Quote:
Originally Posted by OldManTime
Joggers have the Right-of-Way?
Should one driving a golf cart on a specifically designated Golf Cart and Bicycle path on a main artery, like Morse Blvd., be expected to go into automobile traffic and risk being hit by a car?
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Hello OMT,
I would like to preface my response by mentioning that I run 30-35 miles a week here in TV.
IMO, the answer to your question is self evident, a GC driver should not be expected to go into automobile traffic and risk being hit. Whether it is to avoid a runner, walker, pet or wild life.
However a piece of advice given to me by my father as he was teaching me to drive "Remember, as a driver, no one can take right-of-way, they can only give it", has remained with me to this day.
I suppose, if while driving, you felt you
have the right-of-way then you will need to make you decisions accordingly.
Folks on foot are better prepared to avoid a potentially serious accident if they are walking/running facing traffic.
With that in mind, when I encounter a GC approaching me and I am in a diamond lane I will get out of their way if a motor vehicle is even reasonably close to the back of them. It has been my experience GC drivers are not bothered by my approaching them in a diamond lane as long as I acknowledge their approaching and they know I am yielding to them. Most GC drivers, even when I have vacated the diamond lane, will move
toward the middle of the road and give a smile and wave and I do the same in return.
As a GC driver, if a runner was approaching me in the diamond lane and did not indicate any intention to "share" the space, I would stop before I put either of us in danger. In my mind the question of "who has right-of-way" is not a consideration. With that said, I would also make an attempt to share my feelings about the situation with the runner, in as positive manner as possible..
Anticipating the question of why am I running in the diamond lane when there are sidewalks? For me it comes down to the surface.... concrete is much harder on joints than blacktop. There are only two choices, concrete or blacktop in surfaces here in TV for more dedicated, long distance runners. Been running seriously for 35+ years, and now approaching 76 years old, I find I need to do what I can to extend my favorite pastime.
Finally, you mentioned specifically Morse Blvd. My own personal experience from running roads like MB, BV, 466 and 466A carries many more risks than rewards and I try to avoid those roads as much as possible. The speed difference between runners and GC/motor vehicles on those roads is just too great! The slow one will always loose when they touch!
As runner I understand where you are coming from and I think handling the situation you describe requires mature, "big-picture" actions by both parties.
Regards,
Don
PS, If I don't get out of your way fast enough, please don't run me down. I have promised our daughter we will run a 10k race together for my 100th birthday and I don't want to disappoint her..
