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

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