runners and how to deal with them?

[fiftyshadesofbacon]

So an honest question to do with runners who run in the oncoming lane...

I'm sure this question has probably been discussed at length on bikehub, but I'm new on here and curious about what the etiquette is.

So some context first...

I don't mind if a runner is going against the traffic for their own safety, and am happy to share the road. But I have noticed a tendency (when I commute and when I go on a training ride) for groups of runners to run two to three abreast taking up most of the lane. If they move into single file when a cyclist comes along, I'd have no issue sharing the road with them and even greeting... but they seem to take pleasure in forcing the cyclist wide (even when they can see a car is coming up behind the cyclist). This happens a lot on my daily commute home (especially Thursdays when a local running club is out en masse) and at one of my preferred training spots.. On one occasion a large group (didn't get the name of their club) was running four to five abreast down klapperkop forcing me into the oncoming lane at a blind corner!

It seems a little inconsiderate if you are running against the oncoming traffic, and can see what is coming up behind a cyclist, that you still force the cyclist into the middle of the lane, or the oncoming lane when as far as I know, by law, you shouldn't even be on the road... Is that assumption right or have I got this all horribly wrong?

[Stretch]

I catch the cyclists attention from a distance out.... And if there are cars coming I immediately hop onto the pavement. If I see no cars coming I indicate with my hand to the cyclist that I will be going left and then I proceed to drift into the road and allow the cyclist to continue past me on their current line.

 

I see it like a run in cricket. I have the best view of traffic and will therefore be the one to move out the way left or right.

 

I rarely run in groups

[bikebloke]

if they are in the road and oncoming punching or kicking them is fine - if they on the pavement a micropump is required for a extra reach .....  a miropump or similar is also handy if they are running behind one another in single file cause then if you quick you can get them all ...

[shaper]

3 posts, 2 of which are complaining... you came to the right place on a Friday!!

[fiftyshadesofbacon]

I catch the cyclists attention from a distance out.... And if there are cars coming I immediately hop onto the pavement. If I see no cars coming I indicate with my hand to the cyclist that I will be going left and then I proceed to drift into the road and allow the cyclist to continue past me on their current line.

 

I see it like a run in cricket. I have the best view of traffic and will therefore be the one to move out the way left or right.

 

I rarely run in groups

You're exactly the type of runner I love sharing the road with.. and even greeting!

[bikebloke]

3 posts, 2 of which are complaining... you came to the right place on a Friday!!

 

i wasnt complaining its called H>U>M>O>U>R

 

#TGIF

[fiftyshadesofbacon]

3 posts, 2 of which are complaining... you came to the right place on a Friday!!

Hope I didn't come across as complaining..Just not sure how to respond to groups. Individually and generally, small groups of two to three runners are usually friendly and move over with a smile or a wave.. which is awesome, we are all out sharing the road having our own versions of fun.. just not had as many good experiences with larger groups..

[PeterF]

Pretty sure that they are not "forcing" you to do anything. If it is not safe to pass them just wait a few seconds until it is safe.

[Long Wheel Base]

So an honest question to do with runners who run in the oncoming lane...

I'm sure this question has probably been discussed at length on bikehub, but I'm new on here (You can do a search if you are really curious) and curious about what the etiquette is.

So some context first...

I don't mind if a runner is going against the traffic for their own safety, and am happy to share the road. But I have noticed a tendency (when I commute and when I go on a training ride) for groups of runners to run two to three abreast taking up most of the lane. If they move into single file when a cyclist comes along, I'd have no issue sharing the road with them and even greeting... but they seem to take pleasure in forcing the cyclist wide (even when they can see a car is coming up behind the cyclist). This happens a lot on my daily commute home (especially Thursdays when a local running club is out en masse) and at one of my preferred training spots.. On one occasion a large group (didn't get the name of their club) was running four to five abreast down klapperkop forcing me into the oncoming lane at a blind corner!

It seems a little inconsiderate if you are running against the oncoming traffic, and can see what is coming up behind a cyclist, that you still force the cyclist into the middle of the lane, or the oncoming lane when as far as I know, by law, you shouldn't even be on the road(I can see this ending well)... Is that assumption right or have I got this all horribly wrong?

[fiftyshadesofbacon]

Pretty sure that they are not "forcing" you to do anything. If it is not safe to pass them just wait a few seconds until it is safe.

So I should stop, and wail for them to pass before continuing on?

Similarly, if there are 5 runners occupying a whole lane then the only options are go off the road and wait for them or move over into the oncoming lane.. what would you call that? 

[Long Wheel Base]

Go rev the guys up on this thread

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/153222-cyclists-with-a-running-problem/?hl=running

[fiftyshadesofbacon]

Go rev the guys up on this thread

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/153222-cyclists-with-a-running-problem/?hl=running

Well that would be counter-productive, as I mentioned, I really don't mind sharing the road and being friendly with everyone I encounter there... just not had any reciprocation form larger groups running, who seem to treat me (a rider who doesn't generally ride in a group) as if I have no right to be there..

[Long Wheel Base]

Well that would be counter-productive, as I mentioned, I really don't mind sharing the road and being friendly with everyone I encounter there... just not had any reciprocation form larger groups running, who seem to treat me (a rider who doesn't generally ride in a group) as if I have no right to be there..

Ok cool. Actually I believe the 4x4 forum might also come up with a solution for you.

[Me rida my bicycle]

I will most of the time pass the runner(because the poor buggers can't afford a bike ????) but if there's traffic from behind and a perfect side walk we play chicken with me mostly winning????????

[Pure Savage]

Basically sounds like cycling up Rhodes drive. Just shout, hammer or Strava, they tend to move.

[PeterF]

So I should stop, and wail for them to pass before continuing on?

Similarly, if there are 5 runners occupying a whole lane then the only options are go off the road and wait for them or move over into the oncoming lane.. what would you call that?

 

All I am saying is that maybe you should try to treat the runners the same as you would like the motorists to treat cyclists.