• I WOULD like to provide some balance to the pedestrians calling out runners for their perceived lack of care during the lockdown.

Pavements are for pedestrians and runners alike, but they were not designed for a two-metre gap to be kept between all users at all times, so this will only be possible if everyone takes responsibility to maintain the guidelines as best they can.

The current situation means we are all under stress. My observation is that the few people who have shouted at me as I’ve been trying to weave a safe path don’t seem to realise they too can act to keep a safe distance.

We must all take care, so if you are worried about space you can do your bit by keeping to one side, not walking two (or more) abreast and looking at what’s ahead rather than at your mobile (particularly if you’re wearing headphones); it’s not for runners to act for everyone.

A few times I’ve been forced onto the road and it is not a comfortable place to be.

This is a difficult situation, living in a densely populated city requires empathy more than ever, which means each of us should be thinking more about what we can do for others, rather than what we imagine others should be doing for us.

Let’s come out of this a more active, more caring city.

TOM STORR
NW5