Electric Wheelchair Width 0.72 & Length 1.36 metres

qmapshack-swanley-park

All mapping data is derived from OpenStreetMap, including the downloadable maps. Many thanks to OpenStreetMap contributors for their skill & dedication.

Everything here is freely available, but there are no guarantees that it will work. You’re still responsible for following the laws of the land, and the rules of the road. Data here, and on the maps, may be wrong, or out of date! I hope it helps you, but can’t guarantee it

Table of Contents

About

Designed for an electric wheelchair 0.72 metres wide, and 1.36 metres long.

I have a friend with a son who uses an electric wheelchair. In the past they’ve driven to a park somewhere, and then found they couldn’t get the wheelchair out of the car park.

Hopefully this will help you to decide what your route should be.

Icons

The main icons are described below. At higher zoom levels all you see is the icon, as you zoom in details of the barrier will appear.

red-X This icon represents a barrier which has been updated with all tags describing its type, and, if needed, sizes of any openings. The barrier there will probably block your route and prevent you going further.

This is the criteria used in creating this map (with links to the OpenStreetMap wiki entry concerning the barrier);

  • 2 or more steps,
  • a stile of whatever type,
  • a kissing gate - there are two types of kissing gates that may possibly allow passage, and they are mapped according to the available gaps (Large Square Profile, and Large Circular Profile),
  • A bollard or block with a gap allowing passage of less than 0.72 metres
  • A gap / entrance designed to allow access, or a gate with a width of less than 0.72 metres,
  • Cycle_barrier - there are several different types. A double or treble will be difficult to negotiate with an electric wheelchair. Not only the available width, but also the spacing between the barrier parts will be significant. If the spacing is less than 1.36 metres, they are marked with the http://127.0.0.1:4000/

brown B This icon is used when the tagging is incomplete - we can’t be sure if this will block your progress or not. Adding the missing tags on OpenStreetMap is needed.
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Public and Private

This map only shows those barriers which are in a Public area, or which have a Public Highway on them - if a driveway is marked as having a gate, but the driveway or gate is marked as ‘Private’ then this is not shown on this map.

I’ve included routes & barriers which are on paths, bridleways, tracks & highways (roads), as long as they are not marked as private, or for customers only.
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Using the maps

Although this map is made for a Garmin device, you will find it is best used to plan your journey before you get there!

Using the map on a computer;

Using the map on an Android phone;

Using the map on a Garmin Device

red barriers Mixed Barriers

  • Garmin etrex devices - make sure you choose a device that uses a microSD card to hold the map. Set the navigation mode to Cycle or bicycle. It’s a small screen, but manages well and there are lots of options for functionality. Personally I use an old ‘etrex’ as my main means of collecting mappng date - mine has the barrier map loaded, and when I reach a barrier I wish to update, I create a waypoint there and then make notes in a small notebook, with the waypoint number as a reference.

  • Garmin Edge devices - make sure you choose a device that uses a microSD card to hold the map. Small screen, but they are surprisingly versatile. I have several different ones that I bought cheap & used (less than £50 each), my favourite is probably an edge 810, but even my very old 605 and 705 devices are capable of displaying the maps at walking or cycling speed. Waypoints can be created using the ‘lap’ button (may need setting up in the system settings).

microSD card Don’t spend a fortune. I’m still using 1GB and 2GB microSD cards - speed is not important, except when you are copying the map onto the card.

Routing

If you are using this map on a laptop or computer, please be aware that the routing you will see is probably based upon a website, using a programme called ‘brouter’, or ‘Routino’, or some other online router - if you’re looking on a phone, if there is internet access it will also use one of these online routing programmes.

Once the map is installed on a Garmin device, the routing should follow the rules I have set;
red-X is avoided.

brown B These may, or may not be a problem, so the routing does not avoid them.

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Updates

For information about any recent updates, and any intended updates, please see:

I’d welcome any suggestions for changes, or requests for a slightly different map - Create an Issue making it plain to me what you require.

