What side of the road is the correct one to run on?

[Sweatyfaced]

I largely run on the small single track country lanes near where I live as it means I can run from my front door instead of driving somewhere.

Bearing in mind that traffic drives on the left and I *thought* you were supposed to walk into oncoming traffic when there is no pavement, I have been running on the right. Is this correct? I keep meeting other runners on the same side as the road as me and I am beginning to doubt myself.

(Currently extremely happy having achieved my goals for 2018 - I am running 10k once a fortnight and went to Parkrun! 😁)

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

Walk or run facing oncoming traffic..

gov.uk/guidance/the-highway...

Rule 2

If there is no pavement, keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic. You should take extra care and be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light keep close to the side of the road.

It may be safer to cross the road well before a sharp right-hand bend so that oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you. Cross back after the bend.

So.. you are doing right... ( See what I did there:))

[mrrun Graduate10]

I prefer to run in the middle, arms outstretched, screaming at oncoming traffic. It works.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to mrrun]

Loopy but lovely Folks.. do not try this at home x

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

On the right facing the traffic. Unless you're heading into a blind corner in which case you should cross over for that section. Just make sure you're visible to oncoming traffic.

I run on country roads and am surprised at how many runners run and walkers walk with the traffic behind them. On very narrow roads I stop to let the cars drive past me but then I'm a bit paranoid 😏

Well done on the running goals 👏

[ancientrunner Graduate10]

Would definitely want to run towards the oncoming traffic.

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Good question, thanks for posting. Thank you everyone for the informative answers 😊

[Langley-Loper Graduate10]

In my experience it doesn't seem to matter which side I run. Cars still squeeze past me brushing my elbow rather than wait 30 seconds until I reach the next passing place. I tend to run on whichever side the passing places are so I can dive into one or the outside of bends. Crossing the road frequently adds a few more yards to a run...

[figmeg]

I used to run on the right but got a really sore left hamstring which lasted for ages. I don't know if this was due to the slope of the road (country lanes like you) but I now run on either side or in the middle just in case it makes any difference. I always were neon/hi viz even though I run in the daytime. I usually have to jump on the verge whichever side I'm on!

[Sweatyfaced Graduate10]

Thanks all; I will keep doing what I'm doing then. I generally head to the middle for tight bends (for me as much as them) and have become adept at jumping into hedges. So sounds like I'm not doing anything too nuts!

[Sweatyfaced Graduate10 in reply to Sweatyfaced]

Oooo, thank you figmeg . I similarly suffer slightly more on my left than on my right in terms of aches so maybe it's the camber; i just assumed that my left side was weaker! I will consider the centre of the road on the quieter lanes...