The Rules of Etiquette

I am so excited to be the new spokescat for etiquette on the Atlanta BeltLine! I have a lot of first-hand knowledge and experience to bring to the table.

The folks here at the Atlanta BeltLine get lots of questions about etiquette on the trail, so my first assignment was to set up “Ask Eddy Cat,” a new column on the blog where you can get your questions answered by me, the resident etiquette expert! You can email me your questions at eddy.cat@atlbeltline.org, or Tweet me @BeltLineEddyCat for a quick reply. Your question might even appear on this blog!

For right meow, here’s a reminder of the basic rules of etiquette on the Atlanta BeltLine. These rules live on the etiquette page of the website, so you can find them any time! See you all out on trail!

Slow down, sugar! 

• Most people are surprised to see just how quickly they can get to their destination via the Atlanta BeltLine on a wide path, uninterrupted by road crossings. Whether on foot or on bicycle, people are reducing their trip times. Because you’re already getting from point A to point B so much faster, there’s no reason to blow by people and weave around foot traffic. Whether you’re a cyclist or fast runner, please be mindful of other trail users and slow it down around others. Pedestrians always have the right of way, and trail users on bicycles or other non-motorized forms of transport must yield to those on foot.

Slower traffic move to the right. 

• On the paved paths, there is a centerline that runs the length of the trail cut into the concrete, which functions as a painted stripe does on other trails. Please stay to the right of the centerline in the direction you’re traveling. Just like we drive our cars on the road, slower traffic should always stay to the right and allow for faster traffic to pass on the left. If you are on a bicycle, skateboard, rollerblades, or other human-powered, wheeled device and approaching a pedestrian, politely call out “on your left” to let them know you’re approaching.

Talking shoulder this way –>

• The reunion of family and friends on the trail is always a joyous occasion, unless it involves the clogging of the trail for others (as it usually does). Please step aside to chit chat.

Two’s company, three’s a crowd

• While the trail can accommodate big groups, we encourage people to walk two side-by-side. When large groups spread out across the trail, it makes it difficult for others to pass. We would like to avoid the all-around frustration that such scenarios cause.

We saw that y’all – pick it up

• Whether it’s litter or pet waste, please pick up after yourself and your guests. Litter and recycling bins are now installed at trail access points at Monroe Drive, Greenwood Avenue, Angier Springs, Elizabeth Street, and Lake Avenue / Irwin Street on the Eastside Trail and are also located throughout the parks.

No clothesline on the BeltLine.

• Pets should always be leashed on a six foot leash and kept close by. Taking your dog for a walk should not involve clothes-lining fellow trail users because you are on one side of the path and your dog is at the end of his leash on the other side.

Slow – sweet peas at play.

• For kids’ safety, and everyone else’s, parents or caregivers should help their children follow the trail rules and etiquette, and all trail users should be mindful of small children.

Call it in.

• See a maintenance issue on the trail that needs attention? We have a “fix it line” for that! Just call and leave a detailed message at 404.477.3687. If possible, take a photo and send it to us at fixit@atlbeltline.org. Atlanta Police Department asks everyone to be mindful of their personal safety and surroundings at all times. Please call 911 to report suspicious activity!

Say hi!

• Atlanta may be a busy metropolis, but we still take the time to nod hello or wave to strangers as we pass by – it just comes naturally to us. Let’s continue this practice and make the Atlanta BeltLine the friendliest collection of trails in the metro area!