A petition calls for regulations to limit the size of running groups on public sidewalks
A Toronto woman has started a petition to regulate the size of running groups on public sidewalks, after she claims she was injured by members of the Toronto Running Club. The woman, who goes by the name Zulf on TikTok, posted a video of her ranting about the incident, which she says happened on Tuesday night. She says the runners pushed her off the sidewalk and hurt her shoulder, and that this was not the first time she had such an encounter.
The petition, which has over 1,000 signatures as of Monday morning, states that there are numerous other pedestrians who have experienced similar situations, and that large running groups show little regard for others sharing the sidewalk. The petition demands that the city of Toronto implement regulations that limit the size of running groups on public sidewalks or designate specific lanes for them to ensure everyone’s safety.
The Toronto Running Club denies the allegations and says they follow the rules of the road
The Toronto Running Club, which has been operating since 2003 and has over 400 members, denies the allegations made by Zulf and says they follow the rules of the road. The club’s president, Mark Kerr, says he was not aware of the incident until he saw the video, and that he has not been contacted by Zulf or the petition organizers. He says the club runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., and that they try to avoid busy areas and respect other sidewalk users.
Kerr says the club has a code of conduct that requires runners to run in single file or two abreast, to yield to pedestrians, and to use crosswalks and signals. He says the club also has pace leaders who guide the runners and remind them of the etiquette. He says the club is open to dialogue and feedback, and that they want to coexist peacefully with the community.
Pedestrians and experts weigh in on the sidewalk drama
The video and the petition have sparked a debate on social media, with some people siding with Zulf and others defending the runners. Some pedestrians say they have also been harassed or intimidated by large running groups, while some runners say they have also faced hostility or aggression from pedestrians. Some people suggest that both parties should be more courteous and aware of their surroundings, and that the city should provide more space and infrastructure for active transportation.
Experts say that the sidewalk drama reflects a larger issue of urban planning and design, and that the city needs to balance the needs and interests of different modes of transportation. They say that the city should invest in more bike lanes, trails, and pedestrian zones, and that the city should also educate and enforce the rules of the road for all users.
References
Pedestrians speak out against large running groups | CityNews Toronto Woman starts petition against running groups ‘endangering pedestrians’ | Toronto Sun Petition to limit size of Toronto running groups on sidewalks gaining traction | CityNews Toronto.
