Track Rides on the Playground

Public Playground Safety Handbook - CPSC Publication 325
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

5.3.2.7 Track rides

Track rides are a form of upper body equipment where the child holds on to a handle or other device that slides along a track above his or her head. The child then lifts his or her feet and is carried along the length of the track. Track rides require significant upper body strength and the judgment to know when it is safe to let go. These are skills not developed until children are at least school-age; therefore, CPSC staff recommends:

• Track rides should not be used on playgrounds for toddlers and preschool-age children.
• Track rides should not have any obstacles along the path of the ride, including anything that would interfere in the take-off or landing areas.
• Two track rides next to each other should be at least 4 feet apart.
• The handle should be between 64 inches and 78 inches from the surfacing and follow the gripping recommendations in §5.2.2.
• Nothing should ever be tied or attached to any moving part of a track ride.
• Rolling parts should be enclosed to prevent crush hazards.

5.3.2.7.1 Fall height
• The fall height of track ride equipment is the distance between the maximum height of the equipment and the protective surface beneath it.
• Equipment support posts with no designated play surfaces are exempt from this requirement.