ABSTRACT
It is important to begin this discussion by distinguishing between the concepts of mobility, access, and accessibility. Mobility is the ability to move, which may be affected by physical attributes, disposable income, and availability of transport services. Access refers to certain rights of approach or entry, and may be defined as legally or conventionally defined rights of entry or use (Ventris 1979). Accessibility is a more complex concept than access. Accessibility is primarily concerned with how far rights of entry or use can be exercised, and therefore has many dimensions. These dimensions include technical, behavioural, sociocultural, and economic factors. Thus, accessibility involves a relationship between people and the resources to which they would like to gain access. Rights of access are simply one dimension of accessibility, but they are essential if accessibility to recreational opportunities is to be afforded.
