Boolean Dissonance

It seems that among the most perplexing puzzles to humans are those that involve a single variable with only two possible values. Yes versus no. On versus off. Right versus left. Seems simple. It is. But, unfortunately, it seems that we humans struggle mightily with boolean logic. However, one can take comfort in the fact that given only two options and a large enough sample, the values will be distributed roughly equally. That is, if one asks a sufficiently large group of people a random, obscure question (e.g., do oxen prefer one piece bathing suits?), one will find that the number of yes responses is pretty close to the number of no responses.

Applying this to running, it would seem that, given that there are only two sides to a road, runners will distribute themselves fairly evenly along the two sides. It is well known that, in the absence of sidewalks, pedestrians are supposed to travel in the roadway against traffic. That is, runners should run in the direction of oncoming traffic such that they can see the oncoming vehicles and oncoming drivers can see them. This is basic. Makes perfect sense.

However, in an informal survey conducted over the past week while running throughout Cherokee and Seneca Parks in Louisville, KY, I've found that runners following the rules only comprise about 30% of pedestrians. An overwhelming majority tend to travel with traffic, endangering themselves and others.

Furthermore, Cherokee Park contains a paved loop that is divided into two lanes, one for vehicles (one way) and the other for recreational use. That is, there is a one-way road for cars and a sidewalk for pedestrians (and bikers if they're inclined). Since this recreational lane is closed to vehicle traffic, the standard sidewalk rules apply. One should stay to one's right except when passing. Given that 70% of runners travel the wrong way in traffic, one would think that they would continue to travel the wrong way in recreational lanes (except, in this case, the wrong way would be the right way). However, this is not the case. Instead, the ratio reverses. In both cases, roughly 70% of pedestrians consistently make the wrong choice. How is this possible? This simple problem defies simple explanation.

So, in summary, here are the simple rules of the road:

* In the absence of a pedestrian only lane (sidewalk), pedestrians should travel against traffic such that they can see oncoming traffic and oncoming drivers can see them

* In the presence of a pedestrian only lane (sidewalk), pedestrians should travel to their right, except when passing.

I'm sure Malcolm Gladwell or Steven Levitt would have a novel explanation for this phenomenon, but it's beyond me. If anyone is reading this and finds that they're a pedestrian who consistently makes the wrong choices, please enlighten me.

7.2 miles today.