeing how the moderators react, given that the Dark Lord of the Sith has gone into retirement. Smiley faces would have just made it too easy.

shane1981

What about runners meeting runners? I always try to stay on the left side of the footpath (which means you can see oncoming road traffic if you have to step off the kerb) but almost all the runners i met on my saturday morn run were clinging to the right. Am i missing something?

I also met 2 abreast runners coming towards me intent on taking up entire footpath resulting in me making a last second jump onto road. Very annoying:mad:

donothoponpop

If they're a line of moms with buggies, or kids, just run on the road, life's too short. Failing that, run earlier/remoter/off-road.

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Sorry steviecakes. Just doing a bit of trolling. Seeing how the moderators react, given that the Dark Lord of the Sith has gone into retirement. Smiley faces would have just made it too easy.

If its a bunch of teenagers four abreast playing chicken, eyeball them until one flinches, and shoulder charge that one. If you're brought up for assault, tell the judge some dude on Boards with a bolded name told you to do it.

ecoli

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Sorry steviecakes. Just doing a bit of trolling. Seeing how the moderators react, given that the Dark Lord of the Sith has gone into retirement. Smiley faces would have just made it too easy.

Will be keeping an eye on the trouble makers now and your top on my list;). Now that the parents have retired i think it is time we have to step up and take responsibilty. The party life is over

Timmaay

UCD track really pissing me off lately!! Its an ATHLETICS track. Lane 1 is totally worn smooth. Why the fu*k does every tom dick and harry insist on jogging laps of the track, and hog lane 1! Messed up our session yesterday, and the word "TRACK!!!" means nothing to them! Just as I was finished up, two women come on to the track, and start walking, yes walking, zero attempt to run, again on lane 1, forcing everyone else to go around them.

The one place us real athletes should be able to train without the hassle of other people, but nope!

Ok my rant of the day over ha!

ecoli

Timmaay wrote: »

UCD track really pissing me off lately!! Its an ATHLETICS track. Lane 1 is totally worn smooth. Why the fu*k does every tom dick and harry insist on jogging laps of the track, and hog lane 1! Messed up our session yesterday, and the word "TRACK!!!" means nothing to them! Just as I was finished up, two women come on to the track, and start walking, yes walking, zero attempt to run, again on lane 1, forcing everyone else to go around them.

The one place us real athletes should be able to train without the hassle of other people, but nope!

Ok my rant of the day over ha!

Session day before a race???? tut tut ha. Your luck though was out there few weeks back and one lad had his two kids cycling in lane one while he jogged in lane two

finisklin

As this thread is veering off topic and still related to etiquette......how to you acknowledge fellow runners? Personally if it's a LSR and I make eye contact I say hello but if I am flat out and panting all over the shop I stay focused.

I hate it when you make eye contact and the other person ignores you :(Nothing worse that when your running on your own off road and you meet a female solo runner......again if its a LSR I say hello otherwise keep plodding along. It can be a little uncomfortable, IMO.

Krusty_Clown

I say hi to all runners. Doesn't matter whether they acknowledge me or not. If we keep at them, they'll turn eventually.

robinph

Used to just do a subtle nod of the head which was more than enough to get an acknowledgement from people coming the other way. Have started trying to make more of a wave lately though as some of the joggers round these parts are pretending to not notice me so figured if I was a bit more enthusiastic and over the top about the wave they would have not choice but to wave back.

It's usually working and I think I'm starting to convert a few of the people I pass with their headphones in and staring at the opposite side of the road.

Some people you can tell as they approach you that they will acknowledge you though, so you can just revert to the more professional looking slight nod of the head.

John_Rambo

Rantan wrote: »

...am I just a child knocking over a&&hole???

Yes. Without a doubt.

TheRoadRunner

Timmaay wrote: »

UCD track really pissing me off lately!! Its an ATHLETICS track. Lane 1 is totally worn smooth. Why the fu*k does every tom dick and harry insist on jogging laps of the track, and hog lane 1! Messed up our session yesterday, and the word "TRACK!!!" means nothing to them! Just as I was finished up, two women come on to the track, and start walking, yes walking, zero attempt to run, again on lane 1, forcing everyone else to go around them.

The one place us real athletes should be able to train without the hassle of other people, but nope!

Ok my rant of the day over ha!

Was on that track a couple of yeas ago and was joined by a couple of dogs who were being walked off their leads by owners on the track.

Timmaay

ecoli wrote: »

Session day before a race???? tut tut ha. Your luck though was out there few weeks back and one lad had his two kids cycling in lane one while he jogged in lane two

Ha no, session was on monday. I actually got on to UCDsport a few weeks back for the craic to see if they would consider resurfacing the track (they said no, no money ), but to be honest unless you get rid of all these idiots cycling and walking their dogs resurfacing it is probably a waste!

gerard65

There were plans to build on the site of the track a few years ago, maybe they have been scrapped.
Could'nt really see myself waving or greeting every runner I passed considering I'd pass someone every couple of minutes -'Hello' 'Hello' 'Hello' 'Hello' etc. Although I did nod to a women in St Enda's yesterday because she was wearing this years Irish Runner 5 mile t-shirt and so was I:pac:.

smmoore79

I just give a creepy wink

Rantan

John_Rambo wrote: »

Yes. Without a doubt.

feck...thought I had got away with it......:(

ecoli

gerard65 wrote: »

There were plans to build on the site of the track a few years ago, maybe they have been scrapped.
Could'nt really see myself waving or greeting every runner I passed considering I'd pass someone every couple of minutes -'Hello' 'Hello' 'Hello' 'Hello' etc. Although I did nod to a women in St Enda's yesterday because she was wearing this years Irish Runner 5 mile t-shirt and so was I:pac:.

Them plans were in place when I started in college, Im am now finished and still I am hearing these promises at the beginning of every year. I will believe it when i see construction start

Timmaay

http://www.ucd.ie/gatewayproject/index.htm

They embarrassingly still have the website up! It mentions something in there about the new track over by sports. Total pipe dream! Theses plans are from 2006 if I remember correctly!

rainbow kirby

Ah UCD and their white elephants...

finisklin

Now I am getting p*ssed off......nearly mowed down from behind by three roller bladers last night in the park. :mad: Whatever etiquette is out there for the person going fast to avoid the other person went out the window.

Going to have to get radar and a tomahawk missile to fight them off.

Rant over.....

Sport101

Are there no trails/grass in your park? Just a thought.

finisklin

Doing my runs on the road, paths. Pesky bladers coming from behind.....