Letters to the Editor...Sidewalks save wear and tear on joggers

Dear editor, As both a driver and a jogger, I felt compelled to respond to what seems to be a misunderstanding about joggers taking to the road rather than sticking to the sidewalk. Joggers are not, in fact, using the side of the road because we think we "own the road" or because we have a death wish. Believe it or not, concrete sidewalks are significantly harder than asphalt. By running on the asphalt rather than the concrete, joggers are attempting to save the long-term health of their joints. For a review please see http://answers.google.com/answers/thre adview?id=144092. You will note where asphalt sidewalks do exist (e.g., Eighth Line) you will see few, if any, joggers on the road. As a driver, it does disturb me to see runners running on the road and not facing the traffic. Certainly if we are going to run on the road, we should be aware of the vehicles so we can see and act accordingly if for some reason a driver does lose control. As a runner, it also disturbs me to see drivers who do not yield an inch for a runner. Particularly on wide roads like Argyll, where it is so easy to allow a runner a little space. Surely it is not a hardship to move your car over a foot or two to allow a fellow community member at the side of the road some space.