With the arrival of midsummer, temperatures are rising steadily, but how can we give up the chance to exercise in such good weather? In various exercise venues such as tracks and swimming pools, there are inevitably many users. How can everyone exercise in an orderly manner in such places? Let’s learn about the etiquette that should be observed in sports venues to ensure the rights and safety of all users.
Image source: pickpic
In Taiwan, outdoor sports are very convenient. For example, running, cycling, or swimming. Usually, you can find a track or a pool not far from your home. However, these places are often crowded, and enjoying a good workout can be difficult. Especially when many people don't understand the basic etiquette, it can ruin the exercise experience. Track and pool etiquette are not written rules but moral norms for everyone to follow to maintain harmony. Therefore, understanding these unspoken rules can help improve the exercise environment for everyone.
The author, as a triathlete, often frequents tracks, pools, and cycling routes. It is observed that many people do not understand how to follow exercise etiquette, unintentionally causing inconvenience to others. This can also lead to conflicts. We must start with ourselves, ensuring we do not cause trouble for others. Through this, we can spread awareness about these etiquettes, ensuring a harmonious exercise environment and preventing conflicts and accidents.
Here, the author wants to share the etiquette for running, cycling, and swimming, the three most common exercises, so everyone can have a better understanding!
1. Track
Some track guidelines for using lanes. Users should mutually observe and follow these rules. (Image source: mobile01)
In some tracks, the above signs explain the etiquette for using the lanes, but many people are unfamiliar with these basic concepts. The speed of running on a track is subjective. How do we know when to yield? If you are running in the first lane and others constantly overtake you, you are relatively slower and should move to an outer lane. Conversely, if you constantly overtake others, you can move to an inner lane. During interval training, after each set, move to the outer lanes and always check for other runners before crossing. You can also use hand signals to indicate your movements to prevent collisions.
The author has encountered situations on weekends where people walk with children or pets in the inner lanes, kick balls, walk in groups, or cross lanes. These actions are dangerous. If you see such situations, gently communicate with them and remind yourself not to engage in behaviors that could inconvenience others.
Following track etiquette can create a more friendly running environment. (Image source: pexels)
2. Cycling
Cycling usually does not take place in small areas or specific ranges but on riverbanks or roads. As cyclists share the road with other users, it is essential to understand that bicycles are relatively slower and typically ride near the roadside. Recently, there have been numerous news reports of accidents involving cyclists and cars or trucks, which are often disturbing. Although it is customary for cyclists to yield to cars, on narrow mountain roads or alleys, cyclists should ride slightly towards the middle for their safety. This is not to block the cars but to ensure that overtaking on narrow roads does not endanger themselves. Once the road widens, they can let the cars pass.
The author also often encounters cyclists riding side by side and chatting. While this is acceptable on wide roads, it is dangerous on narrow roads. Mutual respect among road users can promote cycling culture, potentially leading to more dedicated cycling lanes for competitions in the future.
Cyclists are also road users. Mutual respect can reduce accidents. (Image source: pxhere)
When cycling in unfamiliar areas, navigation can help understand the road conditions and prevent accidents. At this time, the "Bone Bike Tie 5 Pro" is the best companion for cyclists. The new strap design secures your phone more tightly and allows for quick release, ensuring your phone stays safe and accessible during rides.
Bone Bike Tie 5 Pro ensures your phone stays securely attached to your bike.
3. Swimming Pool
Compared to tracks, swimming pools have lanes where the middle ones are for faster swimmers. Although most pools have signs indicating lanes for slow, medium, or fast swimmers, people often choose lanes with fewer people. This leads to situations where slow swimmers occupy fast lanes, causing congestion. It's not wrong to swim leisurely, but if you find yourself frequently overtaken, the lane might not suit your speed. Moving to a different lane might provide a more comfortable experience without worrying about colliding with others while being overtaken.
While the basic concept of "keep right" is known, during peak hours, a lane might be packed with 9-10 people. If you aim for speed, it’s better to swim during off-peak times.
The hotter the weather, the more crowded the pool. Let's be considerate of each other. (Image/ New Taipei City Sports Office) The Virtue of Yielding Enhances Public Exercise Environments
A friendly exercise environment is desirable for runners, cyclists, and sports enthusiasts. Although these etiquettes are not legally mandated, if the culture of yielding spreads, Taiwan's sports atmosphere will improve, reducing unnecessary conflicts. Perhaps sports lovers will smile and cheer each other on with a friendly "keep it up!"