Runners...please enlighten me

I don't like running on the curb cuts/curb ramps. It changes my rhythm and pace.
Of course, I'm not an early bird so the sun is shining when I lace up.

I run on the street because the sidewalk stops sometimes and becomes someone yard...then starts again. I actually prefer running on the sidewalk. Sidewalks are flat. Roads are slightly angled to help with water run off. If you always run in the street you are more prone to injury (aside from getting hit by a car).

I do run on the left side of the road and run during the day. Sometimes I'm out at dusk, in which case I wear a headlamp on my head...and one facing backwards on my arm.

They say that running on asphalt is easier on the joints than running on the sidewalk. Asphalt is softer than concrete.
And as far as running down the center of the road, that is where the road is more level, if you run on the side of the street next to the side walk, it tends to be sloped for drainage.

I am a fairly new runner but I can attest that trying to run in the street next to the sidewalk is hard on the knees and ankles, one leg tends to take a harder brunt on the landing. I personally like running better on the sidewalk but even that can be hard as some sidewalks in my area are even slopped for drainage.

However running in the dark with dark clothing on is never a good idea, I always where lighter clothing so I can be seen.

We don't have sidewalks on all the streets I run. The neighborhoods are also quiet enough that I could run down a street for a block or two in the middle of the road. I run conscientiously -- I am observant and I take note of cars that could come and are coming.

Most of the trouble I've had with sharing the street with cars comes from drivers who are going far too fast and trying to squeak by me while another car is coming head-on. I've never been hit or almost-hit, though!

Also, the asphalt feels better on my joints than the sidewalks do, so there's that.

I agree with the others. I tend to run in the street sometimes because asphalt feels softer than concrete. I run in the middle to avoid the slope. I had knee surgery about a year and a half ago, and I have plantar fasciitis. The slope really aggravates those.

In some ways running on the sidewalk is more dangerous than running on the street. The sidewalks are more often than not uneven, and never fixed when they start to crack and stuff. That creates a very dangerous field for a runner as those imperfections alone can cause injury. The asphalt is slightly easier on the knees than concrete. And is usually clear of overhangs, tree limbs, etc...

If I take off from my house and run, then I run on the street. But, I have a flashing braclet and a flashing shoe light to let driver's know I am there, and I go into traffic.

This exactly....

Assuming the street is asphalt and not pour-in-place concrete, it's easier on the joints. Also, they tend to take better care of the streets so you're less likely to get random changes in elevation/ slope and trip hazards.

Like so many others, I prefer the street because it's easier on my body. I always try to have contrasting colors and something reflective on (arm band, shoes, clothing accents, etc). I also primarily against traffic, but I run in my neighborhood, which is often fairly sleepy. Unlike most, though, I run by the curb, and never really noticed the slope differences.

I run on the street or trail because the side walk is uneven, ends sometimes and turns into grass, goes up and down for driveways...etc. The asphalt as also sofrt on my joints, If i run on streets I do it in a residential neighborhood not a high traffic one.

To be honest running on the road never even occurred to me. I started running on trails and have stuck there pretty much all the time since. In comparison to the trails, the sidewalks around here are completely fine.

However maybe we just take better care of the sidewalks in the UK as I can't remember seeing anyone else running in the road either.

Not only do I run in the streets, I run just to the left of the middle of the street going the wrong way. This is because the sidewalks are total hazards, with steep angles due to tree roots, huge cracks and uneven spots where the drop or rise can be three or four inches. I've actually fallen before because I got tripped on one of these sidewalks. And, worse than that, are the people backing out of driveways and crossing intersections in their vehicles. They NEVER seem to see me if I'm on the sidewalk, despite the fact that I run in neon shirts in broad daylight, but do see me when I'm in the street. And I'm not the only one. Everyone I see running in my area runs in the street, without exception. Some people walking their dogs won't even walk on the sidewalks because of the idiots not looking when they back out of their driveways.

Assuming the street is asphalt and not pour-in-place concrete, it's easier on the joints. Also, they tend to take better care of the streets so you're less likely to get random changes in elevation/ slope and trip hazards.

This, exactly.

Pretty much everything everyone else has said, I agree with. As for people wearing black in the dark, well, then they are just stupid people. Takes all kinds.

If you have ever seen my daughter drive, you would stay off the sidewalks too. LOL! :laugh:

That being said... Asphalt is easier to run on. Sidewalks in my city are dangerous period... cracked, crumbling and uneven. The only time I ever run on a sidewalk is when there are no better options.

If you do run on the road, run facing oncoming traffic and make sure you give yourself lots of time to step off.

Wearing bright colors or reflective materials is just a no brainer when it is darker outside. Add a headlamp at night... its not just to allow you to see, it is to allow traffic to see you!