Quote Originally Posted by KSH View Post
Well, I am a runner... who runs on a path with bikes... the very paths I also bike.

I can tell you that I have tried running in the grass/dirt... but the ground is so uneven, I am constantly in fear of twisting an ankle.

So, I wouldn't want to be in the dirt/grass. But I also make sure that I run on the edge of the pavement, and I constantly look behind me. If I see a situation with a tight squeeze for a cyclists, I do get on the grass for a short while.

The key here is that the walkers/runners pay attention to what is going on around them and try to be courteous to everyone using the path. Unfortunately, most are off in la-la land and don't really pay attention.
You sound much more reasonable and courteous than a lot of the people described in this thread, even if you run on the paved path rather than the dirt! Personally, I would actually prefer to run on the dirt/grass and wouldn't be worried about twisting an ankle, but then I hike and run trails pretty regularly so maybe I'm just used to uneven ground. The dirt and grass are a better surface for running since they're not as hard. I agree that the real problem is people not paying attention and not showing any consideration for other users.