Parks and Recreation

Power-driven Mobility Device ADA Access Policy for Trails, Bike Paths, Greenway Trails and Pedestrian Use Areas

Power-driven wheelchairs and Segways are permitted on park trails, bike paths and greenway trails. All terrain vehicles (ATVs), golf carts or other motorized vehicles or power-driven mobility devices vehicles, except for Metro Parks-sanctioned maintenance and staff vehicles and emergency vehicles, are prohibited, unless specifically permitted on an individual case-by-case basis by the department director or his agent, on park trails, bike paths, greenways and other pedestrian infrastructure due to the design of such facilities for non-motorized use, nature and volume of uses for pedestrians and/or cyclists, and/or the environmental features or habitat and natural resource conservation of the park site.

ATVs, golf carts, or other power-driven mobility devices, except as described above, are not recognized an appropriate devices for park trails, bike paths and greenway trails for the following reasons:

  1. The slope of the natural terrain, which may exceed 5%.
  2. The congestion of foot traffic on the shared paths of the facility.
  3. Manufacturers recommendation for helmet and protective equipment for riders.
  4. The unrealistic administrative burden of identifying FDA-approval or speed, weight and safety features of each device upon entry, including any form of assessment of rider abilities; or managing pedestrian traffic throughout the facility for separated movement.

In determining whether a particular other power-driven mobility device can be allowed in a specific facility on a case by case basis, Metro Parks shall consider:

  1. The type, size, weight, dimensions, and speed of the device;
  2. The facility´s volume of pedestrian traffic (which may vary at different times of the day, week, month, or year);
  3. The facility´s design and operational characteristics (e.g., whether its service, program, or activity is conducted indoors, its square footage, the density and placement of stationary devices, and the availability of storage for the device, if requested by the user);
  4. Whether legitimate safety requirements can be established to permit the safe operation of the other power-driven mobility device in the specific facility; and
  5. Whether the use of the other power-driven mobility device creates a substantial risk of serious harm to the immediate environment or natural or cultural resources, or poses a conflict with land management practices, plans, policies, laws and regulations.

Metro Parks shall not ask an individual using a wheelchair or other power-driven mobility device questions about the nature and extent of the individual´s disability.

Metro Parks may ask a person proposing to use an other power-driven mobility device to provide a credible assurance that the mobility device is required because of the person´s disability. A public entity that permits the use of an other power-driven mobility device by an individual with a mobility disability shall accept the presentation of a valid, State-issued, disability parking placard or card, or other State-issued proof of disability, as a credible assurance that the use of the other power-driven mobility device is for the individual´s mobility disability. In lieu of a valid, State-issued disability parking placard or card, or State-issued proof of disability, a public entity shall accept as a credible assurance a verbal representation, not contradicted by observable fact, that the other power-driven mobility device is being used for a mobility disability. A "valid" disability placard or card is one that is presented by the individual to whom it was issued and is otherwise in compliance with the State of issuance´s requirements for disability placards or cards.

For additional information, contact: James Gray, Metro Parks, (615) 862-8400 or james.gray@nashville.gov