Systematic observation of physical distancing behaviors of trail users during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for indoor and sometimes outdoor recreation were restricted across the world. Despite restrictions, many greenways and rail-trails saw increased use. Messaging from the federal and state public health authorities stressed the importance of social distancing and other preventive measures in reducing spread of the coronavirus. Little is known about actual behaviors of individuals and groups using these outdoor recreational opportunities. This study used passive infrared cameras to systematically observe physical distancing behaviors on multi-user trails to assess safety implications of trail use during June 2020. Most interactions occurred with the recommended six feet of distance between users. Maintaining six feet of distance is more likely to occur when groups are no larger than one person, users pass while traveling in opposite directions, and trails are wider. Messaging on multi-user trails should target how groups pass other groups such as: ‘keep six feet’ and ‘pass single file’.

Effectiveness of a Point-of-Decision Prompt to Encourage Physical Distancing on Greenways and Rail-Trails During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…As indicated by previous research, multi-use trails such as greenways and rail-trails may be practical places for physical activity that allow for physical distancing with some considerations (Bias et al, 2021). Given that maintaining at least 6 ft of distance was more likely on wider trail segments (12-ft vs. 10-ft), park and recreation land managers should consider the width of multi-use trails when constructing new trails or renovating existing trails.…”

“…More research is needed to determine whether trails wider than 12-ft and trails with more edge buffer space (i.e., area immediately on the sides of the trail) further promote physical distancing. As groups of trail users larger than one person passing when traveling in the same direction were the least likely to maintain 6 ft of distance, another consideration is to develop messaging around limiting group size and taking precaution when passing others to pass single file (Bias et al, 2021).…”

“…Observation coding averaged about 6 minutes per coder at baseline and post. Inter-rater reliability was established at baseline (κ = .67, SE = 0, 95% CL [0.54, 0.80]; Bias et al, 2021).…”

“…States varied widely in terms of requirements to physical distance in outdoor public spaces (University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, 2020). Adherence to physical distancing recommendations in outdoor settings is currently unknown, although one study found that less than half of visitor groups to trails in urban areas maintained 6 ft of distance from other groups (Wynveen et al, 2021) while another found that almost three quarters of group interactions maintained 6 ft of distance (Bias et al, 2021).…”