Musicians playing near an open space on the beltway(click for source)
There are social opportunities on the pathway, around it, and within the circuit shape. Physical games like football, soccer, or club events are held at the parks and open spaces on the BeltLine. Performances by street artist are usually under the bridges near the murals where many activists or organizations also reach out for support which brings us to the political opportunities. While I rode a bike on the pathway, I was stopped by a girl who was part of the Human Rights Campaign who wanted to ask for a donation for the support ofmequality among the LGBTQ community. She told me that she had been working on the BeltLine all day and received quite a few donations. The girl also gave me information on the campaign by telling me how involved it was in the fight for marriage equality, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and other initiatives. (Click here for more information about HRC). I was not able to contribute money but we talked for like an hour which caused me to tell my friends about it later on. Even though monetary support could not of been given, the conversation sparked a chain reaction of letting others know about the campaign so they might be able to contribute dollar donations.
Human Rights Campaign logo (click for source)
Along with social and political opportunities, there is a chance for economic advancement with the different businesses and shops. Everything on the path that attracts people, leads them to places so they can spend money on furniture, clothes, and especially food/beverages. Resources that are needed by people who take part in the activities like water, a snack, or simply a place to cool down can gain a profit. I have bought water many times from being tired of biking, I purchased a chocolate pop to cool down, and also donated money towards a business outside of Ponce City Market to get hot dogs with french fries that were a little addicting. The traffic flow of people in the market and around the trail is a way to keep the city’s money circulating within the city and keeping businesses open.
Event called the BeltLine Boil that helped support businesses and charities on the BeltLine(click for source)
A built environment is structured in a way to bring out certain emotions, behaviors, and actions within people. Hassen, Kaufman (2016) go in detail about it when they say, “Design elements (material, pavements, sidewalks, landscape, connectivity, lighting, shade, etc.)that influence interactions between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists are a particular focus.” The circuit shape and the surroundings of the BeltLine is not a coincidence but was planned to allow a continuous flow of people to have many opportunities to stay near the pathway. The traffic lights, bridges,shops, restaurants, apartments and houses are part of the built design. Everything is structured to influence the community to be engaged. In all, every building is placed around the Beltline to encourage social, economic, and political involvement.