Encouraging people with limited mobility to step outdoors – Barrier-free trails connect scenic spots

Tourism Center / Taipei Report

Beautiful scenery knows no age and should be shared with everyone. Recognizing public demand, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications held a “Barrier-Free Tourism Routes in National Scenic Areas Press Conference” today, launching five barrier-free travel routes: Fulong, Baisha Bay, Sun Moon Lake, Guguan, and Dapeng Bay. Each attraction features barrier-free parking spaces, accessible toilets, and more, with barrier-free trails connecting the sites to accommodate seniors and those with limited mobility.

▲ Wheelchair-accessible beach buggies were available on-site, with wheelchair guide Huang Xinyi demonstrating their proper use. (Photo / Provided by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications adopted an integrated itinerary planning approach, incorporating diverse transportation options such as Taiwan Railways, MRT, low-floor buses, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, barrier-free taxis, and rehabilitation buses. It also designed travel itineraries for those driving themselves, using barrier-free trails to connect attractions, making it easier for seniors and people with limited mobility to enjoy the beautiful national scenic areas across northern, central, and southern Taiwan.

▲ Various barrier-free facilities link the attractions, making visits more convenient for all. (Photo / Provided by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

As Taiwan gradually becomes an aging society, many elders at home are often limited by their environment and end up entertaining themselves with TV. To fulfill filial duties, younger family members often stay home as well, becoming “homebodies.” In addition, society’s concern for people with limited mobility has led to calls for a more inclusive transportation and tourism environment, enabling seniors, pregnant women, parents with young children, and individuals with physical or mental disabilities—or those temporarily injured and facing mobility challenges—to step outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

▲ Thanks to the wheelchair-accessible beach buggy, Huang Xinyi could play on the beach just like everyone else. (Photo / Provided by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

Chen Chun-jing, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, stated that his own family includes a person with a disability, so he deeply understands the importance of promoting barrier-free facilities and related tourism routes. In the future, government agencies will work through relevant policies to make barrier-free spaces more dynamic and widespread. These five demonstration routes are meant to set an example, and he hopes that government departments and local governments will plan more attractions, improve barrier-free environments, and ask travel agencies to leverage their marketing expertise to create more travel itineraries—so that both domestic and international tourists can enjoy a more accessible and tourist-friendly environment.