Running Safely in an Urban Environment

Greetings 605 Running Friends,

Today I thought it would be prudent to review some running safety tips in the big city. I’d like to start by saying I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of our law enforcement officers here in town and they are wonderful service workers that are here to keep all of us safe. I personally have witnessed members of the SFPD on mountain bikes, motorcycles, ATV’s, and foot-patrol both on the streets of downtown and on the bike trail.

• Try to always run with a friend or in a group of people. The old adage “safety in numbers” works. I understand the joy of escaping the world and running solo, but seriously we are talking safety here and when you run with friends you are inherently safer than if you run alone.
  

• If you have to run alone please take these precautions. Tell a friend or family member when and where you will be running and check-in when you finish your workout. Do not run with earphones or other devices that distract you, stay alert with all of your senses. For those of you that insist on running alone, make a habit out of periodically altering your route so that a pattern cannot be picked-up. 
  

• If you need to run in an area with traffic make sure you are highly visible with reflective wear and lights. Run against the flow of traffic so oncoming drivers can clearly see you.  
  

At the 605 Running Company we host a group run every Wednesday evening at 6pm and every Saturday morning at 9am. Come on out and safely enjoy this wonderful wellness sport.

Cheers,

Greg Koch

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