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| Should electric vehicles be allowed on trails? |
That is the current debate. How do we assure trail access to people with handicaps while still maintaining the pristine environment of the trail?
As you read this, legislators are wrestling with this issue. But local trail authorities are not waiting for a final answer. Some, like the Roaring Fork Transit Authority are taking steps to make trails more handicapped accessible. The RFTA is in charge of the Rio Grande Trail in western Colorado. The trail runs from Glenwood Springs, CO to Aspen, CO. They have decided to allow Segways on the trail; but only disabled trail-users who can prove their disability (if requested) are allowed to use electric-powered vehicles on the trail.
One of the major goals of trailsnet is to increase the visibility and usage of trails worldwide. That is why we mainly feature trails that are accessible to all ages and abilities. Providing trail access to those with disabilities is the right thing to do. Everyone should be able to use our wonderful network of trails.
