The 5 rules of the road
On a run, it's wonderful to see other runners, walkers, and bikers out and about… most of the time. Admit it: sometimes dealing with other people during your workout can be annoying.
I used to feel bad when I'd get ticked off at other exercisers. I thought some of the "rules" were just pet peeves of mine. But then I realized it's about safety.
Below are the 5 rules of the road according to Jen 
:
(These should be called rules of the "sidewalk" or "path" since I luckily don't have to run on the road too often. But I'd hope you all already know that when running on the road to run against traffic and dress in bright colors if it's dusk or dawn.)
1. Follow the right hand rule. Run on the right hand side of the path or sidewalk. This makes it easier for others to pass you on the left side, and there will be fewer collisions if everyone heeds this rule. There's nothing more aggravating than playing chicken with another runner or walker who doesn't obey this rule.
2. Keep your dog to your right side. This is a continuation of the right hand rule. If you're walking on the right and keep your dog on your right side, theoretically everyone will be safer. People will pass you on the left and won't have to worry about getting tangled in the pooch's leash and breaking an ankle. This also keeps dogs away from each other, because guess what, not all dogs are friendly. If you must have an impromptu doggie play date, move over to the side of the path so others can easily and safely get around the puppy party.
ETA: I understand from the comments section that teaching your dog to heel on your left is the correct method. While I won't be jumping on board, I definitely understand better now. However, if you took your furball to training classes or read books, I'm guessing you also keep him or her on a short leash. So you would not be the people I'm referring to in #2. 
3. Move out of the way when walking two, three, or ten across. Ok, ladies (yes, it's usually women), you're not the only ones using the path on your leisurely morning stroll. It is not cool to take up the whole width of the path. This makes it hard- and possibly dangerous- for others to pass you from behind. Even less cool? When you see a runner coming at you and refuse to move. I will throw elbows.
4. Cyclists, stay on the road. Unless you live in a city that has a law stating otherwise, cyclists belong on the road and not the sidewalk. Once you hop on that bike, you are not a pedestrian. You are a vehicle and need to obey all the same laws as cars. If you bike on the sidewalk, don't give me a dirty look when I won't get out of your way. You're the one breaking the law- not me. And while you're at it, put on a helmet. You're a fool for riding without one.
5. Turn the volume down. I usually yell "on your left" before I pass another runner to give them warning. If your music is too loud, you won't hear me. When I pass you, this may cause you to jump or even say a nasty comment to me. If you can't hear my loud voice, chances are you may not hear traffic either, so turn the volume down.
ETA: I guess a lot of people don't like that I shout "on your left". I simply do this to protect myself and not startle you. A few years ago- before I was an "on your left" screamer- a woman ahead of me turned around without looking and ran directly into me. Now that I'm carrying precious cargo, my main concern is my safety. I'm sorry if you think I'm rude, but I do this to protect both of us.
What am I missing?
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September 6th, 2011 - 07:49
THANK YOU! I’m not a huge runner, but when I go for my weekend run my biggest pet peeves are the 3+ across groups and the middle-of-the-trail runners. Curb-huggers for the win!
September 6th, 2011 - 08:02
Yes I hate the women who dont move! I even yell “excuse me, coming through, please move, on your left, HEY YOU!!” and they still dont listen. It’s amazing. I also throw elbows. No shame.
I wish more people ran with their dog on their right side.
As far as the biking thing (at least here in Southeastern Virginia), we dont have laws stating that riders cant be in the sidewalk. We also have multipurpose paved paths that cyclists and runners both use. More experienced riders will call out on your left but there are so many that just ring a stupid bell or dont say anything at all! So dangerous! I’d prefer to use the road at all times, but we have really hostile drivers that will purposely drive too close and try to clip you with their mirror. It’s scary and dangerous so that’s why I’ll sometimes use the multi path.
September 6th, 2011 - 08:03
Hi Jen! I’ve been reading your blog for months and love it! I’m so thrilled for your pregnancy and love that you’re running through it. I hope that’s me some day! I do my long runs every weekend on a bike trail that runs through 2 counties. My biggest rule is leash up your dog! So many people don’t put their dogs on leashes. I’m a dog lover but still, this scares me. How do I know your dog is nice? Plus, even the nice ones still chase me. Even a playful chase is annoying. I had one dog owner yell at me and tell me to stop running because her dog was chasing me. How rude!