New Versions of the Maps

All of the information displayed in the maps is derived from:

Although OpenStreetMap (OSM) updates almost immediatly after any changes, I only update my data at intervals. The date gives a clue as to how ‘new’ the data is. For instance trike-2025-07-01.7z was created on the 01/07/2025, but the data will be from the 30/06/2025 - about 9pm. It takes several hours for all of the maps to be updated, and for me to carry out quick checks - if you want to get the lates version of any map, the safest option is to wait until about 3pm by which time the new map should be available.

When I’m working on a map, I often create an ‘interim’ version, which include the changes I’ve just made - these are created using OpenStreetMap data from my most recent update.

I download updates every Thursday, and the 1st of every month.

The Barriers Filtered map shows only barriers on OpenStreetMap that need updating, and if you would like to help update these maps, this is the map to download and check to see what needs doing. It’s updated every Thursday.

See the information about the individual map for details of what is shown and why.

Adding Information to OpenStreetMap

To update OpenstreetMap go to the OSM site, setup an account, and then use one of the following;

  • StreetComplete - Available only for Android devices at the moment (July 2025), but there are plans to make it available for other devices as well. Easy & quick to use. If I get time I’ll add more detail, or a section on using it.

  • Carry a small notebook, pencil and tape measure. Take measurements, and use these to update OSM - go to the OSM site, login, zoom to the area you want to edit, then click on edit and follow the instructions. The OSM WIki at https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/ has helpful details about starting out. I’ll try to produce a guide to doing this and will add a link.

  • Vespucci - A fully featured OpenStreetMap editor on your phone!

  • Osmand - actually an app for navigation, but you can also carry out some limited editing using it - I use it for adding some points.

  • OSMTracker - Very useful for taking detailed ‘gpx’ notes that you later use with a laptop / desktop computer editor to update OpenStreetMap.

It’s worth searching on your phone’s app. store - there are many apps I am not aware of

Can you help?

Help is always very welcome!

A few options for you;

Update OpenStreetMap

Details are in the previous section.

Donations to Charity

I’m usually trying to raise funds for a charity - currently I’m aiming to complete a sponsored Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, and am raising funds for https://www.shinecharity.org.uk/

My donation page if you’d like to donate is https://www.justgiving.com/page/nick-allen-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Downloads

The file needed for loading onto a gps is available as a direct download from https://daphne-nick.uk/nextcloud/index.php/s/45RKZSrpErAy6oQ

The .exe or .gmapi files are available as bit-torrent downloads with the file needed for doing this available from https://daphne-nick.uk/nextcloud/index.php/s/6cQesAz38DWRWBo

Feedback

I’d welcome feedback through either;

Why do I do this?

I ride a recumbent trike (long story, but I’ve had surgery on both wrists and can no longer ride a ‘normal bike’),

I have friends with a son who uses an electric wheelchair - before now they have visited a park, only to find that the electric wheelchair couldn’t get out of the car park!

I have a granddaughter who was born with Spina Bifida, and we don’t know what the future holds for her. https://www.shinecharity.org.uk/ were, and are, particularly helpful. My daughter’s blog makes interesting reading https://www.facebook.com/p/Jelly-Beans-Journey-with-Spina-Bifida-61552088571793/

Credits

A brief list of those volunteers / organisations making this possible;

  • OpenStreetMap contributors - none of this would be possible without them!

  • MKGMAP - This is the java command line app that I use to produce the maps.

  • Numerous opensource software packages used in the preparation of the maps, and this website!

Thanks for reading!

Canal Map - GB - Garmin Compatible

canal-3

All mapping data is derived from OpenStreetMap, including the downloadable maps. Many thanks to OpenStreetMap contributors for their skill & dedication.

Updates

Updated 13/06/2025 & now includes;

lift lift

  • Lift Bridges and Swing Bridges have their own ‘bridge ref’ icon, and the displayed name includes ‘Lift-or-Swing’ when sufficiently zoomed in.
  • Pump-outs are now displayed (searchable).

