Confusion over law creates heated controversy for runners, bikers and drivers

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Minneapolitans are blessed with one of the best running and biking path systems in the country.  Anyone who has traveled to other fit cities knows that not only do we have unusually abundant paths, but those paths are uniquely striped to provide a safe place for both cyclists and pedestrians.  There are some areas however, where only one path is available for both cyclists and runners, and in some cases there is no path at all.

So where, then, should a runner run?  On the sidewalk?  On the path with cyclists?  In the road facing oncoming traffic? Or on the road moving in the same direction as cars?  It seems that all of these options will at some point aggravate a driver, a cyclist, or a homeowner.  In some cases (I've had a few of these lately) the frustrated party will stop, bark a profanity or two, and then speed off in a fit of ill-informed self righteousness.  

There is a Minnesota law which governs running in the street.  It reads,

"Pedestrians when walking or moving in a wheelchair along a roadway shall, when practicable, walk or move on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder giving way to oncoming traffic. Where sidewalks are provided and are accessible and usable it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to walk or move in a wheelchair along and upon an adjacent roadway." 

The bottom line is that runners need to see oncoming traffic, so running on the left side of the roadway, facing oncoming traffic is the safest place for the runner to be when a path is not available.  This is a recognized safety consideration in many state laws and in federal recommendations.  

But what happens when a single path is available for both runners and cyclists to share?  According to the law above, runners are required to use it.  Should the runner lean to the left facing oncoming bike traffic or run along the right in the same direction as cyclists? According to parkway rules, "when using a park pathway, keep to the right unless overtaking or passing another user going in the same direction."  Unfortunately, this is counterintuitive for some runners, including myself, who want to see oncoming traffic even if it is on a bike.  A cyclist traveling 25 m.p.h. can do just as much damage to a runner as a motor vehicle in many instances.  There are long narrow stretches of West River Parkway (near the 35W bridge) where only one lane is available for both runners and bikers.  On that path, I have been clipped, skinned and yelled at by cyclists who don't want runners on the path at all.

What many runners have done is to run on the grass near the bike lane.  This helps them to avoid the frequent obstacles on the walking path and to stay out of the way of cyclists.  As evidenced by the mud-worn lane alongside most of the lake paths this is a popular option.  For the time being, I am avoiding West River Parkway until a path is created for runners.  Certainly, I have a right to be there, but that right isn't going to make me feel any better while I am laying on the pavement nursing cuts and bruises.  

Got a solution for this dilemma?  Have you had problems while using the paths?  Hit the comment button and share your story.

Click here to see a hilarious video of a crazy New Yorker's solution to the problem.