Predicting physical distancing on recreational trails during COVID-19

Abstract

The emergence of Coronavirus 19 led to societal and behavioral changes, including intensified use of many public parks and trails for mental respite and leisure time physical activity. As visitors sought stress-relief in the great outdoors, they also encountered stressful situations as they navigated risk exposure. Recommendations to physically distance between parties was a key component to reduce risk, but compliance is unknown in the outdoor arena. This observational study of more than 10 000 trail user encounters documented distancing and enabled predictive analysis that revealed wider trails, smaller groups and signage led to greater distancing compliance. Managers and planners can integrate these findings immediately and in consideration of future trail designs to minimize risk exposure. Management implications Select site features increase odds of distancing compliance and can inform management decisions and designs immediately and in addressing future use surges: wider trails, unpaved surfaces, and COVID-19 signage. As distancing compliance waned with time but signage increased compliance, innovative and dynamic signs may sustain compliance and multi-media communications should be considered. Both activity size and group type influence distancing so considering group size recommendations and activity separation are in order.

Variation in leisure sport conflicts and coping strategies depending on participation type and proximity during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Measurement instruments for coping strategies for conflicts have been based on the theories of goal interference and crowding (36,49). In this study, the coping strategy scale used by Schneider et al (50) was revised and extended to include three items, each on avoidance behavior and resolution behavior, rated on a five-point Likert scale. The standard KMO test was used to verify the adequacy of the data for factor analysis and normal distribution, revealing a measure of 0.706.…”

Unveiling the Essential Role of Green Spaces during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

“…Because of the restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was critical to properly position observers while maintaining sanitary rules. This method was used for observations primarily aimed at verifying that visitors staying in natural areas were following recommendations such as wearing masks or maintaining social distance [48,59,60].…”