Fitness Season and Road Safety: A Two-Way Responsibility

The New Year traditionally marks the start of new fitness routines. Across Spain, more people take to the streets to run, walk, or exercise outdoors, often early in the morning or later in the evening. While this increase in activity is positive, it also changes the road environment — and requires greater awareness from everyone involved.

Road safety during fitness season is a shared responsibility.

Visibility Is Critical for Runners

Many people exercise at times when traffic is lighter, such as early mornings or after work. Unfortunately, these are also periods of reduced light. Runners wearing dark clothing can be extremely difficult for drivers to see, especially on unlit roads or in areas with poor street lighting.

High-visibility clothing, reflective strips, and light-coloured garments significantly improve visibility. Even small reflective elements on shoes or jackets can make a crucial difference.

Use Pavements Wherever Possible

Runners should always use pavements where they are available. When no pavement exists, the safest option is to run facing oncoming traffic, allowing better awareness of approaching vehicles.

This position gives runners time to react and move to a safer spot if a vehicle approaches too closely or unexpectedly.

Headphones Reduce Awareness

Listening to music or podcasts can help motivation, but it also reduces awareness of traffic. Runners should keep volume low enough to hear approaching vehicles, horns, or emergency sirens, or better still, wait until you get home.

Being alert to surroundings is just as important as physical fitness.

Drivers Must Expect More Roadside Activity

January brings a noticeable increase in pedestrians exercising near roads. Drivers should anticipate runners on routes that are usually quiet, particularly near residential areas, parks, and coastal paths.

Extra caution is needed when:

• driving in low light,
• passing runners on narrow roads,
• approaching bends or crests,
• driving during early mornings or evenings.

Giving extra space when passing is essential. Even a small gust of wind from a passing vehicle can destabilise a runner.

Shared Awareness Prevents Incidents

Neither runners nor drivers own the road. Mutual respect and anticipation reduce risk for everyone. Runners should make themselves visible and predictable, while drivers should slow down and allow generous space.

A Safer Start to the Year

Fitness season is an opportunity to improve health — not create new dangers. With visibility, awareness, and cooperation, runners and drivers can coexist safely on Spain’s roads throughout the winter months.