September 6th, 2011 - 08:07
OMG- cyclists on footpaths drive me crazy. I have been known to shout “you’re breaking the law” after them as they cycle off. I have also been tempted to pop a stick in their spokes. Just tempted mind!!
September 6th, 2011 - 08:12
Thank you for writing this! All 5 of these are huge pet peeves of mine too. I was just on the bike trail the other day (on a bike, not running this time) when 8 ladies were walking across the entire trail and then 2 people were biking and staying to the left. I’m not sure why people think biking or running is any different than driving a car in the US. STay to the right unless passing!
September 6th, 2011 - 08:21
I hadn’t thought of the dog pointer. I will need to remember that if/when we get a dog.
In our city we have multi-use paths that are actually designated as “bike paths” but are used by anyone and everyone on foot and wheels. I think a good tip for cyclists on multi-use paths is to get a bell and be sure to ring it when you plan on passing people. More often than not, if someone rings their bike bell behind me, I will move over as far as I can to allow room for them to pass safely.
I would also appreciate it if large groups of cyclists would let me know how many of them there are. We always did this when I was riding in a group. The first rider shouts out how many there are coming and the last one says they are last. Then you know when you are safe to move.
September 6th, 2011 - 08:27
Alright, Jen, you’ve proven yourself to be pretty rational and I trust you, so I just need to ask… WHY do you shout “On your left!” to other runners? Honestly, it drives me a little crazy when other runners (or even cyclists, sometimes!) do this. I’m running consistently in a straight line, hugging the right side to the trail… so why the announcement? I thought this drove other runners crazy, too, but if you’re doing it… maybe I’m the crazy one (and, hey, who among us has NOT gotten a little irrationally angry during a long run?)?
Explain, please! Other commenters…what about you guys?
September 6th, 2011 - 08:30
I just do it to warn others that I’m coming. Most runners run with head phones so they don’t hear me approaching. I’ve definitely had a few people scream at me when I didn’t warn them I was coming up, so I just prefer to do it this way. I don’t think you have to shout “on your left” though! Totally personal preference.
September 6th, 2011 - 08:34
But I guess what I’m wondering is… why does it matter if they know you’re approaching? If they’re not zig-zagging around and going to get in your way as you pass, does it matter?
I’m seriously asking, trying to bait you, really. I just feel like there’s something I’m missing in this, but maybe you’re right and the whole thing really just is personal preference!
(Of course, I could just be sensitive about it because I probably have more people passing me than you do, Speedy!)
September 6th, 2011 - 08:39
It’s just personal preference. I’d rather warn people than startle them, no matter how close to the shoulder they’re running.
September 6th, 2011 - 09:20
I’m the same way – I always let people know I’m coming up from behind to pass them. Maybe it’s because I know *I* startle really easily & appreciate it when others warn me, otherwise I jump about a mile high! I don’t always yell “on your left” though – sometimes it’s “coming up behind you” or something else like that, just to let them know I’m there & coming through.
September 6th, 2011 - 09:35
I appreciate the warning, even if I hear someone coming. To me it’s a verbal turn signal (and it drives me nuts when people don’t use their turn signal.) Also, at least I know it’s another running and not someone trying to sneak up on me and abduct me. (Only partially kidding.)
September 6th, 2011 - 13:30
I think saying on your left is respectful. AS a runner in DC there are TONS of people on the trails and one time someone came up fast behind me and I didn’t hear them. I happen to turn around at that second cause I saw something out of the corner of my eye and we are luckily that I didn’t trip him or fall myself!
my new fav is that if people are biking on the trail that they don’t just say on your left but add plus 2 or 3 if there is a pack (in single file!). A girl did this last week and I think this was the greatest thing ever!!!
September 6th, 2011 - 09:01
I’m with you, especially when the bikers ding like 8 times when they are going by you… yeah I know, that’s why I’m running on the right!! If I were in the middle of the path a ding or jogger saying something is ok, but it annoys me too if I’m running on the right!
September 6th, 2011 - 08:31
I live in a quiet neighborhood that doesn’t have sidewalks so everyone runs on the roads. It drives me absolutely crazy when people are running with traffic instead of against and then won’t move over. Sorry, but I can’t get any closer to the bushes and I shouldn’t have to run around you when you are on the wrong side.
September 6th, 2011 - 08:45
Oh balls, I’m doing it wrong. We always trained Koda to walk on our left side. But we always go so slow, that I always make sure to move out of the way
September 6th, 2011 - 09:39
we do the same – i run with my dogs each morning, and they run on my left. Now…I have to run on the road, in rural Lincoln County we don’t have sidewalks – so i feel better being closer to traffic when it approaches. I’ve taught my dogs verbal cues of when to move over and wait until a car passes.
