Access Board Seeks Comments on Access to Shared Use Paths

In the March 28, 2011, Federal Register, the US Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to develop accessibility guidelines for shared use paths. Shared use paths are designed for both transportation and recreation purposes and are used by pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters, equestrians and others.

The guidelines include technical provisions for making newly constructed and altered shared use paths covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) accessible to persons with disabilities.

The Board invites comments on the guidelines to be developed, including their scope of coverage and the definition of “shared use paths.”  Feedback is also requested regarding draft technical provisions that address various features of paths, including surface characteristics, width, grade and cross slopes, changes in level, surface joints and openings, protruding objects, gates and barriers, and intersections and curb ramps. In the ANPRM, the Board explains the provisions and poses specific questions to the public on certain topics.

The guidelines that are ultimately developed as a result of this effort will complement the guidelines that the Access Board is developing for outdoor developed areas, including trails, and public rights-of-way. During the rulemaking efforts for those guidelines, the Board received comments that urged the Board to specifically address shared use paths, which differ significantly from trails and public sidewalks in their use and design. Shared use paths are primarily designed for bicyclists and others for off-road transportation, such as commuting to work, as well as for recreation purposes.

Comments are to be submitted no later than June 27, 2011. The ANPRM includes instructions on how to submit comments; however, the notice can also be accessed via www.regulations.gov.  For further information, contact Peggy Greenwell at 202.272.0017 (voice), 202.272.0075 (TTY) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .