For instance, this author was running with his father once, when they noticed a little girl walking her dog. The author's father suggested going to the other side of the street to avoid any confrontation. Well, when the author ran past the dog, the overgrown rat clamped onto his sweatshirt and did not let go. So, the author proceeded to drag the dog, the leash and the little girl holding the leash down the street for a half mile. While this incident served to amuse the author's father, it also shows just how explosive this situation can become when the two sides meet.
Runners also face a barrage of abuse from drivers.
The fact is that the tensions have to stop. I have sent a letter to the non-running community asking for an end to the hostilities before another runner is forced into a gutter. In the meantime, the rest of you, when you see a runner, go up to him or her and give them a hug. You might even ask how far they've run that day and at least pretend to listen. It's a start.