Vermont is creating a statewide trail, and making sure it's accessible to all

Key Points:

• The Velomont is a 485-mile multi-use trail project in Vermont that will connect 27 communities and include huts and hostels for overnight stays, with new trail construction now accelerating after years of planning and permitting.
• Organizers are prioritizing accessibility for adaptive riders, who use specialized bikes due to disabilities, by assessing existing trail networks and making modifications such as widening corners and improving trail surfaces.
• Adaptive athletes like Louis Arevalo, who uses an electric recumbent three-wheeler, are actively involved in testing trails to ensure they accommodate a variety of adaptive bikes, highlighting the importance of inclusive outdoor recreation.
• Infrastructure improvements include building an ADA-accessible hostel in Randolph and adding features like ramps and wider driveways at huts, as well as providing off-road wheelchairs to reduce barriers for adaptive riders.
• Organizations like Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports emphasize the economic benefits of accessible outdoor recreation, with their programming generating over $10 million last year, underscoring the broader impact of projects like the Velomont trail.