Joggers running drivers crazy in Homewood streets

Staying in shape for some people is causing concern for others. Afternoon runners in Homewood are becoming a headache for drivers and a safety concern for residents.  

Wednesdays at 5:30pm, a group takes off from the Trak Shak, running through the small streets of Homewood. It's a tradition that started 16 years ago with about 5 runners, and now some weeks has up to 200 runners.

As rush hour traffic is at its peak, a rush of runners is also on the road.

"You have to slow down and watch or you're going to hit somebody," explained Emma Dean Moran.

Moran lives on the Corner of Roseland and Ridge, along the Wednesday-run path. She said with the narrow roads and cars already parked on the street, she worries someone might get hurt.

"I'm glad they're getting their exercise, but it does scare me a little because I'm so afraid somebody's going to be hurt. Because they run on both sides of the road, and the cars just kind of weave in and out," said Moran.

For those drivers, it has become a weekly headache. One driver even sent FOX6 cell phone video of runners, 3 and 4 wide in the street, and clearly not using sidewalks.

But Trak Shak employees encourage their runners to follow the rules of the road.

"If there's a sidewalk, to use the sidewalk. If there's a big group and you can't fit on the sidewalk, if you have to run on the road, run into traffic on the left side of the road. And make sure you're in single file," said Jeff Martinez, manager of the Trak Shak in Homewood.

Some runners admit they should not be running in the middle of the streets, but agree the asphalt is preferable to the sidewalk.  

"Our sidewalks here in Homewood aren't that great. They're also very uneven, which causes problems on the knees and the legs. You know, we're all just trying to stay healthy out here," explained Bill Jacka, one of the group runners.                       

Homewood police said this has been an ongoing problem for years.

Police encourage runners to utilize sidewalks, because it is Alabama state law to use the sidewalks when they are available.

The city has put money into sidewalks in Homewood and the trails along Lakeshore.

Police also worry that someone could get hurt, if the runners are not more careful.

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