Power-driven mobility issues:

Current Accessibility issues:

2011: Shared Use Path Accessibility Guidelines
2011: Use of Power-Driven Mobility Devices on trails and public facilities
2009: Accessibility Guidelines proposed for trails and recreation on Federal lands
2007: Outdoor developed areas accessibility guidelines, including trails, under the ABA
2005: Revised Draft Guidelines for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way
INDEX of resources on Accessible Trails issues

Resources and Library:

Accessible Trails

Orange County Parks (CA) excludes gas-powered mobility devices, as compared to electric-powered mobility devices for accessibility.

INDEX of policies and assessments from trail managers on use of "other power-driven mobility devices" (OPDMD)
Analysis of state and local OPDMD regulations and policies
DOJ text on "other power-driven mobility devices" from Federal Register with response to public comments
See the Revised Final Title II Regulation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S. C. 12131), with full text of the DOJ rule
Download "Revised ADA Requirements: Effective and Compliance Dates" (pdf 225 kb)

Conejo Open Space policy on Power Driven Mobility Devices

From Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (California) 3/15/11

COSCA Policy on ADA-defined “Other Power Driven Mobility Devices"

Individuals with mobility disabilities may use electric motorized mobility devices less than 36” wide on all COSCA trails, except for the Moonridge and 76-Step Trails in Wildwood Park. For safety purposes, trail users operating these devices must observe a maximum speed limit of 12mph and must yield to hikers and equestrians. Please note that trail surfaces may be uneven, steeply sloped, or narrower than 36” in some places. For information about which trails may be best suited to the capabilities of your power- driven mobility device, please contact the COSCA Rangers at (805) 381-2741.

Fuel-driven mobility devices and mobility devices over 36” wide are prohibited on all COSCA trails except those specifically listed below, and are subject to the safety conditions described herein. Such devices may only be used by persons with mobility disabilities, may only be used on the trails specified below, and may only be used during regular open space operating hours on Mondays through Thursdays (no weekends or holidays). COSCA Rangers may ask for credible assurance that that the device is being used because of an individual’s mobility disability.

Operators of any fuel-driven devices or devices over 36” wide must observe a maximum speed limit of 10mph and must yield to all other types of trail users by coming to a complete stop and allowing the others to pass. For safety purposes, individuals seeking to use fuel-driven mobility devices or mobility devices over 36” must obtain a permit from the COSCA Rangers before entering the trails. For more information or to request a permit, please contact the COSCA Rangers at (805) 381-2741.

Fuel-driven mobility devices and mobility devices over 36” wide may be used by persons with mobility disabilities possessing a COSCA permit on the following trails:

• The Autumn Ridge Trail and Long Ridge Trail in Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space

• The Western Plateau Trail in the Conejo Canyons Open Space

• Portions of the Los Robles Trail, Los Padres Trail, and Spring Canyon Trail in the Los Robles Open Space

• The Potrero Ridge Trail from Wendy Drive to the water tank in the Potrero Ridge Open Space

• The paved sections of road at Rancho Potrero

• The White Sage Trail in the Hillcrest Open Space

• The paved portion of the Tarantula Hill Trail

• The Mesa Trail and Wildwood Canyon Trails in Wildwood Park

MORE RESOURCES

American Trails index on accessible trails, outdoor recreation, and the Americans with Disabilities Act

See DOJ ADA Website

Aditional information and comments on the “power-driven mobility device" issue:

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