Runners: Putting Your Safety First

With numerous parks, New York can be a great place to run. But no matter where you run in NYC—or anywhere—it’s vital to put your safety first.

Stay in Populated and Lighted Areas

If you must run before sunrise or after sunset, stick to well-lit sidewalks, streets, or park roads and pathways with plenty of foot traffic. Use a light or wear reflective or light clothing at night, even in lighted areas.

Run with Others

Find a friend, join a socially distance running group or run around the areas where others are also present.

Be Flexible with Your Plans

Life happens—a work project ends late; an alarm clock fails. Change plans to avoid running alone and/or after dark. Give yourself the grace to take a day off from running. If you do run, alter your route if you feel unsafe.

Don’t Wear Headphones/Earbuds

Listening to music or a podcast can distract you from possible dangers and make you a target of theft. If you run with a phone, keep it concealed.

On Roads, Run Against Traffic

This will allow cars to see you and you to see them. In parks, run in the recreation lanes that are farthest from traffic.

Know How to Get Help

Learn the locations of emergency call boxes in your parks. Central Park locations can be found here.

Carry ID with You

This is important—even on a short run.

Don’t Respond to Verbal Harassment

Acknowledgment can be taken as an invitation to escalate confrontation.