Why do people run in the road when there is a sidewalk?

Question

I don't understand why people run in the road when there is a sidewalk right there next to them. I see this all the time, even at night. I'll almost run someone over because they are jogging in the road, instead of on the sidewalk. Why do people do this? Don't they realize they could be hit by a car?

Wow! Thanks for all the great answers! It's going to be tough choosing the best one! I really appreciate all the different viewpoints! Awesome!

Answer 1

Yes it is more dangerous but the reason they do it is because blacktop has more give than concrete sidewalks so it is a little less impact. The difference is probably insignificant though in relationship to the danger.

Answer 2

I see where u get mad. I'm a runner, and I've tried it both ways. some runners just prefer to run in the road, because they feel they have more 'space' or maneuverability(if that is a word).
While running on the sidewalk the runner feels he/she has continuously look down. Objects such as trees, poles, and civilians walking down the block. I have found it doesnt make a difference, the runner has to get use to running on a sidewalk.
On the other hand runner's will slow down just for running on the sidewalk.
at night though you cant yell at them about that. Whenever I run at night or early in the morning I always wear one of those vests that shine. Night time I always run on sidewalks. Not for safety but for protection. Couple of times I've had a car of drinking teens throw beer bottles at me while running. so far their aim has been very poor.
while in the morning i prefer to run on the street, just to feel more open and free.
just honk if you think the runner is going to be a possible threat(to be hit). The runner will tend to slow down or move farther to the side.

Answer 3

Sometimes the sidewalk has breaks, gaps and uneven areas that are hard to see (especially at night) but easy to trip on. I run at night, in the street, but close to the curb and facing traffic. When a car comes, I switch to the sidewalk until it passes. Runners should also wear light and/or reflective clothing to make themselves visible to drivers. There is no way anyone should run at night wearing dark clothing in the middle of the street with their back to traffic! I've actually seen people doing that. It's suicidal.

Answer 4

As A X runner, the sidewalk, has up and downs like Driveways, the sidewalk as has crack, the road is smooth, no ups or downs.

Answer 5

Running in road is sometimes easier, especially if there's a smooth pavement. Sidewalks have bumps and sometimes there is no sidewalk.

Answer 6

i think of it varies for man or woman to man or woman. ive had the two asics and saucony, yet for me, my widespread shoes have been by a variety observed as newbalance. yet i think of it could be counted on the certainly shoe, no longer purely what variety it particularly is. identity propose going to a working keep, roadrunner is an exceptionally solid one, and the experts there have you ever run on a treadmill to work out the way you run, the way you plant your ft, be conscious your stride, the arches of your ft, and the place you positioned rigidity on your ft (no rely in case you carry maximum of your weight with your feet, your heels, the balls of your ft,). from there, they be certain no rely in case you decide on stability, help, or neutrality in a shoe, and then they carry out distinctive shoes subsequently.

Answer 7

Road are for car's tires while sidewalk are for our feets. Simple logic.

Answer 8

It's illegal in most municipalities to bicycle jog or run on the sidewalk.

Answer 9

maybe because the sidewalk is like a limit of their walking or whatever they are doing, they don't have enough space or whatever. or walking on the road makes the comfortable.

Answer 10

maybe its faster??? and plus theres no car and you dont want to walk all the way to the sidewalk and wait for the light etc etc when u can just, cross the street....just make sure theres no cars and no dickheads (Cops) around.