Equestrian and other nonmotorized recreational use may be allowed on shared use paths and trails that use Federal-aid transportation funds

Recreational Trails Program: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/
Transportation Enhancement Activities: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/

Federal requirements regarding equestrian and other nonmotorized use of projects funded under Section 217 of title 23 of the United States Code www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/sec217.htm

‘The reauthorization proposals from the Administration and the Senate had proposed adding some language clarifying this issue: "Shared use paths may be used by pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters, equestrians, and other nonmotorized users." This language was not included in the final version of the SAFETEA-LU legislation. The fact that this new language was not adopted does not change current Federal policy.

‘FHWA Position: Equestrian and other nonmotorized recreational use may be allowed on shared use paths and trails that use Federal-aid transportation funds. Federal transportation laws and regulations do not prohibit the use of shared use paths or trails by equestrians, in-line skaters, cross country skiers, snowshoe users, or other nonmotorized users. States may choose to prohibit such use; it is a State determination. Various design options may allow equestrian use, such as providing both a paved path and an unpaved path within the same right-of-way…’”

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