Achieve ADA Compliance With Cutting-Edge Sidewalk Assessment Software.
Achieve full ADA compliance for your sidewalks and maximize accessibility with Cartigraph’s cutting-edge application.
- Streamline your inventory & collection process
- Identify compliance issues
- Make better spending choices based on accurate data
WHAT ARE ADA REQUIREMENTS FOR SIDEWALKS?
The Basics: The ADA has strict requirements for sidewalks to ensure they’re safe for people affected by disabilities. A non-compliant sidewalk can create severe safety risks for pedestrians with limited mobility, impaired vision, or any other form of disability. Performing a comprehensive inventory of your sidewalks is essential to identify potential structural or design flaws that could place pedestrians at risk. This could be due to:
- Damage from vehicles
- Erosion caused by constant exposure to the elements
- Poor construction making concrete slabs unstable
- Inadequate surface texture
- Unauthorized changes to a sidewalk by a local business owner or resident (such as to create room for their vehicle)
Cities or towns that fail to comply with ADA sidewalk requirements could face legal action if citizens or businesses believe local authorities are liable. Thorough surveys and repairs can minimize the danger of injuries and the high costs of lawsuits.
What Are Your Legal Requirements?
Sidewalk Width: The ADA requires all sidewalks to accommodate pedestrians who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. They should have space to comfortably travel along sidewalks at all times, including busy periods of the day. A lack of suitable width can disrupt pedestrians’
ability to navigate streets safely and effectively. Similarly, pedestrians with low vision or blindness should have room to use a cane without being obstructed by others.
The minimum width of a sidewalk is 36 inches (3 feet), but you may choose to make sidewalks wider. This may be beneficial in spaces where people affected by disabilities may congregate in large numbers, such as assisted-living accommodation or community centers. Expanding sidewalks in these areas can accommodate greater demand for extra space, increase safety, and offer a more convenient experience.
Passing spaces must be available every 200 feet (at least) if your sidewalks are less than 60 inches (5 feet) wide. Each passing space must have a minimum width of 60 inches on all sides.
Surface Texture: A sidewalk’s surface texture can create issues for pedestrians with disabilities, as an uneven or cracked surface may pose a safety hazard. Any sudden dips, rises, or cracks could catch on a pedestrian’s foot or wheel and cause them to lose their balance. They may become injured and possibly injure other pedestrians at the same time. That’s why the ADA requires that all sidewalk surfaces be stable, solid, secure, and slip-resistant to minimize danger. All concrete must be even and safe for all pedestrians.
Trip Risks: Any construction or design flaws that create a risk of trips on your sidewalk must be removed to achieve ADA compliance. Common hazards include broken concrete slabs or uneven surfaces caused by cracks. Pedestrians with impaired vision could be unaware of a loose slab, while a deep crack may affect a wheelchair’s balance as it passes over.
The ADA classifies any vertical change in surface-level measuring 1/4 inch or more, at a sidewalk crack or joint, as a trip hazard. Identify and repair any problems that align with these specifications as soon as possible to prevent injuries and potential liability issues. If sidewalks appear to become damaged and create trip hazards frequently, it may be worth exploring why and taking action to address them.
Sidewalk Slope: The ADA’s requirements for sidewalk slopes are designed to help pedestrians get on or off safely. A slope positioned too high or too low can be dangerous for pedestrians when they cannot see a slope of an unusual height. Slopes must be no less than 1.5% to meet ADA requirements. Any slopes that exceed this measurement will be recognized as a ramp and must align with alternative specifications. Precision is fundamental when measuring sidewalk slopes to detect the most minute deviation from requirements.
ADA Compliant Curb Ramps: Curb ramps are required at any point where a sidewalk crosses a curb (as with street intersections). Pedestrians with impaired vision and wheelchair-users rely on ADA-compliant curb ramps to navigate streets safely. They enable pedestrians to access the sidewalk and roadway without the need to move up or down over a curb. But slopes must be less than 1:12 (one-foot elevation change for every 12 feet of sidewalk) and a minimum of 36 inches wide to align with ADA requirements.
Curb ramps should be positioned where parked vehicles won’t obstruct them and create accessibility issues for pedestrians. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles should be denied parking space directly in front of a curb ramp. Visible signage may be mounted to make residents and businesses aware of the potential hazards they could create by blocking a curb ramp.
Detectable Warnings: Dome-shaped bumps are required to cover the entirety of a curb ramp run. They’re also required at hazardous vehicle ways, transit platform edges, and reflecting pools. Detectable warnings alert pedestrians affected by low vision or blindness that they’re approaching a roadway or other potentially hazardous space. This is an essential addition to a sidewalk to prevent accidents and to allow pedestrians with disabilities to find assistance to cross if necessary.
These detectable warnings must be arranged in a square or radial grid layout, and domes must meet specific requirements:
- Center-to-center spaces between domes of 41 mm to 61 mm
- Base-to-base spaces of at least 17 mm between domes that are most adjacent
- Detectable warning areas should have a clear visual contrast from adjacent surfaces (e.g. street, road, gutter)
- Detectable warning areas should be positioned at the rear of a curb’s landing or blended transition for safety.
- Detectable warnings should be raised enough to be detected by a cane or the sole of a foot.