If we lived in more of a city and ran on a sidewalk, I’d have to re-train both the dogs and myself
September 6th, 2011 - 08:49
If you’re out with your dog: scoop the poop! This, above all else, is my BIGGEST peeve about sharing “the road” with others.
September 6th, 2011 - 09:06
Oh my gosh, I need to post this on my usual running path!
September 6th, 2011 - 09:11
These are really good tips- even for walkers like me.
My VERY safety-conscious father would add “Wear brightly colored clothing at night.” I swear that even his underwear probably glows in the dark.
September 6th, 2011 - 09:27
I think the only “rule” you didn’t mention is actually pictured in your last image: ALWAYS carry some form of ID – whether it’s a RoadID or your drivers license (or a copy of it) or a health insurance card. You never know what could happen out there – and if, god forbid, you do get injured people should know who you are & how to reach your family.
About the biking rule – in my state/county, cyclists have the “choice” to either ride on the road or on the sidewalks. BUT, if cyclists are on the sidewalks they must follow the laws of pedestrians (i.e. only cross with the lights, etc.) and if they’re on the roads they must follow traffic laws – ride with traffic, obey all traffic signals, use hand signals, etc. I personally ride in the road whenever I can – it’s easier & honestly, I think drivers pay more attention to cyclists on the road than those on sidewalks. But in areas that are unsafe (i.e. no bike lane on a super busy street) I’ll ride on the sidewalk. I think the important thing is that cyclists need to be just as aware and safety-conscious no matter where they’re riding.
September 6th, 2011 - 09:41
I often run on a multi use path down by the lake, and one of my pet peeves are people who don’t look both ways before trying to cross the path to get down to the beach. I’ve seen more than one near miss between people trying to cross and bikers and runners. It’s the same as when you are crossing a road, look both ways before starting to cross!
September 6th, 2011 - 09:44
Rule Addition: Trash goes in an appropriate receptacle, not on the ground. This includes the tab tops for Gu’s.
September 6th, 2011 - 09:48
#3 is another one of my pet peeves. I don’t understand why people don’t feel the need to share the sidewalk. I throw elbows too……it’s a bad habit.
September 6th, 2011 - 11:06
One thought – my dogs have always been trained to walk on the left. The primary reason being that they are hunting dogs and since most people are right handed, you carry your gun on the right and walk the dog on the left. I would think that logic applies to non-hunters as well. I completely understand your point, just wanted to point out how we have always been trained to do it.
September 6th, 2011 - 11:09
FYI – A proper “heel” for dogs is on the left that is why you see so many walking on their owner’s left-hand side. That is how it is taught in obedience classes.
September 6th, 2011 - 11:18
Thanks for sharing! I don’t see how that’s safe on a crowded path, though. But I’m guessing the people who take their dogs to obedience classes also keep their dogs close by, so they wouldn’t be the ones who trip me up!
September 7th, 2011 - 09:34
Dogs can be taught to heel on the left for whatever purpose, but can still be walked on the right side…it’s not rocket science and dogs are pretty smart
And you are so right…the people/dogs that trip you up are most likely not going to obedience classes and obviously have no respect and/or common sense (btw, those are the same people who don’t pick up after their dogs!)
September 6th, 2011 - 11:41
Good ones! I wish my morning running buddy would wear white or reflective clothing. At least one of us is prepared!
September 6th, 2011 - 11:49
every book/trainer will tell you to keep you dog on the left side. just keep em on a short lead so they can’t trip other runners or cyclists. i run with 2 – one on each arm, so i can’t obey that rule anyway!
September 6th, 2011 - 11:53
Our trainer told us to walk him on the right. BUT she’s a runner
I completely agree with you though. The short leash is what’s important, not necessarily the side.
September 6th, 2011 - 12:44
+ 1 to Jen Tooman – keep your dog on a short leash so I don’t get tripped when he tries to dart out in front of me. I also have a love/hate relationship with “on your left.” I do get startled when someone on a bike whizzes by me, but it almost always comes across as “get out of my way” when I’m already way over to the right, not wearing headphones, etc.
September 6th, 2011 - 13:24
Great rules! I hate when people run 3 or 50 people acrpss, and then refuse to get over! Also I hate when people run in the wrong side of the road then expect me to move. I want to wear a shirt that says “you are on the wrong sside!”
