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36 CFR Part 1191 ABA Accessibility Guidelines, Outdoor Developed Areas

Click here to view 36 CFR Part 1191 in its entirety on eCFR.gov.

1016 Outdoor Recreation Access Routes

1016.1 General.

Outdoor recreation access routes shall comply with 1016.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In alterations to existing camping facilities, picnic facilities, and trailheads, when an entity determines that a condition in 1019 does not permit full compliance with a specific provision in 1016 on a portion of an outdoor recreation access route, the portion of the outdoor recreation access route shall comply with the provision to the extent practicable.

2. At viewing areas, when an entity determines that a condition in 1019 does not permit full compliance on a portion of an outdoor recreation access route with a specific provision in 1016, the portion of the outdoor recreation access route shall comply with the provision to the extent practicable.

3. Where outdoor recreation access routes are provided within vehicular ways, outdoor recreation access routes shall not be required to comply with 1016.4, 1016.7, and 1016.8.

1016.2 Surface.

The surface of outdoor recreation access routes, passing spaces, and resting intervals shall be firm and stable.

1016.3 Clear Width.

The clear width of outdoor recreation access routes shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.

1016.4 Passing Spaces.

Outdoor recreation access routes with a clear width less than 60 inches (1525 mm) shall provide passing spaces complying with 1016.4 at intervals of 200 feet (61 m) maximum. Passing spaces and resting intervals shall be permitted to overlap.

Advisory 1016.4 Passing Spaces. Entities should consider providing either a 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum clear width on outdoor recreation access routes or passing spaces at shorter intervals if the clear width is less than 60 inches (1525 mm), where the route is:

• Heavily used or adjoins elements, space, or facilities that are heavily used; or

• A boardwalk or otherwise not at the same level as the ground surface adjoining the route.

1016.4.1 Size.

The passing space shall be either:

a. A space 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum; or

b. The intersection of two outdoor recreation access routes providing a T-shaped space complying with 304.3.2 where the base and the arms of the T-shaped space extend 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum beyond the intersection. Vertical alignment at the intersection of the outdoor recreation access routes that form the T-shaped space shall be nominally planar.

Advisory 1016.4.1 Size. Where the passing space is the intersection of two outdoor recreation access routes, the intersection must be as flat as possible so that all of the wheels of a mobility device touch the ground when turning into and out of the passing space.

1016.5 Obstacles.

Obstacles on outdoor recreation access routes, passing spaces, and resting intervals shall not exceed 1/2 inch (13 mm) in height measured vertically to the highest point.

EXCEPTION: Where the surface is other than asphalt, concrete, or boards, obstacles shall be permitted to not exceed 1 inch (25 mm) in height measured vertically to the highest point.

Advisory 1016.5 Obstacles. The vertical alignment of joints in concrete, asphalt, or board surfaces can be obstacles. Natural features such as tree roots and rocks on outdoor recreation access routes can also be obstacles. Where an outdoor recreation access route is provided within a vehicular way, traffic calming devices can be obstacles. Where possible, obstacles that cross the full width of outdoor recreation access routes should be separated by a distance of 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum.

1016.6 Openings.

Openings in the surface of outdoor recreation access routes shall not allow the passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) in diameter.

Advisory 1016.6 Openings. Spaces between the boards in a boardwalk and drainage grates are examples of openings. Where possible, drainage grates should be located outside the minimum clear width of the outdoor recreation access route. Elongated openings should be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular, or as close to perpendicular as possible, to the dominant direction of travel.

1016.7 Slopes.

The slopes of outdoor recreation access routes shall comply with 1016.7.

1016.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length.

The running slope of any segment of an outdoor recreation access route shall not be steeper than 1:10 (10%).

Where the running slope of a segment of an outdoor recreation access route is steeper than 1:20 (5%), the maximum length of the segment shall be in accordance with Table 1016.7.1, and a resting interval complying with 1016.8 shall be provided at the top and bottom of each segment.

Table 1016.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length
Running Slope of Outdoor Recreation Access Route Segment Maximum Length of Segment
Steeper than But not Steeper than  
1:20 (5%) 1:12 (8.33%) 50 feet (15 m)
1:12 (8.33%) 1:10 (10%) 30 feet (9 m)

Advisory 1016.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length. Gradual running slopes are more useable by individuals with disabilities. Where the terrain results in steeper running slopes, resting intervals are required more frequently. Where running slopes are less severe, resting intervals are permitted to be further apart.

1016.7.2 Cross Slope.

The cross slope shall not be steeper than 1:48.

EXCEPTION: Where the surface is other than concrete, asphalt, or boards, cross slopes not steeper than 1:20 shall be permitted when necessary for drainage.

1016.8 Resting Intervals.

Resting intervals shall comply with 1016.8.

1016.8.1 Length.

The resting interval length shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) long minimum.

1016.8.2 Width.

Where resting intervals are provided within an outdoor recreation access route, resting intervals shall be at least as wide as the widest segment of the outdoor recreation access route leading to the resting interval. Where resting intervals are provided adjacent to an outdoor recreation access route, the resting interval shall be 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum.

1016.8.3 Slope.

Resting intervals shall have slopes not steeper than 1:48 in any direction.

EXCEPTION: Where the surface is other than concrete, asphalt, or boards, slopes not steeper than 1:20 shall be permitted when necessary for drainage.

1016.8.4 Turning Space.

Where resting intervals are provided adjacent to an outdoor recreation access route, a turning space complying with 304.3.2 shall be provided.

Vertical alignment between the outdoor recreation access route, turning space, and resting interval shall be nominally planar.

1016.9 Protruding Objects.

Constructed elements on outdoor recreation access routes, passing spaces, and resting intervals shall comply with 307.

Advisory 1016.9 Protruding Objects. Protruding objects on outdoor recreation access routes, passing spaces, and resting intervals can be hazardous for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Signs and other post mounted objects are examples of constructed elements that can be protruding objects.

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