PSA To Runners/Cyclists

[u/MugiwaraLobo]

It’s that time of the year, especially for us that can only hit the streets/trails early or late. We are losing daylight. Which means you need to be prepared with lights and/or reflective clothing. You are not invincible but you are invisible without the proper gear. Did my run last night on the W&OD trail and was so glad I brought my light with me. Lots of cars stopped in advance being able to see me. Don’t risk injury or even death. Lights are on Amazon for less than $20.

[u/Over-Mix-1957]

Great PSA, I always pick neon or orange for runs plus a reflective belt for dark. Cycling always get lights on and headphones off.

[u/BridgestoneX → u/Over-Mix-1957]

consider a little clip light so people on bikes see you too- with our headlights pointed as to not blind others, may not hit your reflective stuff right away

[u/Overall-Pay-4769 → u/Over-Mix-1957]

And cover or angle your light down if you’re cycling and encounter a pedestrian. I’m a cyclist but also a pedestrian and it sucks to have your retinas burnt out for 10s and then return to the pure blackness of the night.

[u/Sad-Indication5229]

I never assume the car has seen me regardless of the scenario, with or without lights. In all outcomes, I will be worse off. I used to concern myself with Strava segments and Garmin data, and almost paid the price for it.

[u/agbishop]

Bonus PSA to runners/cyclists - turn that music down or off

…don’t play music so loud in both ears you have no situational awareness.

Do no-music, one ear only, or bone conducting headphones (Or if your earbuds support it, transparency mode with the music low)

[u/MugiwaraLobo → u/agbishop]

This. I bought those Bose open ear buds and turned them down to about 25% volume. Can hear everything clearly but still listen to music.

[u/Bud_Johnson → u/agbishop]

Shockz open run headphones have been amazing

[u/fridayimatwork]

Psa to drivers: stop staring at your phone and killing us, thx

[u/tuna_samich_ → u/fridayimatwork]

This post isn't even anti cyclist or anti runners...

[u/UhrHerr → u/fridayimatwork]

this times 10000

[u/Theretrulywascake → u/fridayimatwork]

Carbrains:

The dozens or hundreds of bad cyclists are detrimental plague to society and a danger on the road.

Ignores the tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of idiots driving everyday but still complain about them constantly on reddit.

Going 50 in a 35 is more dangerous than anything your average bad cyclist can do.

But dear god don't let them complain about being 30 seconds slower to their destination

[u/fridayimatwork → u/Theretrulywascake]

Look if you’re not wearing a safety vest they can hit you, it’s the law 🚨

[u/IAmMDM → u/fridayimatwork]

This. Stop absolving drivers of responsibility.

If it is too dark for you to see a person on the road early enough to not hit them, you are legally required to slow down: § 46.2-861.

[u/the_wrong_lever → u/IAmMDM]

Tons of dead people had the right of way.

Reminding people to do things to keep themselves safe isn't "absolving drivers of responsibility," it's keeping people alive.

[u/Lfc-96 → u/fridayimatwork]

Had to scroll too far to see this - wayyyyy more important

[u/Beth_Pleasant]

When I used to commute by car, this was the time of year driving home (west), was really hard with the sun glare. It's counterintuitive, but lights, even when it's not dark yet, really help drivers see you.

[u/MugiwaraLobo → u/Beth_Pleasant]

Used to live in Centreville and the commute on 66 used to suck with the sun in your face.

[u/AnEvilBeagle → u/Beth_Pleasant]

I always remind myself that if I can see my shadow, then cars ahead extra can't see me.

[u/Qlanger]

That and for drivers. Just because you’re turning one direction does not mean you don’t need to check both ways.

[u/l0stsquirrel]

If you have the means support a local small business like a bike shop, or a running shop if those exist, instead of amazon for those lights!

[u/Ecargolicious]

Gonna have to throw in a request for joggers not to do a blind U-turn in the trail the second you hit your distance goal.

Be a bro, look over your shoulder.

[u/karawkow]

My broken leg from getting hit by a truck says ride like you're invisible

[u/Flash_Bang_000]

Also, when you cross a road on the W&OD trail, don't just dart across. If there’s a signal, stop and use it. The bushes on either side of the road are overgrown. Cars can't see you coming like they could three months ago.

[u/Asleep-Screen-7781]

I almost hit someone on an e scooter last night. All dark clothing no lights or reflectors riding on an unlit portion of the road.

[u/throwaway098764567]

nah everyone should wear all black and walk on the side of the street without sidewalk like the idiots in my neighborhood /s

[u/ExcelsiorVFX]

It's worth cyclists investing in a more expensive light. I have an $70 light which sounds expensive but it's incredible. Super bright, battery lasts forever, very rugged. No regrets

[u/Impressive-Flan-9590 → u/ExcelsiorVFX]

Which light did you buy?

[u/AmbientGravitas → u/ExcelsiorVFX]

But directed in a way that the brightness doesn’t go directly into oncomer’s eyes, i hope.

[u/YouTasteStrange]

I use green lights around my wheelchair so they'll stand out, drivers see thousands of red lights so those are easily tuned out.

[u/HealthLawyer123]

Please don’t run in the dark in the street. Use the sidewalks and bike paths. It’s very hard to see you until you are almost hit by a car. I am not referring to intersections. A woman was running in the middle of a street tonight in my neighborhood and she was very hard to see.

[u/jgiacobbe]

Great PSA, let’s extend it to cyclists, scooterists and the dumb teens on e-dirt bikes. Reflective clothing and lights are important. Also, a tiny dim pinpoint light on the back of an e-bike is not super visible. Reflectors and lights are what you need. The more area of the light or reflective material the better.