What would Miss Manners do … on the Beltline?
Hey, on your left!
… uh, whassat?
We're being rude?
Good. Now you know how it feels. More important, we've got your attention. So let's go over how not to be a total you-know-what on the Beltline, particularly the packed Eastside Trail. Thursday officially marks the start of Goof Off Outside Season (we forget which governor signed the bill); so unless you want to get your head angrily snapped off like the top of a maypole, you'd best study this handy set of rules for politely sharing the Beltline with everyone and his brother. Plus, the brother's wife, her best friend, the friend's two big slobbery dogs, and … well, you get the idea.
1. Don't walk "wide." The No. 1 rule. The Beltline's paved portions measure 12-14 feet across. People walk, jog, bike and skate these corridors on the right hand side in both directions. If three or more people insist on strolling side by side, it can clog up the whole works. So unless you're guaranteed of being totally alone out there (think: Super Bowl Sunday, right before kickoff), stick to walking in pairs.
2. Bikes don't rule. This ain't the Tour de Beltline, no matter how much spandex is in your pants. Ride at safe speeds (10 mph, tops) down the middle of the crowded sections of corridor, don't recklessly weave around pedestrians and do give them verbal warnings (see No. 4) before passing. They always have the right of way on the Beltline. Yes, even the annoying, wide-walking ones.
3. But seriously, don’t walk wide.
4. "On your left" doesn't mean go left. Just the opposite, in fact. The Beltline's like a road where everyone — bikers, runners, walkers — passes on the left. The passers call out "On your left!" and the passees edge slightly to the right to let them go by. At least that's how it's supposed to work. Many people mistakenly edge left instead and … Splat! There's no right of way for nincompoops, people.
5. Keep moving. Nothing drives Beltline folk crazier than other Beltline folk standing around in groups and gabbing. Yes, yes, we know — it's the perfect opportunity for showing off your adorable triplets to that gal who was so mean to you in high school. Or maybe you've run into neighbors you swore were in witness protection. Guess what? Nobody else cares! Either walk and talk, or step off of the Beltline to conduct these touching reunions.
6. Keep moving … right along to another Beltline trail. All those people jostling for space on the Eastside Trail might not realize three other perfectly lovely sections of the Beltline are open elsewhere in the city. Check out our insiders guide to them at www.ajc.com/news/lifestyles/beltline-bottom-line/nfPzm/.
7. Don't walk wide. In case we forgot to mention it.
Note: The folks in charge of the Atlanta Beltline have come up with their own useful set of "etiquette tips" for enjoying the open sections of trail. Check it out at beltline.org. An April etiquette campaign involving social media and volunteers brandishing humorous signs at various points along the Beltline was so well received, another one will likely take place this summer.
