Why do joggers run in the street when there's a perfectly good sidewalk five feet away?

Question

I get tired of dodging them while I'm trying to get home from work.

Answer 1

The real reason is for cushioning.  Sidewalks are made of concrete.  This is a VERY hard surface with NO give in it whatsoever.  It forces the body to take maximum shock, and can lead to injury, or general pain.

The street is asphalt.  This is a much softer surface, and it gives a bit.  This allows less shock to go up the legs, and much less wear on the knees.  It's much better for running.  of course, the softer the better, but when road's what you've got, road is much better than sidewalk.

Hope it helps!

~Abab

Answer 2

The Asphalt is much better for you and plus running in the street gives a more clear path. Bushes, Trees, people, and many other things get in the way n the side walk.

Answer 3

Concrete is the hardest surface possible and thus generally considered the worst to run on. It can do a number on a runner's body, not to mention their shoes.

In some situations, there are a lot more obstacles on the sidewalk (walkers, dogs, bicyclists, cars leaving driveways, etc.) than on the road.

Hopefully whatever road you encounter them on isn't heavy on traffic, and the wise ones should be running against traffic so you don't come up on them from behind.

It's one thing if you just pass a few on otherwise quiet residential streets. If it is a super busy area with potential repeated danger involved, you might want to say something, but in residential areas where cars are generally going slow, it's not unusual for joggers to hit the street. These would be the same areas where kids/pets could come darting into the road, etc., anyway.

Answer 4

the asphalt has more cushion than concrete not as hard on the joints  I think the only safe place to run is on a track. I am a non serious jogger(just a mile a day)

Answer 5

i dont know, but it bugs the c**p out of me.

Answer 6

Uhh.. perfectly good sidewalk? The concrete is terrible on the knees. The asphalt road is more forgiving. I get what you mean, but I guess you'll have to deal with it. I jump up onto the sidewalk when a car comes by, but that's just me.

Answer 7

idk, why do nascar racers race inside the track when theres a whole lot of road outside the stadium?  

Answer 8

light poles, fire hydrants, up/down curbs, service grating in sidewalks, doorways open, dogs near fences.

and I'm not a jogger!

Answer 9

I was out running today on the street and thought the same thing....i actually have no clue.....sorry

Answer 10

when your on the street nothing gets in your way. also there is no other people like on the sidewalk who get in your way. there is no rose bush on the side that you get hit with yeah its not great. no trash cans on the sidewalk. nothing here they are werid because some driveways are at a werid slant that makes it hard to run on and then you've got mail boxes sticking out on the street theres nothing its just easier!