Unusual things happen when products
are designed to be accessible by people with disabilities. It
wasn't long after sidewalks were redesigned to accommodate wheelchair
users that the benefits of curb cuts began to be realized by
handicapped individuals and everyone.
The benefits of curb cuts began
to be enjoyed by handicapped individuals along with people with
strollers, riding on skateboards, using roller-blades, riding
bicycles and pushing shopping carts. These facts are good examples
of why sidewalks with curb cuts are simply better for sidewalks.
These guidelines for curb ramps
were developed as part of an overall program of action to remove
the restrictive barriers which severely impede the daily movements
of physically handicapped and elderly persons. The common curb
is probably the most encountered barrier which denies these
citizens the mobility to enjoy the privilege and right of a
full, active role in society.
The legislation enacted in 1973
states curbs constructed on each side of any street or road,
where curbs and sidewalks are provided and at other major points
of pedestrian flow, shall meet the following minimum requirements:
1. No less than two curb ramps
or curb cuts shall be provided per lineal block, located at
intersections.
2. In no case, shall the width
of a curb ramp or curb cut be less than 40 inches.
3. The maximum gradient of
such curb ramps or curb cuts for handicapped individuals shall
be 12 inches slope for every one-inch rise in relationship to
the grade of the street or road.
4. One curb
ramp or curb cut may be provided under special conditions between
each radius point of a street turnout of an intersection, if adequate
provisions are made to prevent vehicular traffic from encroaching
on the ramp.
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