Trail Usage Guidelines Now in Effect

Trail data has shown a significant decline in usage since early March 2020, and we are grateful to the community for joining us to help #FlattenTheCurve.

From the first weekend in March to the first weekend in April, data shows a 52% decrease in trail usage.

Executive orders at both the City and state level, along with our communications efforts discouraging use, are curbing non-essential use.

In support of efforts to further ensure social distancing and the safety of Atlanta residents, City of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced new trail usage guidelines for the Atlanta BeltLine.

With volume along the Eastside Trail being lightest between 6-10 am, we are prioritizing access to the trail for older adults, people with disabilities, and those with compromised health conditions (asthma, respiratory conditions, heart and lung disease, diabetes, etc.). We are following CDC definitions for age and health advice, with older adults defined as 65 and over.

10 am – 2 pm is suggested for normal daily exercise, such as walking, running, cycling, etc. for those who do not have alternative access to trails or transportation.

After 2 pm, the trail should be used for only work and emergency-related travel.

COVID-19 New Guidelines: between 6-10 am, we are prioritizing access to the trail for older adults, people with disabilities, and those with compromised health conditions (asthma, respiratory conditions, etc.). 10 am – 2 pm is suggested for normal daily exercise, such as walking, running, cycling, etc. for those who do not have alternative access to trails or transportation. After 2 pm, the trail should be used for only work and emergency-related travel.

 

The CDC recommendations have the latest in proper health, safety, and social-distancing recommendations.

Please note that these guidelines are recommendations to help curb the use of the trails for non-essential travel. For those using the Atlanta BeltLine to get to and from work, commuting falls under the essential category and can be used for that purpose at any time between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.

While these guidelines apply to all Atlanta BeltLine trails – the Westside Trail, Southwest Connector Spur Trail, Southside Trail, Eastside Trail, and interim Northeast Trail – it is most relevant in the high traffic eastside corridor.

The City of Atlanta released the following statement this week:

BeltLine trail usage numbers continue to decrease, showing that efforts to stagger trail traffic and stress social distancing are resonating. The Mayor continues to monitor the BeltLine and consult with public health professionals on a daily basis. The BeltLine is a transportation corridor that provides critical connections to essential services for residents.

The Mayor has repeatedly stated that whether or not the BeltLine remains open is up to the individuals who use it. If residents practice social distancing, avoid peak hours and use a little common sense, there will be no need to close it.

However, if usage numbers increase and residents do not heed the general safety guidelines set forth, adjustments—including limiting hours or closing the trail altogether—will be made accordingly. Social distancing remains critical. Six feet is the absolute minimum amount of space to put between you (and the people you came with) and others on the trails.

Social distancing remains critical. Six feet is the absolute minimum amount of space to put between you (and the people you came with) and others on the trails.

One thought on “Trail Usage Guidelines Now in Effect Join the discussion below

  1. Hello, I was curious about how to contact Nonet Sykes via email. I have a proposal for a class project that I am interested in sending her.

    Thank you,
    Kevin Hoang

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