Hobbies And Interests
Americans with Disabilities Act
Federal law defines a trail as a route which was designed or constructed for recreational use, or use by pedestrians as a sole access or motorized-vehicle alternative route. Outdoor spaces which must be traversed to reach a public beach, camping facility or picnic area also fall under ADA ordinances. Both newly constructed trails and alterations to an existing trail are subject to approval by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
Undeveloped Trails
Exemptions are typically granted for back-country zones and undeveloped portions of public land. Reducing the impact of mobility-enhancing equipment on the environment and preserving the intended use of all-terrain-vehicle trails is taken into consideration.
Developed Trails
Developed outdoor areas must allow wheelchair access and handicapped-accessible parking areas. Exemptions to handicapped access to trails and public outdoor spaces include projects which would cause harm to the religious, historic, cultural or natural features of the trail area. Trails which feature excessively steep slopes can be designated not feasible for handicap accessibility.