A couple of weeks ago I posted a
blog regarding new Department of Justice rules that will allow certain “power-driven mobility devices” to be used on trails by "individuals with mobility disabilities.”
Over the weekend I received an email from American Trails announcing that they will be holding a webinar this Wednesday to help explain the new ruling, and how it will impact trails and trail managers.
The new ruling effectively states that individuals with mobility disabilities may go on a trail utilizing “other power-driven mobility devices” (OPDMD), regardless of size or horsepower, UNLESS the land manager has documented that it has completed an assessment of the trail, route, or area using the DOJ assessment factors, and as the result has determined that such use is not allowed.
An OPDMD is defined as: "any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines — whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities — that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion, including golf carts, electronic personal assistance mobility devices (EPAMDs), such as the Segway..."
The requirements of the new rules take effect on March 15, 2011.
The webinar will attempt to address two key questions:
How should trail managers address what could potentially be a disruptive new use of motor vehicles on trails?
At the same time, how can we encourage appropriate access to our trails by persons with disabilities?
WEBINAR DETAILS:Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (Eastern)
Format: 30 minute presentation; 30 minutes of Q & A session
Moderator: Stuart Macdonald, National Trails Training Partnership (NTTP) Manager,
American Trails
Presenter: Janet Zeller, U.S. Forest Service National Accessibility Program Manager
To participate in the webinar:
Step 1: Get clear on the concept: download the text of key sections of the DOJ rule...
Step 2: Read the discussion on what the DOJ rule means for trail managers: questions
and answers on DOJ rule for "other power-driven mobility devices"...
Step 3: Space is limited. Reserve your webinar seat by
clicking here.
For more information about the new ruling from American Trails, please
click here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
