Resident urges clearer signage to ensure access for adaptive bicycles at local conservation area

Dan Kukas, who identified himself as a Wheat Ridge resident, used the public-comment period at the July 27 meeting to raise an accessibility concern about a conservation area where he hopes to host Adaptive Adventures events for disabled veterans and children. Kukas said signs at the conservation area are small and ambiguous: a large “no bicycles” symbol with a tiny line of text underneath that says "except ADA mobility devices" is creating confusion for users and enforcement.

"There's a sign that's about 15 inches high, says big symbol, no bicycles ... Then in lettering about an inch and 0.25, it says, accept ADA mobility devices. Now that's a little bit ambiguous. Does that include bicycles?" Kukas asked. He said online descriptions clarify that bicycles used as mobility devices are allowed, but that the field signage and a supplemental wheelchair symbol have led visitors to interpret the sign as "no bicycles, but wheelchairs accepted," which he said does not meet ADA clarity requirements. Kukas warned that bringing veterans and children using adaptive bicycles to the conservation area could expose them to hostile responses if signage is not corrected.

Mayor Stites thanked Kukas for raising the concern and noted the clerk would check whether Kukas had signed up to speak to the study-session item as well. The council did not take immediate action during the meeting but received the comment for staff follow-up.