Mobility devices ride Heritage Trail
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People who use mobility assistance devices now have formal permission to cruise the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
Friends of the Riverfront, an organization that works to raise awareness about and expand Pittsburgh's riverfront trails, recently issued the new policy, updating outdated regulations.
The policy, already in effect, accommodates those who use motorized pedal assistance devices (particularly motorized bicycles) as they traverse the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
The former policy was implemented to restrict trail users from using automobiles as well as certain other recreational motor vehicles on the trail. Thomas Baxter, executive director of Friends of the Riverfront, says that a revision to the previous policy was necessary to adapt to the changing technology surrounding motor assist vehicles.
"This policy opens up the opportunity for a wider range of people to use the trails," he said. "People that have mobility impairments now have the opportunity to use pedal assist devices, so they're still able to get out and enjoy these recreational resources."
Baxter said that approved devices will also be subjected to limits on certain aspects of their design. Motors must not exceed 250 watts, and the device must not weigh more than 100 pounds or be more than 3 feet wide. Speed regulations require that patrons travel at no more than 15 mph on crushed limestone trails or 20 mph on paved trails.
Baxter said devices such as wheelchairs and scooters are always permitted. Friends of the Riverfront is currently conducting a comprehensive trail survey to gather information about how many of its patrons require the use of a mobile assist device. The study's findings should be released by October.
Other trails in the area, such as the Steel Valley Trail in Duquesne, have adopted similar policies.
Friends of the Riverfront's new regulations regarding mobile assist devices are outlined in full on www.friendsoftheriverfront.org.
First Published August 7, 2011 12:37 am
