Pedestrians complain runners are passing too close on Chicago sidewalks during pandemic

CHICAGO - When pedestrians venture outside and try to keep their distance, there's one encounter that seems unavoidable in some Chicago neighborhoods: Runners, attempting to squeeze by on narrow sidewalks, are getting too close for comfort.

Lincoln Park Alderman Michele Smith said "hundreds" of residents have contacted her about the problem since the coronavirus pandemic took hold last month. Normally, joggers are welcome in Smith's North Side ward, a popular spot because of its proximity to the Lakefront Trail and adjoining parks. But with many of those routes off limits, people looking to exercise outdoors have few places to go.

"The single biggest complaint that I received in my office since this is all happening is about runners - that when someone tries to walk down the sidewalk, runners would get too