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.
The Trails We Build Determine Who Can Ride
Adaptive riders, those who use handcycles, recumbent trikes, or other mobility-specific rigs, aren’t a fringe case. They’re part of the mountain biking community. And like anyone else, they deserve trails that offer freedom, challenge, and connection.
Yet too often, trail systems aren’t designed with adaptive access in mind. Not intentionally, but by default. Tight switchbacks, steep side slopes, narrow bench cuts, and poor signage. None of these feels exclusive unless you’re the one they exclude.
As trail builders, nonprofits, and land managers, we don’t need to start from scratch. But we do need to start asking better questions.
Access Isn’t Just About Compliance
It’s easy to think of adaptive trail design as a box to check. However, access isn’t just about ADA compliance; it’s about the overall experience. Can an adaptive rider flow through a descent without worrying about tipping over? Can they confidently climb a trail without a series of tight switchbacks? Can they get to the trailhead from the parking lot?
And once they’re on trail, are they treated as riders or as a novelty?
Organizations like Vermont Adaptive, Break the Boundary in Australia, and the National Ability Center in Utah are setting the standard for what welcoming riding looks like. But they’re still the exception.
What Trail Orgs Can Start Doing Today
You don’t need a full reroute or a million-dollar grant to start making your trail projects more inclusive to adaptive riders. But it does take intention.
Here’s a framework that trail orgs, builders, and parks departments can use to self-assess:
1. Design & Build
Are your primary climbing and descending routes wide enough (typically 36” minimum)?
Have you minimized abrupt off-camber side slopes that can tip adaptive rigs?
Do your turns accommodate larger turning radii?
Are there bypasses around advanced features or steep pitches?
2. Access & Amenities
Is there accessible parking near the trailhead?
Are bathrooms and staging areas adaptive-friendly?
Is the start of the trail smooth and wide enough to safely launch?
3. Outreach & Representation
Have you partnered with adaptive cycling organizations or local riders?
Are adaptive riders visible in your social media, event promotions, or signage?
Have you invited adaptive riders to help test and give feedback on your trails?
4. Culture & Education
Are your dig days or trail events welcoming to adaptive users?
Do your volunteers and crew leaders know what adaptive bikes are and how they work?
Are you prepared to offer support (not pity) if an adaptive rider joins your group ride?
Adaptive Trails Make Better Trails for Everyone
What’s often surprising is that designing for adaptive access usually benefits all users. Wider turns, smoother climbs, and better drainage don’t just help riders with handcycles. They improve safety, sustainability, and rideability for kids, beginners, and aging riders, too.
And just like how trail features scaled for beginners don’t ruin the fun for experts, trails that welcome adaptive riders don’t dilute the mountain biking experience; they expand it.
When adaptive riders are part of the design, testing, and storytelling, our trails become something more: a place where everyone can move, explore, and belong.
Let’s build for that.
Sean Benesh
Sean is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Trail Builder Mag. He is also the Communications Director for the Northwest Trail Alliance in Portland, Oregon. Sean also spends time in the classroom as a digital media instructor at Warner Pacific University.
