Running safely at night
During the winter we run at night along the roads of Oxted and Limpsfield, where there are all sorts of hazards. Here are some tips on how to run safely. Do...
- Wear high visibility clothing when running at night
Make yourself as visible as possible. Drivers need to see you, especially when you're crossing the road or running in the road. At night wear light-coloured clothing and something reflective. We recommend you wear a yellow reflective bib. These can be bought from running shops or online. If you like, wear reflective arm or ankle bands. -
Run on the pavement as far as possible
OK, pavements around Oxted can be uneven. There are kerbs to negotiate, potholes, street furniture and wheelie bins to watch out for. Some runners are tempted to run in the road to avoid these and to get a smoother run without the risk of tripping or injuring themselves. But we recommend that if there is a pavement available for you to run on you should run on it. -
Where you do have to run in the road, be sensible
The club's winter run includes stretches where there are no pavements at all. Keep an eye out for traffic and stick to the side of the road facing the oncoming traffic if possible. -
Take care when crossing roads
Look carefully, especially in dark, rainy conditions. Give way to motor vehicles - don't assume they have seen you. -
When running on pavements, give way to walkers
Be courteous when coming up to people walking along pavements. Slow down and give them a wide berth. -
Whatever you do, run legally and observe the Highway Code
Obey the Highway Code and be sensitive to the needs of other users of the public highway. This is for your safety and for the good of the club. Our ability to run around Oxted depends on the goodwill of the residents who live there and who walk its pavements and drive their vehicles on its roads. - Do use your common sense and do act with courtesy to other road users