Basic Etiquette Rules for Striding
25 Basic Etiquette Rules for Striding
Adapted from Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Updated on September 08, 2021
Reviewed by John Honerkamp
When striding on trails, paths, a track, or roads, it's important for striders to follow a basic set of rules. Doing so helps keep those areas safe and enjoyable for everyone, including non-striders.
Common-sense guidelines can improve your striding experience if you're stridingalong a multi-use path, your local track or trails, or on the road. There are also a few racing rules that are helpful to know if you participate in a striding event. Keep these practices in mind when you stride.
Basic Safety Rules for Striding:
No matter where you are striding, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and know safety guidelines.
• Always look both ways before entering or exiting a path when you are approaching intersections. Even if you're striding on a one-way street, there may be striders or cyclists coming from the other direction.
• Follow the posted rules if you're striding on a track. Typically, stridersproceed only in one direction and outer lanes are for slower striders and walkers. If there are no posted rules, ask other striders on the track or follow their lead.
• Reconsider headphones, especially on unfamiliar paths. You need to be able to hear traffic and signals from other people using the path or trail. If you really need music as a distraction, keep the volume low and one earbud out.
• Wait for drivers to see you before proceeding through driveways and other intersections without signage. Make eye contact with the driver if you can.
• Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing so that drivers can see you at night (and even during the day). Lighted shoe accessories also make you more noticeable to drivers and cyclists.
• Tell someone when and where you will be striding and when you'll be back.
Staying safe on the road means seeing others and making sure that others see you. Wear bright clothing and stay alert when you stride.
25 Basic Etiquette Rules for Striding - Part 2
Rules for Striding on the Road
Sharing the streets with cars, bicycles, and other striders and pedestrians means you need to be extra vigilant.
• Avoid the middle of the road, even though it may be the most comfortable place to stride.
• Don't make sudden U-turns if you are striding an out and back route. Always look behind you before turning around.
• Don't relieve yourself in someone's yard, or in any other area where you might be seen by pedestrians or park users. You might not be shy but others may not be comfortable with it. Check for a port-a-potty or an open business along the route.
• Merge cautiously when you pass. Look over your shoulder for other stridersor cyclists who might be passing you.
• Pass on the left and state your intentions to the person(s) you are passing. Say "on your left" so they know to move to the right.
• Respect private property. Stay off of lawns and out of private cemeteries, parks, and other protected properties when you are striding.
• Stride facing traffic if there is no sidewalk or striding path. Stay to the side and as far from traffic as possible.
• Stride single-file or two abreast if you're striding with a group. This allows other striders, pedestrians or cyclists to pass without forcing them off the path or into oncoming traffic.
Respect your fellow striders (and cyclists, drivers, and other path users) by signaling your intentions when you change directions or pass.
Race Day Rules
Racing means sharing a course with many other striders, so be respectful of your fellow competitors, race staff, and volunteers, along with private and public property along the route. Most importantly, participate with integrity. While this might seem obvious, some people are tempted to cut the course or stride with someone else’s bib number. It's not allowed, so just don't do it.
• Choose your starting point wisely. Allow faster striders to take the lead. Slower striders should start at the back.
• Don't carry loose change or a set of keys in your pocket. Although the constant jingling or clanging may not bother you, it could annoy those who are striding near you.
• Don't drop clothing along a race course or jogging path, especially on someone's private property, unless the race allows. It's common during cold weather for striders to layer up with winter striding hats, gloves, and jackets, then discard clothes as the race goes on. Many larger races have clothing donation partners to recycle clothes.
• Don't toss trash such as water bottles, gel, or bar wrappers on the ground. An exception to this is if you're near an aid station. In that case, volunteers expect to pick up discarded water cups.
• Keep your fluids to yourself. If you need to spit, blow your nose, or throw up, move to the side of the road and do it there, if you can't get to a port-a-potty in time.
• Move to the side before slowing down to walk or stopping to tie your shoe, stretch, or take a drink from your water bottle.
• Signal to those behind you if you're going to slow down or start to walk. This prevents striders behind you from having to maneuver around you.
• Signal your pass if you need to squeeze through a tight space to pass another strider. This is especially important if the strider ahead of you is wearing headphones.
• Stay to the back of the pack if you are walking or jogging in a group, striding with a pet, or jogging with a stroller (when allowed). While this may be a fun stride for you, it may be a competitive event for those around you.
• Wear your bib number as directed. Most races require you to wear the number on your front.
• Keep moving through the finish line when you complete your race. Even if you are exhausted, you risk getting hit by other striders if you stop right away.
