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Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Engineering


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Wheelchair ramps

   
Curb ramps are required to be a minimum of 0.9 meters wide, with a maximum grade of 1:12 in the direction of travel, and 1:10 on the side aprons, as long as landing space is provided behind the curb ramps. A minimum 0.9-meter wide passageway/landing area with a maximum 2 percent cross slope is required behind the curb ramps. However, a 1.3-meter wide space may be required by some jurisdictions. When this cannot be provided, the side aprons of the curb ramp should not exceed 1:12. Curb cuts at street crossings for multi-use pathways should be the full width of the pathway. Two separate wheelchair ramps can be constructed on one corner, one for each terminus of the crosswalks at the signalized intersection.
objective To provide access between the sidewalk and roadway for people using wheelchairs or strollers; and for pedestrians with mobility impairments who have trouble stepping up to and down from high curbs.
applications Curb ramps must be installed at all intersections and mid-block locations where pedestrian crossings exist, as mandated by federal legislation (1973 Rehabilitation Act).
target population Disabled Pedestrians, Elderly Pedestrians, All Pedestrians
crash type Pedestrian R/W Violation- Intersection, Other Hazardous Movement, Traffic Signals and Signs
advantages
  • Provides access to street crossings
  • The wheelchair ramps which are aligned with the crosswalk shorten the distance pedestrians and wheelchair users have to cross
  • Orienting pedestrians in the direction of the curb ramp on the other side of the crossing benefits people with visual disabilities
disadvantages
  • Dual ramps have a higher construction and maintenance costs compared to a single wheelchair ramp
pointers Dual curb ramps provide greater benefit to disabled pedestrians.
cost Low to Medium, approximately $800 to $1,500 per curb ramp.
responsibility Public Works
further reading —
examples Required by ADA
related tools Wheelchair Detection

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