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

Jefferson County Open Space Division manages manages over 38,000 acres of land and approximately 200 miles of trails in the foothills as well as urban areas west of Denver.

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
View free on-demand Webinar with audio in wmv format presented by American Trails on the DOJ Rule on "Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices," Feb. 23, 2011
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)

Download this page in printer-friendly format (pdf 20 kb)

Lancaster County Parks Department (PA) ADA Trail Accessibility Policy

From County of Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Recently the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) revised the ADA regulations and said revisions, including the definition of a wheelchair and Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD), have the potential to impact the accessibility of trails within the Lancaster County Park System. Pursuant to 5 CFR § 35.137, an assessment of the trails was conducted to determine whether particular devices can be used to access the trails. Access to trails and the use of devices as set forth below is limited to individuals with mobility disabilities and this policy does not authorize the use of these devices by others.

A. Lancaster County Park trails are available to individuals with a mobility disability as follows:

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs, as defined by 28 CFR § 35.104, are permitted on all Lancaster County Park trails approved for pedestrian access.

Other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMDs)

OPDMDs, as defined by 28 CFR § 35.104, are permitted on multi-use County Park rail trails including the Conewago Recreation Trail, the Lancaster Junction Recreation Trail, the Conestoga Greenway Trail and the Iron Horse Trail as follows:

1. The OPDMD must be electric-powered. Internal combustion engines are not permitted.

2. The OPDMDmusthaveanelectricaloutputofnomorethan300watts.

3. The OPDMDmustbenomorethan36”inwidth.

Please note that electric bikes (ebikes) meeting the above criteria, and which allow the user to pedal or alternatively run on battery power, are permitted on all Lancaster County Park Trails approved for bicycle use. User discretion is advised as some approved bicycle trails may not be suitable for all types of ebikes.

B. Users of a OPDMD or wheelchair must operate the device at a safe speed considering the condition of the trail and the other users traveling on the trail.

C. The adoption of this Policy does not represent an endorsement that the Park trails or other Park properties are safe for the use of an OPDMD or wheelchair. Users must exercise reasonable caution and care while operating such devices within the Lancaster County Park System.

If you have any questions regarding this policy or the accessibility of Lancaster County Park trails, please contact the Park Office at (717) 299-8215.

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:

Need trail skills and education? Do you provide training? Join the National Trails Training Partnership!

The NTTP Online Calendar connects you with courses, conferences, and trail-related training

Enjoy and share the new online, digital version of the American Trails Magazine!

Help us provide you more useful resources to keep you on the cutting-edge -- please join today!

We are advocating for your interests! Visit the Supporting Trails page to view the latest in legislative news, current issues, and opportunities, and to learn how to access funding.

Some of our documents are in PDF format and require free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Download Acrobat Reader

section 508 logo American Trails and NTTP support accessibility with Section 508: read more.