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Questions and Answers on proposed ADA trail guidelines

Americans with Disabilities Act trail guidelines report released

By Stuart Macdonald, Chair, National Association of State Trail Administrators

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires us to make trails accessible, but doesn't specify how. New regulations being finalized will, however, affect all of us who plan and design trails. The final report of the Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas includes soon to be proposed ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for trails, outdoor recreational access routes, beach access routes, and picnic and camping facilities.

Currently the report is undergoing a regulatory assessment by the Access Board, an independent federal agency responsible for developing minimum accessibility guidelines under the ADA. Next will be a review by the federal Office of Management and Budget. Eventually the proposed guidelines will be published in the Federal Register with an invitation for public comment over a 90-day period.

The following questions and answers cover the highlights of the trail guidelines:

First, what exactly is a trail according to proposed ADA accessibility guidelines?

A trail is "a route that is designed, designated, or constructed for recreational pedestrian use or provided as an pedestrian alternative to vehicular routes within a transportation system."

What kinds of trails are subject to the proposed ADA accessibility guidelines?

The accessibility guidelines apply to those trails which are designed and constructed for pedestrian use. These guidelines are not applicable to trails primarily designed and constructed for recreational use by equestrians, mountain bicyclists, snowmobile users, or off-highway vehicle users, even if pedestrians may occasionally use the same trails. However, a multi-use trail specifically designed and designated for hiking and bicycling would be considered a pedestrian trail.

Does that mean an urban bikeway is a "pedestrian trail"?

Accessibility guidelines apply to trails used as nonmotorized transportation facilities for bicyclists and skaters as well as pedestrians. However, bicyclists and skaters have design needs which exceed the minimum guidelines for trails. In some cases, the AASHTO Guide (1999) may requires a greater level of accessibility than the ADA trail guidelines. The appendix of the Access Board report compares the AASHTO guide with the ADA trail guidelines.

Will we have to bring existing trails up to ADA standards?

The proposed guidelines apply only to areas of newly designed or newly constructed and altered portions of existing trails. However, for entities covered by title II of the ADA, "program accessibility," may require accessibility to be provided on existing trails. "Program accessibility" generally means that the major elements in a recreation program need to be accessible. Clearly, though, trails involve an "experience" that is more complex than typical park facilities.

Must we improve accessibility when trail maintenance is done?

The proposed guidelines state that "Routine or periodic maintenance or repair of existing trails or trail segments does not trigger the accessibility guidelines." Examples include removal of debris, reshaping the trail bed, erosion control, etc.

Does an accessible trail have to be paved? What about handrails and other edge protection?

Paving is not required, as long as the surface is "firm and stable." While handrails and edge protection are not required, they may be provided and should meet appropriate standards.

What about new trails that are nowhere near a road or an accessible trailhead?

The proposed guidelines apply only to trails that "connect to an accessible trail" or "designated trailhead."

So what is an accessible trail?

• Under the proposed guidelines, an accessible trail would meet these minimum technical provisions:
• Clear tread width: 36" minimum
• Tread Obstacles: 2" high maximum (up to 3" high where running and cross slopes are 5% or less)
• Cross Slope: 5% max.
• Running slope (trail grade) meets one or more of the following:
  - 5% or less for any distance.
  - up to 8.33% for 200' max. Resting intervals no more than 200' apart.
  - up to10% for 30' max. Resting intervals 30'.
  - up to 12.5% for 10' max. Resting intervals 10'.
• No more than 30% of the total trail length may exceed a running slope of 8.33%.
• Passing Space: provided at least every 1000' where trail width is less than 60"
• Signs: shall be provided indicating the length of the accessible trail segment.

What if building a trail to an accessible standard just isn't logical, or desirable, or even possible?

While the proposed accessibility guidelines address the special circumstances where designers and operators may not be able to achieve accessibility, they are encouraged to always provide access to the greatest extent possible. Departures from specific accessibility guidelines are permitted for any portion of the trail where compliance would:

1. cause substantial harm to cultural, historic, religious, or significant natural features or characteristics;
2. substantially alter the nature of the setting or the purpose;
3. require construction methods or materials that are prohibited by Federal, State, or local regulations or statutes;
4. not be feasible due to terrain or the prevailing construction practices.

For detailed information on accessible trails, the new ADA regulations, and how they apply to specific situations, see the American Trails website: www.AmericanTrails.org. Click on the "Resources & Library" icon, then click on "Accessible Trails." The final report of the Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas proposes ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for trails, outdoor recreational access routes, beach access routes, and picnic and camping facilities is available at: www.access-board.gov/PUBS/outdoor-rec-rpt.htm.

The AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities is the primary guidebook for facilities built with transportation funds. The Guide (available for $30 from AASHTO at 202-624-5800, 800-231-3475, or www.aashto.org/bookstore/a_bs.html) generally provides a greater level of accessibility than the ADA trail guidelines (except running slope).

Related topics:

Trail design
Structures
Maintenance
Federal funding
Greenways
Health & trails
Rails to trails
Planning

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For more opportunities for training on trail design, construction, and management see the National Trails Training Partnership area.