Cycling and running are not only excellent forms of transportation, but even better forms of fitness. The benefits are never ending. Health, environmental impact, economical, etc. etc.
It’s heart breaking to me that it has become such a dangerous activity. Between May 17 – June 29 there were 6 deadly accidents in Sonoma County. Last week there were 2 in the Boulder CO area, and yesterday a woman only a few years older than myself — was running in Warren, PA (about 15 minutes away from my home town) and was hit from the side by a driver going 17 miles over the speed limit around a sharp corner. She was rushed to Warren County Hospital but was Heartbreakingly pronounced dead upon arrival.
(And these are just the ones that I know about…)
This is quickly becoming one of the most deadly summers for road sports in recent history. It however makes sense. As more and more people start to cycle and run, there are bound to be more accidents.
I’m angry about it, though. Very angry, in fact. We as a whole; need to stop feeling as though we own the road. Stop feeling such urgency to get places. I absolutely admit it. Living in Maryland has given me such road rage. I get frustrated every single time I make the drive downtown. This has all really given me a reality check though. I’m consciously making the effort to not get so peeved. We need to relax. We’ll get where we’re headed in due time. Life’s too short to hold such negativity for the health of your body & the life of another, if for no other reason.
I encourage, no I beg!! I beg you all to do the same. Follow the laws.. They are in place for a reason. Go the speed limit. STOP (not roll through) at stop signs. Pay attention to crosswalks. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
But what I feel can put all of these things into action; stop feeling like you own the road. You don’t. I don’t care what you try to tell me, at some point or another you’ve been irritated by a pedestrian. Maybe it truly was their fault, but most of the time we’re just frustrated that they’re slowing us down. Stop! I repeat, we don’t own the road!
The same goes for us as runners, walkers, cyclists. We certainly aren’t doing everything we can all of the time. We should always maintain traffic laws. Use arm signals. In a group trek turning across a road or intersection, have someone be the look out for the pack. Again, always be aware of your surroundings & remember that we don’t own the road.
The bottom line is, cars weigh at least… Idk 15x the weight of an average person? When it comes to a question of car vs man, car is going to win every time. Whether its at 15mph or 60, being clipped by a driver is going to lead to potentially life threatening injury.
Please be safe out there! & remember, we do not own the road!
If you aren’t 100% sure of all tragic laws as either a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist REVIEW THE LAW! You can find all laws and precautions on your states DMV website.
Yeah! You need to send this to the “Letter to the Editor” for EVERY Newspaper in the country STAT!
yes totally agree!
Absolutely!!!
I hear ya! I witnessed what could have been a terrible car/cyclist accident a couple summers ago. Luckily the cyclist was okay, but only because the vehicle was high off the ground and the guy fell right under the car. It really opened my eyes to road safety for all!
Great reminder to all!
So true, so sad. We need drivers who pay attention and respect cyclers, runners, and walkers, and we need roads that give ample space!
Well said girl! It is just as important to remind runners and cyclists that they don’t own the road too. I can’t tell you how many times I have almost hit someone darting out into traffic! It’s scary! As a runner I have had a few close calls too which is also scary. We all need to be aware of our surroundings while on foot, on bike, or driving. My heart breaks for the families that lost loved ones.
It’s so important for people to be reminded to slow down. Why is every one in such a hurry that they can’t pay attention? But saying that I find myself aggravated with runners and cyclists all the time. They need to also be aware of their surroundings and cyclists who are in the road need to follow the same traffic laws as cars. Too many people have been killed or injured, I agree 100%
SO TRUE. I’ve probably been nearly hit by more cyclists than cars lately! It’s very frustrating that there’s a lack of bike lines in so many places, but when there’s not somewhere dedicated to bikes then cyclists have to behave like cars and not dart through red lights because they don’t see cars coming. So dangerous.
Gr, this was supposed to be under Madeline’s comment but for some reason WordPress.com doesn’t like my credentials and I had to log in from twitter and it ended up down here.
I hate reading these stories, it’s breaks my heart! I join you in saying PLEASE be aware of what is going on around you – whether you are driving, cycling, or running. Follow the rules of the road, don’t make compromises because your late, don’t want to slow down and interrupt your workout, or whatever!
As a runner and a cyclist, I wholeheartedly agree. That said, I always assume cars don’t see me–I ride and run defensively. Sadly, we’re never gonna win against a car!
I totally agree. I wrote a post a few months back from a runner’s perspective about drivers thinking they own the road. You see road rage not only between cars and cyclists or runners, but between drivers. It is really scary when people get that mindset.
As runners, cyclists, as well as drivers, we need to not only chill out, but be defensive drivers, runners and cyclists. If you’re always on the alert you can almost predict what someone is going to do.
We had another cycling fatality yesterday, here in South Florida. Its crazy. When I run and when I ride I now put safety in front of it all, and sometimes that means not doing the training as described by my coach. This is an issue near and dear to me and I have written about it also at http://www.triathlonmami.com
I completely and wholeheartedly agree with you and that it goes both ways – drivers AND runners/cyclists. While yes, NYC has terrible drivers but cyclists are known for flaunting traffic laws as well and I know that there’s lots of reasons why. But, in addition to following the rules, our streets also need to made safer to accomodate all types of transportation, not just cars.
Great awareness post. I wish people would stop having so much road rage…its amazing what you see from the most mild mannered people when they have to go around bikes, etc. Thanks for bringing this up! –Ericka @ The Sweet Life (sweetlifeericka.com)
So true. I saw the aftermath of an accident the other night between a person and a car. It was awful. People need to pay attention whether they’re in a car, on foot or a bike or any wheeled device.
With cycling become more and more popular in NYC, I see lots of people who don’t know the first thing about sharing the road making the roads dangerous for everyone. I had a really scary moment a few months back where I cyclist decided to cut right in front of me and basically cut me off. Luckily, I was able to stop really short before hitting him, but he did stop with his hand resting on my car. I love to ride my bike, but when people feel like they own the road, it drives me nuts. Its all about coexisting!
So true!! My sister once ended up in emergency surgery due to a hit and run! They left her unconscious on the side of the road. Thank goodness the driver behind stopped and called 911! She is back to riding now, but thank you for spreading the word!!!
Well said and I hope many are taking your pleas to heart.
[Fitness, Health and Happiness]
A good reminder to us all!
As a driver and runner who has to use the roads I fully agree. I also think that sometimes it`s hard to see if something is coming but don`t brake the rules. It won`t take you any longer if you try to keep the roads safe.
I completely agree!!! Every time I’m out running with my group we have issues with this. Scary! Last Saturday we had a car honk their horn at us when we were running…even though we were following the rules of the road! Very irritating!
I agree. It scares me. My husband commutes to work almost every day. Luckily, he rides almost the entire way on multi-use trails in town, but I still worry. There are signs around here reminding drivers to “share the road.” I hope they heed that….
This is precisely why I only run in my neighborhood or places with a boardwalk (like the beach) or trails etc. I don’t trust crazy drivers! scary!
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