I ran a red light the other day in Woodland, and I thought I was going to be sooo busted.
But, nope, I wasn't even warned, let alone ticketed.
The officer passed right by me -- waved, even.
You know, Woodland's not such a bad place, after all.
Let me explain: I was running, not driving, at the time of the incident. It happened last Sunday morning during my long run. I was trudging along on Gibson Road, heading toward East Street at about 8 o'clock. No cars (or so I thought) were on either road as I neared the intersection. The light was red. I looked both ways, slowed for a nanosecond, then kept going.
Hey, it was Mile 12 and I was in a good groove. I'd feel pretty stupid stopping for a red light with no one around, now, wouldn't I?
After I crossed the intersection (running against traffic, as is the safety protocol), I looked to my right and saw a Woodland police car, creeping up behind me.
"Fiddlesticks," I mumbled. (Actually, it was another exclamation starting with F.)
Acting fast, I raised my right hand and gave a meek little wave to the cop.
And he waved back!
Then he made a left turn behind me into a strip mall, where there was a coffee shop, and I continued on my way.
The incident made me wonder if it's common for runners to get ticketed for jaywalking (jayrunning?) or running through red lights.
Google was little help. I found only one thread on the Running Ahead forum. And then there's this weird story from the '80s, in which a runner and Florida Highway Patrol officer engaged in something of a running feud. This last link is worth clicking on. Amazing.
So, I'm asking you, readers: Have you ever been ticketed while running?
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