In fact I go to work by bike over an open field. If there's thunderstorms, that we have quite frequently, I either shift times around to not get into it or take puclic transport.

Thunderstorms rarely come by surprise these days.

Don't walk in the middle of the street with a metal pole in your hand, at least walk closer to a building.

It's borderline insane that this is an argument at all.

Just go ahead and do what these two people did if it is deemed safe.