News
Outdoors
The Summit County Board of County Commissioners recently reviewed and approved guidelines for the use of electric bikes and other power driven devices on the Summit County Recreational Pathway system and other trails to comply with new sections of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
According to these guidelines and current county regulations, only individuals with mobility disabilities may use an approved motorized device on the Summit County Recreational Pathway. These motorized uses are limited to electric assisted bicycles and Segway type scooters. No other power driven devices may be used on the recpath, including but not limited to any gas or combustible fuel powered devices, ATV's, golf carts or motorcycles. Wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids are allowed, as are administrative and maintenance vehicles.
An electric assisted bicycle is defined by state statute as a vehicle with two wheels, operable pedals, an electric motor not exceeding 750 watts, with a top speed of 20 miles per hour. Segway type scooters have the same speed limitations, and all vehicles must have operable brakes.
“Summit County is committed to providing recreation opportunities and access for individuals with mobility disabilities, while promoting the safe use and enjoyment of the county's recreational routes by residents and visitors,” said Brian Lorch, director of Summit County Open Space and Trails. “Based on the criteria set forth in Section 35 of the ADA, the county completed an assessment of each trail managed by the open space and trails department, and have determined which types of vehicles can be authorized for use on each route.” The full guidelines are available at www.co.summit.co.us.
Summit County Government is working with area towns to maintain consistent regulations along all sections of the recpath system. This has included a discussion of whether the use of electric assisted bicycles could be extended to the general public. In the meantime, electric assisted bicycles are allowed to be operated as bicycles on virtually all roadways, but the use of any power driven device on Summit County trails and pathways is expressly prohibited, with the exception of individuals with disabilities.
According to these guidelines and current county regulations, only individuals with mobility disabilities may use an approved motorized device on the Summit County Recreational Pathway. These motorized uses are limited to electric assisted bicycles and Segway type scooters. No other power driven devices may be used on the recpath, including but not limited to any gas or combustible fuel powered devices, ATV's, golf carts or motorcycles. Wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids are allowed, as are administrative and maintenance vehicles.
An electric assisted bicycle is defined by state statute as a vehicle with two wheels, operable pedals, an electric motor not exceeding 750 watts, with a top speed of 20 miles per hour. Segway type scooters have the same speed limitations, and all vehicles must have operable brakes.
“Summit County is committed to providing recreation opportunities and access for individuals with mobility disabilities, while promoting the safe use and enjoyment of the county's recreational routes by residents and visitors,” said Brian Lorch, director of Summit County Open Space and Trails. “Based on the criteria set forth in Section 35 of the ADA, the county completed an assessment of each trail managed by the open space and trails department, and have determined which types of vehicles can be authorized for use on each route.” The full guidelines are available at www.co.summit.co.us.
Summit County Government is working with area towns to maintain consistent regulations along all sections of the recpath system. This has included a discussion of whether the use of electric assisted bicycles could be extended to the general public. In the meantime, electric assisted bicycles are allowed to be operated as bicycles on virtually all roadways, but the use of any power driven device on Summit County trails and pathways is expressly prohibited, with the exception of individuals with disabilities.
