Editor: Re: Gang mentality on our roads, Feb. 11 letters.
I am one of those Monday/Wednesday/Saturday runners whom letter-writer Carolyn Barone castigates. We do frequent 18 Avenue, because there is less traffic and it is a funnel route back to where our club starts out.
We sometimes run on the road – there and elsewhere – because asphalt is softer than concrete sidewalks, if there is a sidewalk; or on the shoulder, because dirt is softer than asphalt. The sidewalks are not always even, and in the dark we can trip over uneven sidewalks. Yes, we wear lights, but until you’ve run with a light on your cap, you’ll never understand how tricky it is.
We also call out “car up!” when there’s oncoming traffic – a cue for everyone to skinny-up and give way. We, as a group, are instructed to be respectful and wary of those with whom we share the road. The leadership of our club is to be commended for this diligence.
More than 100 of us meet three or four times a week to pursue our passion. We run the same routes, at varying speeds, so it will seem like there are gangs of us.
Please don’t blame the entire group for the arrogance of a handful of us. I don’t know why I feel like I should apologize to those drivers who are offended. I guess it’s more of an explanation, and a plea for understanding.
In my group, I give a wave of thanks to drivers who are courteous.
I thank the letter writer for her reminder that not everyone is so understanding and willing to share the road. We know our place, and I, for one, will be more diligent in respecting the space drivers need.
Perhaps she would like to join us for an outing? We are sure to have a pace group that will suit her fitness level, and I expect she would enjoy the edification.
Rob DeMone, White Rock