What does "accessible" mean?
The concept of “accessible” can be confusing. Abilities and adaptive devices vary. An access route or trail that one person considers accessible because they can easily maneuver on it may be difficult for someone else. Someone using a manual wheelchair or cane may not be able to safely ascend or descend a particular hill on which someone using a powered chair may have no difficulty.
However, there are federal guidelines for accessible recreational trails by the U.S. Access Board. These are the rigid requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and our use of “accessible” here follows those guidelines. U.S. Accessibility standards for recreational trails can be found by clicking here. The standards pertain to:
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Below is a summary of the important standards:
Running slope of trail segment
If the running slope is between 5% and 8.33%, the trail segment cannot exceed 200 feet in length.
If the running slope is between 8.3% and 10%, the trail segment cannot exceed 30 feet in length.
if the running slope is between 10% and 12%, the trail segment cannot exceed 10 feet in length.
Running slope cannot exceed 12%.
On longer, steeper slopes, flat resting intervals are required.
Cross slope
Cross slope is important for both wheelchairs and pedestrians. For example, a person using a cane on a trail that slopes sideways will have unevenness between the legs and the cane height. A manual wheelchair will steer sidewards toward the downhill direction on a tilted surface. To maintain a direct path on a sloping surface, the manual chair operator has to power the chair with the downhill arm and brake with the uphill arm at the same time, just to go straight. Cross slope can be a killer on longer trail segments. Cross slope cannot exceed 2% except on unpaved trails where drainage is required.
Firmness of the surface: A firm trail resists deformations by indentations. Softer surfaces are more difficult to power through in a wheelchair and more difficult for pedestrians to maintain footing. Walking canes sink into soft surfaces such as loose gravel or sand. Accessible trails have a very firm surface but do not have to be paved. Paved does not mean accessible (could be too steep)! Accessible does not mean paved! Unpaved, but firm, trails provide a more natural experience consistent with most park missions.
Tread obstacles: Obstacles on paved paths, such as offset pavement sections, cannot be of more than 1/2-inch vertical offset, nor can spaces in the pavement be more that 1/2 inch. Offsets of more that this can stop a wheelchair with small front castor wheels and pitch the occupant out. Offsets can also create a tripping hazard for others, especially for individuals who are blind.
On unpaved paths, obstacles may be up to 2 inches in height vertically above the surface. These kinds of obstacles could be tree roots or protruding rocks.
Tread width: Accessible trails must be be at least 36 inches wide to allow for wheelchair use. For narrow trails, passing spaces are required.
Trailhead signs: Trail information signs at trailheads shall include the following:
1. Length of the trail or trail segment
2. Surface type
3. Typical and minimum tread width
4. Typical and maximum running slope and
5. Typical and maximum cross slope
Running slope of trail segment
If the running slope is between 5% and 8.33%, the trail segment cannot exceed 200 feet in length.
If the running slope is between 8.3% and 10%, the trail segment cannot exceed 30 feet in length.
if the running slope is between 10% and 12%, the trail segment cannot exceed 10 feet in length.
Running slope cannot exceed 12%.
On longer, steeper slopes, flat resting intervals are required.
Cross slope
Cross slope is important for both wheelchairs and pedestrians. For example, a person using a cane on a trail that slopes sideways will have unevenness between the legs and the cane height. A manual wheelchair will steer sidewards toward the downhill direction on a tilted surface. To maintain a direct path on a sloping surface, the manual chair operator has to power the chair with the downhill arm and brake with the uphill arm at the same time, just to go straight. Cross slope can be a killer on longer trail segments. Cross slope cannot exceed 2% except on unpaved trails where drainage is required.
Firmness of the surface: A firm trail resists deformations by indentations. Softer surfaces are more difficult to power through in a wheelchair and more difficult for pedestrians to maintain footing. Walking canes sink into soft surfaces such as loose gravel or sand. Accessible trails have a very firm surface but do not have to be paved. Paved does not mean accessible (could be too steep)! Accessible does not mean paved! Unpaved, but firm, trails provide a more natural experience consistent with most park missions.
Tread obstacles: Obstacles on paved paths, such as offset pavement sections, cannot be of more than 1/2-inch vertical offset, nor can spaces in the pavement be more that 1/2 inch. Offsets of more that this can stop a wheelchair with small front castor wheels and pitch the occupant out. Offsets can also create a tripping hazard for others, especially for individuals who are blind.
On unpaved paths, obstacles may be up to 2 inches in height vertically above the surface. These kinds of obstacles could be tree roots or protruding rocks.
Tread width: Accessible trails must be be at least 36 inches wide to allow for wheelchair use. For narrow trails, passing spaces are required.
Trailhead signs: Trail information signs at trailheads shall include the following:
1. Length of the trail or trail segment
2. Surface type
3. Typical and minimum tread width
4. Typical and maximum running slope and
5. Typical and maximum cross slope