When it comes to an individual with disabilities, good sidewalk design is crucial. Read on to learn about the basic accessibility requirements when designing pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way to make sidewalks ADA-compliant.
A ramp is a location where the grade exceeds 5% along an accessible path. Limit longitudinal grades on sidewalks to 5%. A maximum of 8.3% may be used if necessary.
When grades exceed 5%, special textures and handrails may be required. Handrails assist persons in wheelchairs to pull themselves up and assist other persons by providing support. Informational signs indicating alternative routes or facilities can be placed at the base of the grade or in a guidebook for the area. Arrangements may be made with the local transit authorities to transport persons with disabilities at reduced or free fares where steep grades or other obstacles prohibit or severely impede access.
Traversing a steep slope with crutches, artificial limbs or in a wheelchair is difficult, and level areas are needed every 30 feet for the pedestrian to stop and rest. In areas where it is impossible to avoid steep grades, provide an alternative route such as an elevator in a nearby building. Note that the ADA does not require accommodations in all locations where natural terrain prevents treatment.
The most important consideration of compliant sidewalk design for persons with mobility limitations such as those who use a wheelchair, elderly pedestrians and persons pushing strollers, carts, etc. is to provide curb cuts. New and rebuilt streets with sidewalks should have curb cuts at all crosswalks. It is desirable to provide two curb cuts per corner.
A “roll” curb (i.e., a sloped curb rather than a vertical curb face) is a barrier that will not allow for wheelchair access. Create curb cuts that are at least 3 feet 4 inches wide at the base, with flared sides that do not exceed a slope of 2.33% and ramps that do not exceed a slope of 8.33%.
Keep the following considerations in mind when building and maintaining sidewalk ramps and curb cuts:
Keep street furniture, such as benches and bus shelters, out of the normal travel path when possible. For greater visibility, high-contrast colors such as red, yellow and black are preferable. Consider the following guidelines in the positioning of street furniture:
The placement of street furniture next to on-street parking is a common problem for wheelchair users. This can make exiting a car or using a lift-equipped vehicle difficult. To remedy this, relocate the street furniture toward the end of the parking space instead of at the center or to the back of the sidewalk farthest from the curb.
At least 5 feet of clear space along the sidewalk is needed to allow for exiting a vehicle. Other objects, such as street light poles, may be more difficult to move. In this case, consider relocating the accessible parking space or reserving extra accessible parking spaces.
Design pedestrian facilities so people with impaired vision can track their way across approaches and through intersections. The most critical areas for the visually impaired are locations where the crossing points may not be readily apparent to motorists (e.g., a corner with a large radius). There are several techniques that enhance the environment for the visually impaired.