Bike/Run Road Safety. Believe me, I know there are plenty of crazy drivers out there. Ones that won’t slow or budge one inch over for you. I’ve had cigarettes thrown out of cars miss me by inches. I could go on. BUT. We need to be careful too. Twice in a single day, I was sitting in the car at a stop light that turned green. The first time, I saw a woman on the sidewalk riding her bike at a clip fast enough that I questioned whether she’d stop for the light. She didn’t. She flew right into traffic and for the grace of God I didn’t hit her because I saw her and waited. But I easily, innocently could have. Fast forward two hours later, I’m at a light on a busy, fast 4-line highway. The light turns green and a racing bike guy is suddenly in front of me. Again, I could so easily have hit him. Oncoming traffic is already across so he’s stuck in the middle. That’s how late he crossed. The 3rd happened in North Carolina. Again at a stop light that turned green. A runner darted across traffic and is in front of us in the left turn lane while his partner on a bike, proceeds to fall off of her bike trying to stop. Such a terrifying mess, and all so preventable. IF bikers and runners would be more careful and heed the signals at intersections. I’ll step down off my soapbox now. Let’s move on to more pleasant things.
There’s never been a better time to race virtually. You may remember June’s Jost Running virtual race was done with my dad, who is rehabbing after a knee replacement. Our walks started out very short but we were consistent! Over time, as with anything you stay the course with, our walking mileage increased and I’m happy to say my dad more than earned that 5k medal! This month we’re beating the heat and I’ve got two special someones eyeing these medals. If you guessed Things 1 and 2, you’d be right. July’s Jost Virtual races benefit one of my favorites: Girls on the Run. Over the past few years, I’ve been a GOTR coach and run buddy and I’m very excited that Thing 2 will be old enough to join GOTR next year. Sooooo this month, Thing 2 will tackle the 5k virtual race while Thing 1 goes for the gusto with the half marathon, broken into 1 mile increments. That’s another beautiful thing about Jost Running. You cover the mileage in a way that best suits you. Join us by checking out Jost Running here. 
Drink Chocolate Milk? Snap and upload a photo here showing how you refuel and rebuild after a tough workout. Participants are eligible to win great prizes, including a trip to NYC for Run10 Feed 10. Too shy to share a pic of yourself? Stop by and vote for your favorites.
Have you had a close call with a car while running or on your bike? With a runner/biker while driving?
Yup, it’s crazy the rage that some drivers feel towards cyclists, but it takes just one yahoo breaking the law to make it understandable.
I’ve had more close calls than I care to count. But I agree with what you said about cyclists. I was driving through my neighborhood last week and was having a lot of trouble avoiding what I’d call a very aggressive cyclist. He was fast, yes, but extremely dangerous, riding up alongside me at stop signs, passing me–I wanted to turn right but I didn’t want to take him out. Especially after I realized it was my kids orthodontist!!! I saw him at the race this weekend and teased him about it but I think he got the message. Doesn’t mean he’s going to change tho.
I agree, it’s not always the drivers it can be the cyclists or runners too. We had a cyclist run through a 4-way stop just yesterday.
Dr Oz had the chocolate milk after a workout thing on his show a while ago and I think that is the best excuse to drink it there is.
Those close calls are scary! I can’t think of one I had recently but I think we as runners/cyclists/athletes need to be aware and responsible. Some of those moves give us a bad name and don’t set a good example for drivers. Respect the road applies to everyone!
I love those medals! Yes, I have had some close calls with bikers and that is me paying attention. That’s why I get so nervous to ride on the road since most people are texting/talking on their phones and don’t notice anything.
Yes all the time! I try to be extra careful and always mindful of traffic signals/signs. My close calls have all been with cars that are less than happy with bikers, even though I was in no way slowing them down. Just today I had 3 people yell out of their car windows at me during only a 20 mile bike ride. One was coming towards me in the opposite lane so I have no idea what their problem was with me.
I try to be very careful running. Since I’m hard of hearing anyway, I look for the cars a million times and make sure no one is near before I cross. But I do that in a car too. Things barreling down on you at 60 mph are just scary.
That’s so awesome about your girls doing the Jost Running! And your dad earning his 5K medal in June. Especially while he was rehabbing his knee.
I don’t think I’ve ever had that close of a call – at lights, I usually at least slow down before I dart across.
Yes, I’ve had glass beer bottles thrown at me while running, cars honking, etc. But, I’m with you, I’ve seen just as many inconsiderate cyclists/runners. It is very frightening, and I always wonder why he/she wants to risk it when they will always come out on the losing end of a challenge with a car.
I’ve had more than one scare with a car when I’ve been running. Years ago I almost hit a cyclist (I was in high school) and I’ve been paranoid ever since. There was a good article out a while ago on driving safely around bikers and Rich tells me the rules when we see them on the road since he knows.