The SART Will Soon Be Accessible!

Bill Nessel has just added “Access Hero” to his long resume of accomplishments by refusing to allow the County of San Bernardino to deny him and other wheelchair users access to the unique Santa Ana River Trail (SART).  The SART is a beautiful, paved path that runs over 100 miles from skirt of the Highland mountains of California in San Bernardino to the Pacific Ocean.

The entrances to SART are accessible to handcycle users with the sole exception of the entrances found within the County of San Bernardino behind the Hall of Records on Hurts Lane.  The County of San Bernardino has erected wooden gates and vehicle control points at each of the entrances which did not comply with the American with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.  Bill Nessel did all he could to try and get the County of San Bernardino to provide access to the trail but they ignored and refused his requests.  Bill knew the County was in violation of the ADA, but didn’t know what to do about it. That all changed when, at an event at Loma Linda University, Bill crossed paths with attorney Mark Potter of the Center for Disability Access.

The Center for Disability Access sued the County on behalf of Mr. Nessel but the County didn’t easily give in.  Indeed, it took some one-and-a-half years for the County to throw in the towel. On the eve of trial, the County finally agreed to make the central access point to the trail fully accessible.  The County is going to build a new accessible parking lot, pave the ramp to the trail, and remove the gate that currently blocks persons with disabilities from gaining access.  Mr. Nessel and others in the disabled community will now be able to easily access the SART, where they’ll be able to use their handcycles and other equipment.

This case stands as a testament to Bill Nessel’s determination. Bill Nessel refused to accept the denial of access from the County of San Bernardino.  Because of Bill’s determination –  leading him to petition the County, find an attorney, and see the case through to the end – persons with disabilities will not be barred from enjoying this unique recreation trail.