The Atlanta BeltLine Has New Guidelines To Encourage Even More Social Distancing

Atlanta's most popular trail, The BeltLine, has been one of the outdoor spots that have stayed open since the state-wide shelter-in-place order. Thousands signed a petition earlier this week to shut down the trail because visitors haven't been following social distancing guidelines. On Tuesday, the Atlanta BeltLine's hours were adjusted to decrease the number of visitors.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has issued new guidelines regarding the hours of The BeltLine. These guidelines were announced on Tuesday, April 7 and went into effect immediately.

Since so many people use this trail as a means of transportation to different parts of the city, it can't be shut down completely. 

Photojournalist Ryan Vizzions took matters into his own hands over the weekend of April 4 and shared with Atlanta 11 Live, "When I got down there, I saw loads of people that weren't exercising social distancing, people drinking in the park. There were a few establishments that had people gathering on their patios drinking beer as if it was just a regular day."

Over 9,200 people have signed this petition to close the trail; their objective is currently set to 10,000.

The creator of the petition, Mari Robinson, updated the page on April 7 saying, "Y’all we got one step closer today! Today Mayor Bottoms put in place time guidelines for use of the beltline."

From 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., the east side of the trail will be open for those with disabilities, underlying health conditions and older adults. 

From 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., it'll be reserved for those who want to use The BeltLine for exercise and for transportation purposes.

Any time after 2:00 p.m., it should strictly be used for work-related and emergency travel. 

Those who use the BeltLine should still be practicing social distancing and walk six feet away from others.