Run v. Bike Wars

Bikers do not like runners that get in their way.  Runners do not like bikers that get in their way.  This war has raged for decades.  Consider yourself lucky if you've managed to stay out of the fray.  Take one trip by foot across the Golden Gate or Brooklyn Bridges and you'll find yourself on the front lines.  With space at a premium and no room for error, sharing the road on a bridge is tricky, and demands courtesy by all those involved.  All too often, impatience takes over and accidents happen.  Between 2000 and 2009, 165 bicycle collisions were recorded on the Golden Gate Bridge, which resulted in 178 injuries.  Nineteen of the accidents involved pedestrians.

Equally annoying to each group of participants is the inconsiderate member of either club who crashes down the path, oblivious to what is going on around them, intent on their own mission with no regard for others.  This kind of narcissistic ride/run is a recipe for disaster as the statistics above show.  Although the potential for damage weighs heavily on the bicyclist with the metal underneath them and higher rate of speed, runners share the responsibility of maintaining safety on the road.  An abrupt, unexpected turn by a runner can cause major damage to a cyclist who is unable to make immediate course corrections.

Bikers
When you see a runner up ahead, slow down, make room and give a shout out.  If we know you're coming, we're less likely to make a sudden move that could send you flying.  Don't wiz by within inches at 30 mph.  That gives bicyclists a bad name and adds fuel to the fire.  Obey the speed limit signs--they're posted for a reason.  If speed is your deal, find a back country road and peddle till your thighs burn and your chest heaves.  Or better yet, climb a hill.  But remember your manners on the way down.

Do NOT take your dog along.  An unfortunate accident turned lethal for Beverly Head several years ago when she was tripped from behind by a bicyclist riding with two Siberian huskies on leashes.  Leave the dogs at home, go for a ride, then walk the dog when you return.   

Runners
Be aware of your surroundings.  If you're running in a group, don't become a road boulder.  Leave half of the trail open and keep to the right.  If you're on a trail with traffic, take the headphones out of your ears and be alert.  A Dallas women was fatally injured  in 2010 while running on the Katy Trail when she made an abrupt left turn while a bicyclist was attempting to pass her.  She had headphones on and most likely did not hear the bicyclist coming.

Be predictable.  If you need to change course, take a second and look over your shoulder.  That extra caution could save your life.

In an ideal world, bicyclists and runners would have their own trails.  Funding and land are limited, however, so we need to share.  Remember, we're all in this together--a little courtesy goes a long way.

LACE UP, be nice and let's end this feud!