A gesture access system includes a local access assembly, a mobile device, an electronic storage medium, and a processor. The local access assembly is adapted to operate between an access state and a no-access state, and includes a controller to effect actuation between the states and a signal receiver. The mobile device includes an Inertial Measurement Unit sensor system configured to measure a motion of the mobile device to conditionally detect a device gesture indicative of an intent of a user to gain access. The storage medium is configured to store an application and a preprogrammed device gesture. The processor is configured to receive the measured motion from the sensor system, and execute the application to compare the measured motion to the preprogrammed device gesture, and depending upon the comparison, output a command signal to the controller of the local access assembly via the receiver to effect actuation between states.