1017 Trails
1017.1 General.
Trails shall comply with 1017.
EXCEPTIONS: 1. When an entity determines that a condition in 1019 does not permit full compliance with a specific provision in 1017 on a portion of a trail, the portion of the trail shall comply with the provision to the extent practicable.
2. After applying Exception 1, when an entity determines that it is impracticable for the entire trail to comply with 1017, the trail shall not be required to comply with 1017.
Advisory 1017.1 General Exception 2. An entity must apply Exception 1 before using Exception 2. The entity should consider the portions of the trail that can and cannot fully comply with the specific provisions in 1017 and the extent of compliance where full compliance cannot be achieved when determining whether it would be impracticable for the entire trail to comply with 1017. The determination is made on a case-by-case basis. Federal agencies must document the basis for their determination when using Exceptions 1 or 2, and must notify the Access Board when using Exception 2. See F201.4.1.
1017.2 Surface.
The surface of trails, passing spaces, and resting intervals shall be firm and stable.
Advisory 1017.2 Surface. A firm trail surface resists deformation by indentations. A stable trail surface is not permanently affected by expected weather conditions and can sustain normal wear and tear from the expected uses between planned maintenance.
1017.3 Clear Tread Width.
The clear tread width of trails shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.
1017.4 Passing Spaces.
Trails with a clear tread width less than 60 inches (1525 mm) shall provide passing spaces complying with 1017.4 at intervals of 1000 feet (300 m) maximum. Where the full length of a trail does not fully comply with 1017, a passing space shall be located at the end of the trail segment that fully complies with 1017. Passing spaces and resting intervals shall be permitted to overlap.
Advisory 1017.4 Passing Spaces. Entities should consider providing either a 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum clear tread width or passing spaces at shorter intervals if the clear tread width is less than 60 inches (1525 mm), where a trail is:
• Heavily used; or
• A boardwalk or otherwise not at the same level as the ground surface adjoining the trail.
Where the full length of the trail does not fully comply with 1017, locating a passing space at the end of the trail segment that fully complies with 1017 enables a person who uses a mobility device to turn and exit the trail.
1017.4.1 Size.
The passing space shall be either:
1. A space 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum; or
2. The intersection of two trails 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 trails that form the T-shaped space shall be nominally planar.
Advisory 1017.4.1 Size. Where the passing space is the intersection of two trails, 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.
1017.5 Tread Obstacles.
Tread obstacles on trails, 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, tread obstacles shall be permitted to not exceed 2 inches (50 mm) in height measured vertically to the highest point.
Advisory 1017.5 Tread Obstacles. The vertical alignment of joints in concrete, asphalt, or board surfaces can be tread obstacles. Natural features such as tree roots and rocks within the trail tread can also be tread obstacles. Where possible, tread obstacles that cross the full width of the trail tread should be separated by a distance of 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum.
1017.6 Openings.
Openings in the surface of trails, passing spaces, and resting intervals shall not allow the passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) in diameter.
Advisory 1017.6 Openings. 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.
1017.7 Slopes.
The slopes of trails shall comply with 1017.7.
1017.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length.
Not more than 30 percent of the total length of a trail shall have a running slope steeper than 1:12 (8.33%). The running slope of any segment of a trail shall not be steeper than 1:8 (12%). Where the running slope of a segment of a trail is steeper than 1:20 (5%), the maximum length of the segment shall be in accordance with Table 1017.7.1, and a resting interval complying with 1017.8 shall be provided at the top and bottom of each segment.
| Table 1017.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length | ||
| Running Slope of Trail Segment | Maximum Length of Segment | |
| Steeper than | But not Steeper than | |
| 1:20 (5%) | 1:12 (8.33%) | 200 feet (61 m) |
| 1:12 (8.33%) | 1:10 (10%) | 30 feet (9 m) |
| 1:10 (10%) | 1:8 (12%) | 10 feet (3050 mm) |
Advisory 1017.7.1 Maximum Running Slope and Segment Length. Gradual running slopes on trails 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.
1017.7.2 Cross Slope.
The cross slope shall be 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.
1017.8 Resting Intervals.
Resting intervals shall comply with 1017.8.
1017.8.1 Length.
The resting interval length shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) long minimum.
1017.8.2 Width.
Where resting intervals are provided within the trail tread, resting intervals shall be at least as wide as the widest segment of the trail tread leading to the resting interval. Where resting intervals are provided adjacent to the trail tread, the resting interval clear width shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.
1017.8.3 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, cross slopes not steeper than 1:20 shall be permitted when necessary for drainage.
1017.8.4 Turning Space.
Where resting intervals are provided adjacent to the trail tread, a turning space complying with 304.3.2 shall be provided. Vertical alignment between the trail tread, turning space, and resting interval shall be nominally planar.
1017.9 Protruding Objects.
Constructed elements on trails, passing spaces, and resting intervals shall comply with 307.
Advisory 1017.9 Protruding Objects. Protruding objects on trails, 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.
1017.10 Trailhead Signs.
Trail information signs at trailheads shall include the following:
1. Length of the trail or trail segment;
2. Surface type;
3. Typical and minimum tread width;
4. Typical and maximum running slope; and
5. Typical and maximum cross slope.
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