About

canal-2

Useful if you want to see where you are in relation to locks, bridges and other features such as turning points (winding holes). It is not routable for boats, but is useful, and can be fun to look at - I find it useful when trying to work out exactly where winding holes and other features are ahead of me. I keep an old Garmin edge cycle computer at the back of the boat with me. The routing is for cycles, and it also shows cycle routes - these are often canal towpaths, making cyclists frequent users of the canal network.

canal-1

It is no substitute for a good guide book! Treat it as a bit of useful fun, and hopefully you will enjoy using it.

Downloads

If you find this, or any of the maps I create are useful to you, please consider making a small donation to charity at:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/nick-allen-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
This is why I’m doing my best to help the charity: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jelly-Beans-Journey-with-Spina-Bifida-61552088571793/

The file needed for loading onto a gps is available as a direct download from https://daphne-nick.uk/nextcloud/index.php/s/GwdJnq96Hq6bxMd

The .exe or .gmapi files are available as .torrent downloads with the file needed for doing this available from https://daphne-nick.uk/nextcloud/index.php/s/6cQesAz38DWRWBo

Barrier Maps Updated

Barrier Maps for the UK - Updated

The Aim

The aim is to be able to produce useful maps for those who are using trikes, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, etc. I don’t possess the skills needed to produce online maps which would show the barriers that may cause problems, but I can produce maps for a Garmin device which show the problems.

Zoom levels

etrex-zoom

The level of detail now varies according to the zoom level - at the highest level no barriers are shown at all. At medium, they just appear as the red B in its circle. When you are zoomed in, details of what is missing from the barrier are shown.

Barrier Maps for the UK - Updated

access=private or access=customers

If the barrier is marked as access=private or access=customers, or if the barrier has no access tags, but is on a highway which has the tags access=private or access=customers, then that barrier no longer appears in the maps (Although if the highway has a designation such as ‘footpath’, ‘bridleway’ or foot=permissive, then it will still be shown).

highway=steps

Appears if step_count= is missing. This can be easily updated using Street Complete.

barrier=cycle_barrier

Does appear if the measurements are missing, or cycle_barrier= is not shown as either single, double, triple, diagonal or tilted. All is explained, including the measurements needed on the OpenStreetMap Wiki for cycle barriers

barrier=bollard, and barrier=block

Does appear if the measurement of the opening beside the bollard or block is not shown.

Again, can be easily updated using Street Complete.

barrier=kissing_gate

kg-large KISSING-GATE-TYPE Appears if the type of kissing gate is missing. LARGE-KG-MEASUREMENTS appears if the kissing_gate is large & the measurements are missing.

If the kissing gate is of the type large_circular_profile, or large_square_profile, it may be wheelchair accessible, and for these two types the measurements are needed for the opening (maxwidth:physical), and the depth of the recess (“recess” is not a common term, and may need altering in the future when it has been agreed / or not, amongst the OpenStreetMap community).

OpenStreetMap Wiki for Kissing Gates.

barrier=gate or barrier=lift_gate or barrier=swing_gate

Does appear if the measurement of the opening is not present - I accept width, maxwidth, maxwidth:physical or opening.

stile-type

barrier=stile

Does appear if the type of stile is missing, or the step_count is missing for stiles with steps.

Most stiles will be inaccessible for wheelchair users, or users with limited mobility, but stile=ramblers_gate may be accessible to some people, and it is conceivable that one with a wide opening is wheelchair accessible.

OpenStreetMap wiki for stiles

barrier=horse_stile

Does appear if the type is missing.

Update Schedule

The provisional plan is to update the barriers_filtered map Every Thursday

As with all of the maps, the plain .img file appears first, and should be available to download by 10:00hrs GMT - that’s fairly automated, but the winexe & gmapi files which are provided through torrent downloads requires my input and I’m not always available to do this straight away.

More info

https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Main_Page contains all of the information about mapping on OpenStreetMap.

