The Access Board has issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to include specific provisions for shared use paths in the proposed accessibility guidelines for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way (PROWAG). The proposed accessibility guidelines would apply to the design, construction, and alteration of pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way, including shared use paths, covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act.

The supplemental rule is responsive to feedback the Board received from the public on its proposed rights-of-way guidelines as well as on separate guidelines it is developing for trails and outdoor developed areas.  Comments from the public on these rules urged the Board to specifically address access to shared use paths since they are distinct from sidewalks and trails.  Shared use paths, unlike most sidewalks, are physically separated from streets by an open space or barrier.  They also differ from trails because they are designed not just for recreation purposes but for transportation as well.  In addition, the Board invited comment on this subject in an earlier notice. 

The proposed supplemental provisions on shared use paths are further described in a published notice which includes instructions for submitting comments.  The deadline for comments is May 14, 2013.