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We’re all runners or walkers and pretty much know the rules (written and unwritten) of the road (sidewalk, trail). But we are living in confusing times and many people are worried about social distancing and might be uncertain about how things work on the street or trail. Except for giving people more room when passing, rules are basically the same. But, because there are a lot more people out walking, running and riding their bikes these days it might be helpful to go over sidewalk/trail etiquette for the ones who just joined the party.

Sidewalks: Runner vs pedestrian

Sidewalks are for pedestrians. Runners are faster pedestrians. So the side walk is yours too. Stay to the right and you should be fine. Of course now we have a pandemic so things are skewed. You cannot simply run by someone anymore. 

• Running against traffic, on the sidewalk, and someone is walking toward you. You should step off the sidewalk and go around them because you are facing the traffic and can see what is coming. I find that most men will step off the sidewalk so I don’t have to. I always wave or nod and say thanks. 
• Running with traffic, on the sidewalk, and someone is walking toward you. They should step off the sidewalk and go around you. (For the reason mentioned above.) 

Exceptions: An elderly person always gets to stay on the sidewalk either way. It’s respect. A parent with a stroller also gets the sidewalk. 

• Running on the sidewalk and you need to pass someone who is walking in the same direction. I get off the sidewalk and go around them because I usually have my dog and we take up more room so it seems right.
• Passing a person in any situation that has a dog. If it’s a small dog I prefer if they pass me while I have my dog sit off the sidewalk. It just easier that way because those little dogs can be unpredictable. If it’s a big dog then anything goes. We both usually try to avoid each other by one of us crossing the street if possible. 

                                             Always look for cars and bikes before stepping off the sidewalk

Sidewalks: Runner vs bike

• Bikes don’t belong on the sidewalk. That’s what the bike lane is for. Having said that, if it’s and elderly person or a kid then they get the sidewalk. The bike lane can be scary so I get it. Also there are some areas where bikes are allowed on the sidewalk because there is no designated bike lane. So know your area and don’t go yelling at anyone for being on the sidewalk with their bike. (Not me, but someone I know.)
• Adult on the sidewalk riding their bike. (And there’s a safe bike lane.) They should stop and pull over or get off the sidewalk. End of story.

While we are on the subject of bikes and bike lanes, always ride with traffic when you are on the street. Same rules apply to bikes as cars. Follow the law. If riding on the sidewalk is allowed, than you can ride in any direction. Always yield to pedestrians.

Trails: Runner vs hiker

• Another person walking towards you. If the trail is narrow then whoever has a spot to pull over should. Usually the walker will pull over first because you (the runner) are moving quicker, but if it doesn’t look like they have a spot then obviously the person with room to pull over does.   
• More than one person coming towards you. I will pull over and let them pass. It makes more sense for one person to squeeze to the side rather than a group of people. 
• Coming up on one or more persons. I usually try to make some noise (I used to cough but that might freak out some people. I guess they would move over though. ;-)) so they know I am coming and move over, otherwise I take a walk break and wait for them to realize they are being followed. 
• Faster runner: I always yield to the faster runner. 
• Mountain bikers. Stay to the right and listen for bells. Most mountain bikers have a bell to let you know they are coming. They get the right of way. This might be a good time to mention headphone use on trails. If I use my earphones I leave the left one out so I can hear what’s coming. 

Miscellaneous: A couple things that I’m just going to throw out there… 1.) No Spitting! In a normal world this is just gross, but during a pandemic with a respiratory illness, it’s dangerous. I saw a guy spit while a group of people were waiting at a light to cross the street. Seriously dude? Wtf? And 2.) No stopping in the middle of the trail/sidewalk. It you stop, pull over. (Same rule for Costco shopping as well!) 

Did I forget anything? Do you worry about social distancing while out running/walking or hiking?

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics and with Debbie, Deborah, Jen, Rachel, Lisa and Sandra for Runners’ Roundup.

Thanks for reading!

                            Denise