Designing for All Riders: How to Build Trails That Welcome Adaptive Riders

The first time I saw an adaptive mountain bike on a trail, it was humbling. Not because the rider was struggling, far from it, but because I realized just how much I take for granted: the trail width, the turning radius, and even access to the trailhead itself. What I saw that day was joy. Pure trail joy.

But I also saw limits. The trail narrowed, and just like that, the ride was over. Not because the rider wasn’t capable, but because the trail wasn’t.

It was a reminder that “everyone’s welcome” only means something if the trail itself is saying the same thing.