September 6th, 2011 - 13:32
I love these etiquette rules! I am a firm believer that public paths should have basic running/cycling rules posted along the routes. A lot of times, newbie runners would gladly follow the rules if they new them.
I hate it when people walk their dogs on those retractable leashes and let their dogs run out 30 feet in front of them. Then, when the dog runs toward you, you are forced off the path. I mean, you don’t know if that dog is friendly or not, right?
And yes, I’ve been known to throw elbows a women walking three abreast. Its just rude.
And THANK YOU for using “on the left.” This is commonplace with cyclists and I am thrilled that more runners are also doing it. I hate it when I yell “on the left”, someone stops, turns around, and basically moves in front of me. Then I am the one getting the stink-eye because THEY stepped in MY path. All I was trying to do was give them a heads up that I was going around them.
One thing I would add…if you are running and you decide to slow down and take a walk break, do so by moving off farther to the right. This will keep anyone who is running behind you (who you may or may not hear) from pummeling you.
September 6th, 2011 - 13:34
Off leash dogs = NEVER okay. It makes me so mad! My poor dogs go crazy and end up looking aggressive and scary, when really I would react that way too if an unleashed dog rushed towards me.
September 6th, 2011 - 14:05
Great rules! I also always look over my shoulder when I’m passing someone. I’ve been on the bike and seen people dart around a slower runner without looking – they could definitely get run over doing that.
September 6th, 2011 - 14:46
Great post– I always use ‘on your left’ when I’m passing people. I don’t yell it to have people move more to the right than they already are, I yell it because I’m not a mind reader, and I can’t tell if that person is suddenly going to decide to turn left into me as I’m passing. I’ve had some friends be seriously injured (broken bones and a ruined race season) because they didn’t call out that they were passing, and the person they were passing swerved/turned left suddenly and unexpectedly.
September 6th, 2011 - 15:56
Love it! Now if only everyone saw this! Great point about the dogs, I am actually planning to train our puppy to run with me (was my plan to then I found out I was pregnant and can’t run), so I am diligently teaching her to walk correctly so when we run she doesn’t trip me or anyone else!
September 6th, 2011 - 16:30
AMEN sister!
September 6th, 2011 - 16:35
Thank you for posting this. It’s so nice to know that I’m not the only one who gets peeved by these things! I cannot stand oblivious people when I’d out running and there have been so many occasions where I’ve run into the road because I can’t get past people.
September 6th, 2011 - 17:22
I don’t think it’s rude to yell “on your left” when passing. I had someone pass me without saying anything (she was like a running ninja!) and it scared the bejesus out of me! Talk about getting your heart rate up.*
September 6th, 2011 - 19:14
I also yell “On your left” when passing runners. This is just a courtesy to avoid scaring someone. Here’s something else to add to your pet peeve list….racers listening to their music can’t hear those quickly approaching from the back. Be alert people!
September 6th, 2011 - 20:27
I also love the “on the left” warning. I get so mad when cyclists don’t do it. I thought it was something taught to every cyclist, but I get startled every time I don’t get warned. I even got so mad one time, I yelled “oh excuse ME! On your right!”
September 6th, 2011 - 21:12
Thank you for these! I was running on a path this weekend and was passed by so many cyclists/runners/walkers who didn’t let me know there were coming. I feel like I gave each of them a dirty look, but I don’t want to get into an accident!
September 6th, 2011 - 23:50
Thank you! I agree…but The Husband and I still break rule #4 on occasion! If he is biking along on a run with me he will ride on the sidewalk, but gets off as soon as we get near someone else. We also have some hills around our place that have barely there shoulders and just don’t feel save on the bike so we hit up the sidewalk. Again, if there is a runner/walker/horse {yes, horse – around here horses get sidewalk privileges} we are back out on the road. And we wear our helmets – nothing makes me more angry than cyclists without helmets!
I highly prefer people to announce their arrival, especially cyclist because they are going faster…otherwise they scare the crap out of me and that just isn’t cool!
September 7th, 2011 - 00:44
My kids ride on the sidewalk i would never let them ride on the road but they would move over for walkers and runners. I hate it when people do not have their dog on a leash. Wow never heard of people elbowing i would be worried someone would punch me in the face if I elbowed them.
September 7th, 2011 - 05:36
To your first comment about staying to the right, it took me a long time to do the opposite…our path has walkers/runners on the left and cyclists on te right aide of the path…it is just cointerintuitive to me…ESP when going in the opposite direction the bikers are coming at you and they don’t move over and give you very little time to turn your head to see if you are cutting another cyclist off…it’s like a game of chicken t times.
