Streets, the althlete and the driver. What to do?

In this day and age, when you pass that runner or cyclist in the street you know he or she is also a driver. This would be someone like, say... me.

I am a runner, I am a cyclist, I am a driver.... I get frustrated as all three.

I want to stop my car and "school" the runners in the street running in the opposite direction as traffic. In my mind I am screaming "You are a pedestrian, if there is a sidewalk don't run in the street!" Especially when its dark and they are not wearing reflective gear or the sun is coming out and the light hits my eyes blinding me and I have to be extra aware of those two ladies who insist on running side by side taking up 1/2 of the lane. You know who you are. I can't see you. I am driving. You are on the street. Do the math.

I said it. I run and I don't like the people who presume the street is their personal treadmill. Here is the definition of jay walking: n. walking across a street outside of marked cross-walks and not at a corner, and/or against a signal light. If there is vehicle traffic or clear markings of a place to cross, this is a traffic misdemeanor subject to fine, and may be (but not conclusively) contributory negligence in the event of injury to the jay walker by a vehicle.

NOTE its actually illegal to do so. OK, OK I am being harsh, but the last thing you want is for someone to be texting and take you out because you are out enjoying your run. I applaud you for being out there day after day, you do inspire everyone, but please if you insist on being on the street wear your reflective gear. I promise the second light hits it you will light up like a Christmas Tree. Don't trust those little tiny battery powered lights. With their dim and weak wattage by the time a driver sees them it may be too late.

Having said the magic words "Street" and "Drivers", lets move on to cyclists. I love my bike, I adore riding it. I am petrified of drivers, terrified even. In this case as opposed to runners, cyclists do have a clear right to be on the road and to pass a cyclist, by law, you must give them a 3 foot berth. A bike is a vehicle with the same rights and obligations as a car. So when you see me diligently riding on the right side to give you most of the lane, know this.. I have the right to take up the whole lane but I do choose to be a courteous rider and am giving you space so don't clip me unless you want the God of Cyclists to give you a bitch slap of Karma. Just sayin'.. he loves me.

Also to my fellow cyclists, see above comment about courtesy. Again, I drive and have had some pretty numb in the skull cyclists do pretty bone headed things that could lead to them getting hit by a car.

So my friends, what is the lesson here?

If you run, and insist on running on the street know that cars are the ones with all the rights, not you so make sure you are seen plus you give the car the respect it deserves.

I must remind you: Reflective gear.

If you bike, know your rights as a vehicle but be courteous. WE ARE TRAFFIC!

Did I mention reflective gear? Oh yep I did huh? I forgot something though let me think, what was it? Ohhhh yes... REFLECTIVE GEAR!

If you drive, be aware that some people don't get it and you have the deadly vehicle. DON'T TEXT and DO NOT TALK ON YOUR PHONE either. Nothing in life can't wait until the red light or until you get to your destination. I promise.