So as I was driving home yesterday I realized a potentially dangerous situation.

[GLC1968]

I've had many near misses with pedestrians who were out walking pre-dawn while I was commuting. The problem wasn't blind corners or hills...it was that they were wearing all dark clothing and not carrying a light! It's scary when they are RIGHT on top of you before you can see them. Though, I've rarely had this issue with runners who seem to be better dressed. My guess is that these people are new to the early morning exercise thing...and didn't know any better. I'd bet they at least carry a flashlight the next time they go out in the dark!

I have also had issues twice (in the same spot) where pedestrians (walkers and runners both) moved into the street at a crosswalk but didn't bother to look for traffic. It just amazes me that they would walk out into the road without looking!! I mean...getting hit by a bike sucks...but getting hit by a car is deadly. Unreal! I'll have to walk that path myself to see why it would feel ok to behave in such a way. I just don't get it (though I do ride through there extra alert now!).

[Geonz]

When the runner is going against traffic, I can usually see 'em coming, so things go okay. There's generally enough room for both of us.
Yesterday it was a cyclist cruising through campus roads against traffic who I hope felt shriveled by my "COULD YOU POSSIBLY BE AS STUPID AS YOU'RE ACTING" stare (though, I'm afraid, my facial-expression skills are notoriously bad - he might have thought I was madly attracted to him ) .

[caligurl]

i've always understood the "rule" is that walkers/runners DO go against traffic????? so i've never had a problem coming up on runners... they are coming toward me... me toward them... we see each other... they usually get over... and i go into the lane if it's safe....

[Bluetree]

When I go running, I can be all over the place (sidewalk, path, with/against traffic) but there is a method to my madness. I start my runs pre-dawn, in areas ranging from residential and business to almost deserted areas.
I have running routes planned out, and where I run depends on the safety factor. I usually run on sidewalks, with traffic, unless:

If there is along stretch of road with no parked cars between me and the road, I will run on the sidewalk against traffic. Anyone who has had a suspicious looking car follow them will know why!

If the sidewalk runs alongside buildings with blind alleyways in between, I'll run as far as I can from them, sometimes in the bike lane (against traffic, so I can hop out of the way for oncoming cyclists). I want to be as far as possible in case someone is hiding back there.

I do not hesitate to cross the street if I even spot someone vaguely unfamiliar. I always keep an eye out for houses, coffee shops, etc. I can make a sprint to for help, if needed. I'll wear my Shuffle, but won't wear my Nano in public. I also change my routes often, wear reflective clothing, my Road ID and jot down my path every day so if I turn up missing, people know where I've been. Call me paranoid, but a gal's gotta be careful, even in my so-called "safe" neighborhood. Sometimes, when I stop to think about it, it makes me sad that I have to be so cautious.

P.S. Whenever one of my male friends hears of my precautions, this look of incomprehension comes over their faces. Safety? Whaaa?