September 7th, 2011 - 14:38
I’m surprised by how many runners don’t like saying or hearing “on your “left.” Whether I’m on my bike passing a runner on a multi-use path, or running on a sidewalk, path or trail, I ALWAYS let people know when I’m passing them. I have been clotheslined by dog leashes both while running and biking, I have nearly collided with children whose parents’ weren’t controlling them, I’ve been forced off the road by groups of people ignoring my “on the left” warning, and I’ve been pushed into oncoming runners/cyclists by people who refuse to move over.
It’s all about safely. It’s not personal, it’s not about hogging the road, or owning space or yelling (although I will yell it to groups of people who are chatting too loudly to realize there are people behind them). It’s about letting the slower person know you’re passing them. You wouldn’t change lanes without signaling in a car, would you? Well, pedestrians have no way of knowing when a person, dog or child is going to “change lanes”, as it were. So it’s up to the passer to say “Hey, I’m coming up on your left, don’t move over suddenly”.
September 7th, 2011 - 17:16
I always say “on your left” to people if we’re on a narrow path….I feel like it’s a common courtesy to them (or a reminder that they shouldn’t hog the whole path!!). Glad to hear others do this too (I swear I started doing it after watching Spanglish lol).
September 7th, 2011 - 20:08
I really hate it when people walk 3, 4 (5!!!) across a sidewalk/path and don’t move over when they see you coming in the opposite direction. I know you want to walk together and talk, but seriously – can’t you drop behind for just 2 seconds?? I also don’t understand why people bike on the sidewalks (unless like you said, there is some law against being on the roads). There are lots of sidewalk bikers where I live, and many of the sidewalks are narrow – which makes ME jump into the roads!
The only thing I would say is – I’ve been told by bikers that if you’re running on a bike path, you’re supposed to run on the left, not the right. I guess because (as with cars) it’s better if you can see them coming. So you don’t swerve out or anything… I’ve started doing it and I have to say that I actually prefer it now!
Oh! And I walk Koli on the right too. I’ve heard that the proper heel is on the left, but a) I’m left-handed and b) I don’t want him reaching out to/licking people as I pass them!
September 8th, 2011 - 07:38
Love this post! 1. Follow the right hand rule.–>this annoys me when people don’t follow this, including places like the mall!
And as a person with a dog that is not so fond of meeting other doggie friends–I will always politely cross the street when I see you coming with your pooch
September 8th, 2011 - 09:31
Jen, I’m with you I always say on your left when running or on my bike. If I’m on my bike I also ring the little warning bell. It’s just safer for everyone that way. And when others yell to me as they are about to pass me, I just put up my hand and give them a little wave 1) to let them know I heard them and 2) so that they know I appreciate the warning.
September 9th, 2011 - 18:59
I take out an earbud when I’m passing people, give a smile and wave or say “hello”. I also cut over to the road, if there are walkers out with their dogs, or families out with their bikes. It’s a bit of courtesy, and a reason to smile, and it makes those hills seem a bit less steeper on the way up.
September 9th, 2011 - 23:30
Jen,
I’ve just discovered your blog and have been reading all your old posts. 100% inspiration!
Here in Australia we have the same issue of people not being aware of the correct path manners. In my state we have multi-purpose paths where you are meant to follow standard traffic rules. Cyclists are generally good here, but walkers / runners are not. While we do everything opposite side to USA, people still can’t get that right. I have a very loud voice and usually run with my 5 year old who rides his push bike and have been doing this since he was 2 with training wheels. If he can manage to stay left, safely pass people on the right and ensure the safety of others……
I think people controlling their kids is just as important as controlling the pets. Start the good habits young and they will continue. He generally gets behind someone and screams out “excuse me” this is followed by my yell “bike behind you” and then we come through. I have the attitude that I would rather scare the heck out of someone before we are in a position for a collision. Cyclists usually yell “Bike up” or if there are more than 1 “2 up, 3 up etc” Which I love.
My main gripe here is that people don’t clean up their dog droppings. When you are running poorly lit paths in the dark, early AM, you can’t see it until you smell itbecause you’ve stepped in it and that makles me really cranky.
September 23rd, 2011 - 06:39
I wish there was a way to get everyone in the world to read this! No place is the walk to the left rule more broken then on the Central Park Reservoir. People there also like to walk three abreast. I throw elbows too. So happy to see this post.