Runners told to use sidewalks

Ask almost anyone familiar with the city about its appeal and you'll likely hear compliments regarding its residential area.

Chances are you'll be told about the charm of having the Hillsborough River close by, the character of the many historical homes and grandness of the trees that line many streets.

Those attributes, coupled with the fact that the neighborhoods are typically void of the vehicle congestion common on the area's arterial roads, is what often draws walkers, cyclists and runners to the city.

But word lately is that runners are being instructed by Temple Terrace police officers to run on the sidewalks rather than in the roads.

Some officers have informed the runners that they are breaking Florida law. The law says that pedestrians, defined as all persons on foot, must use sidewalks when available in lieu of roads that are designed for vehicles. If there are no sidewalks, then pedestrians can use the shoulder of the road and face oncoming traffic.

Some runners have questioned the legality of the law. They feel runners should not be categorized as pedestrians.

Fred Steier, a longtime resident of Temple Terrace and a devoted runner who has used the streets as his main training ground for close to 40 years, said he didn't how to react recently when a policeman "cordially" told him about the law.

"My guess is that someone complained and this is their reaction to it," Steier said. "There are a lot of places where there are no sidewalks and even where there are, the police officer that spoke to me mentioned it was actually hard to run on them because some are uneven and they're sometimes blocked by cars or other obstacles."

Gary Bingham, King High's cross country coach, said the issue was brought to his attention a few weeks ago. For as long as he can remember, he's used the city's residential streets for both his personal recreation and where his athletes train.

"We've never had anybody say anything to us and we really have no place else shady to run," Bingham said.

The Tampa Bay Runners, a group of mainly women, frequently gather on Sunday mornings to enjoy the sport and take in the scenery along their route through Temple Terrace neighborhoods. Coordinator Lynn Gray of Carrollwood said none of them has ever been stopped.

"We've always had a very good relationship with the Temple Terrace police and the people we encounter are very friendly," she said. "When I'm asked why we run there, the first thing that comes to mind is because it's a positive, safe place and it's shady."

She, too, dislikes the idea of runners being restricted to sidewalks.

"If you run on the sidewalks, which aren't even always available, it's easy to trip and fall," Gray said.

Police Chief Ken Albano said he is unaware of any complaints about runners using the streets. He also stressed that he has never issued a mandate to specifically target persons who do.

He does, however, encourage walkers and runners to be safe.

"We want you to have fun but obviously you should not obstruct the roadways," he said.

Albano cited a recent incident on 56th Street, near Fowler Avenue, where a pedestrian "was hit and left for dead" while walking in the heavily trafficked thoroughfare.

"Sidewalks are made for safety and common sense should prevail," said Albano, who emphasized he has no problem with officers offering tips to help improve the wellbeing of people in the city.

Deputy Police Chief Patricia Powers concurred, saying the department's purpose is to protect the public's safety. She also noted that no one has received a citation, which comes with a $49.50 fine.

"I understand that asphalt is more forgiving than concrete, but the law is intended for people's safety," Powers said.