Downloads

If you find this, or any of the maps I create are useful to you, please consider making a small donation to charity at:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/nick-allen-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
This is why I’m doing my best to help the charity: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jelly-Beans-Journey-with-Spina-Bifida-61552088571793/

  • The barriers filtered Garmin compatible map is available from

https://daphne-nick.uk/nextcloud/index.php/s/WAmCwKGkGigmryn

  • but the torrent files needed to download the exe or gmapi files are available from

https://daphne-nick.uk/nextcloud/index.php/s/6cQesAz38DWRWBo.

Viewing the maps on QMapShack

QMapShack-high QMapShack at highest level.

QMapShack-medium QMapShack at medium level.

QMapShack-low QMapShack at lowest level.

Changes - History

  • Originally circulated in 2023 when there were two version, one showing all barriers and any tags/measurements that were present, and the barriers_filtered version which shows only those barriers that require attention.
  • 22/06/2025 - Updated the search for Kissing Gates to differentiate the larger versions, which may be wheelchair accessible.

Thinking of making your own Garmin compatible maps?

All data produced by me is subject to the same copyright rules as OpenStreetMap.

” OpenStreetMap® is open data, licensed under the Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL) by the OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF).

You are free to copy, distribute, transmit and adapt our data, as long as you credit OpenStreetMap and its contributors. If you alter or build upon our data, you may distribute the result only under the same licence. The full legal code explains your rights and responsibilities.

Our documentation is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license (CC BY-SA 2.0).”

Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge

Fundraising for Shine

I’m raising funds for Shine https://www.shinecharity.org.uk/ by taking on the challenge of hiking 24 miles in one day (19th July 2025), taking in the 3 peaks in Yorkshire. It looked like a really good idea when I was sitting on a comfy chair at home, but the more I think about it, the steeper those 3 climbs appear.

Last year I was lucky enough to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon in old money!) along with a great team including several family members. If you fancy joining me in this challenge, that would be great, but if not, any words of support are gratefully received.

Think I’d better plan a few training hikes - anyone know any long, steep climbs with a pub at the top?

https://www.justgiving.com/page/nick-allen-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Thanks for reading & I’ll try to add more info about the challenge, and my training and preparation.

The Challenge

challenge

Wikipedia article for Pen-y-ghent, mentions the other 2 peaks as well https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pen-y-ghent

Pen-y-ghent-panorama

Not sure if our route will go past this one - looks fascinating!

Hull-Pot Picture by Andrew Curtis, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13976919

If you fancy supporting me - my just giving page

Contributing

Contributing

If you would like to support this website and the Garmin Compatible Maps produced, here are a few ideas;

OpenStreetMap

https://www.openstreetmap.org & https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/

OSM Wiki

OpenStreetMap can be easy to update / improve if you follow the guidelines - have a read of the wiki, and please help us to update and improve the map. It’s worldwide, so improving the area you are familiar with is a great way to help.

One of the easiest ways to update the map is using an app on your phone. I would recommend StreetComplete, which is an ideal way of updating existing data quickly - I use it on a regular basis. StreetComplete is an ideal way of updating the sizes of gateways and barriers - adding this data improves the Trike map, and the results can be seen on the next, monthly, version of the Barrier map.

Donating to OpenStreetMap is another way to help - please visit https://supporting.openstreetmap.org/.

All of the Garmin Compatible Maps offered here are derived from OpenStreetMap.

https://www.shinecharity.org.uk/

Shine specialises in supporting people with Spina Bifida &/or Hydrocephalus. The effects of either of these conditions can become apparent before birth, or may become apparent much later in life.

As a charity they have supported our granddaughter who was diagnosed as having spina bifida before she was born.

We weren’t really aware of either condition, and their website helped enormously to explain in terms which we could understand, what the conditions are, and the effect they were likely to have. Our daughter also spoke to their staff, receiving support, information, and guidance in enormous quantities. They have specialists such as physiotherapists who contact and support the local NHS staff, giving them the information they need to provide the best possible care.