Street Furniture: Street furniture and other fixed items on a sidewalk (such as plantings) must not interfere with travel routes. Pedestrians with impaired vision may collide with these if they remain undetected, or they could affect their ability to find their way along a sidewalk
conveniently. Objects mounted on walls or posts must have a leading-edge no more than 27 inches above a sidewalk. Anything positioned higher than this must not project beyond 4 inches into a circulation route. This applies to temporary signs that may be erected to notify
pedestrians or drivers of traffic diversions, roadworks, or other activities that could cause issues.
Are Your Sidewalks Compliant With ADA Requirements?
Measuring your sidewalks’ ADA compliance is essential to understand where sidewalk segments, curb ramps, detection warning systems, and slopes are positioned. Neglecting ADA compliance due to budgetary restraints or staff shortages puts vulnerable pedestrians at risk. And it opens the door to possible lawsuits related to injuries, lack of compliance, and accessibility issues.
How Survey Software Can Help?
Embrace the power of the latest ADA collection software from Cartigraph to work more effectively, efficiently, and intelligently.
Inventory Faster, Inventory Smarter Traditional sidewalk inventory processes rely on antiquated methods and consume more
valuable time than necessary. But you can save time with our software built from the ground up to improve your productivity and reduce your surveying time by 75%.
Discover streamlined features, user-friendly design, and all the functionality you need to comply with all sidewalk ADA requirements.
Identify ADA Compliance Issues With GPS-Powered Precision Pinpoint the exact locations of obstructions that could pose a safety hazard to
pedestrians with disabilities and prevent your sidewalks from complying with ADA requirements. Cartigraph empowers you with the solution to evaluate the following elements of your sidewalks:
Surfaces:
- Surface type
- Surface condition
- Surface vaulting
- Surface cracking
Curb Ramps:
- Curb ramp coordinates
- Curb ramp landings
- Curb ramp slopes
- Detectable warning surfaces
Intersections:
- Push button placement
- Accessible pedestrian signals
- Signage
- Push button landing
With Cartigraph, you can access risk rankings, photos, surveyor notes, and more. Exact Coordinates and Timestamps for Accurate Records
GPS coordinates with timestamps help you evaluate your sidewalks’ ADA compliance with invaluable accuracy. Understand precisely where cracks, obstructions, and other accessibility flaws are positioned on a sidewalk. Make fully informed maintenance decisions to avoid costly mistakes and oversights.
Gather essential real-time data on your sidewalk’s ADA compatibility with our cloud- based solutions and your smartphone. Our Cartigraph Rovers collect readings on a cross slope, running slope, and GPS coordinates in the cloud using your smartphone’s sensors and a three-axis gyroscope. Your data will be recorded and stored safely online for fast access for as many authorized users as required.
Cartigraph works on all devices and OS for multi-platform convenience, from Windows Explorer 11 or newer. And you can capture data without internet connectivity, ready to sync when you’re back online. Automatically generate in-depth reports that provide you with the visibility you need to understand complex recorded data at a glance.
FAQS
How much space do you need for wheelchair access on a sidewalk?
Sidewalk design and construction must provide adequate space for wheelchair users to navigate streets in a safe, convenient manner. To facilitate this, the ADA requires that sidewalks measure at least 36 inches in width to accommodate pedestrians of all physical capabilities. Taking inventory of sidewalks is vital to recognize when they may be non-compliant with ADA requirements. Any amendments to increase the width must be completed as soon as possible to avoid legal issues.
What is the maximum slope for an ADA-compliant sidewalk?
The ADA requires that sidewalks should have cross slopes no greater than 2%. Cross slopes that exceed 2% force pedestrians to work harder against gravity to come up or off the curb safely. Wheelchair users, pedestrians using crutches, and people affected by other mobility
difficulties may find severe cross slopes highly inconvenient and frustrating.
What is the minimum slope for an ADA-compliant sidewalk?
The minimum cross slope for an ADA-compliant sidewalk is 1.5%. This provides pedestrians with a more comfortable, safer crossing experience than a slope that exceeds the maximum. Any slopes below the 1.5% minimum should be amended to facilitate a safe crossing.
What is an ADA path of travel?
A path of travel is a term applied to areas in which pedestrians move and may be external or internal. Sidewalks, corridors, lobbies, walkways, and even elevators may be classed as paths of travel. Specifically, an ADA-compliant path of travel is a continuous route free of obstructions and an acceptable width. It should also align with all other ADA requirements, such as compliant curb ramps, slopes, and passing spaces.
How wide should an ADA-compliant curb ramp be?
An ADA-compliant curb ramp should be 36 inches wide. The maximum running slope permitted is 1:12, or one foot in elevation change per 12 feet.
What are Cartigraph Rovers?
Cartigraph Rovers are innovative surveying devices designed for effective, accurate, and efficient measurement of disability access under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) (29 U.S.C. §794), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12164), and associated regulations. Cartigraph Rovers are built for user-friendly performance with lightweight construction. They weigh 19lbs, and the handle measures 39” when unfolded. As a result, they’re easy to assemble and transport, enabling surveyors to make the most of their time in the field. The sooner you set up your equipment, the sooner you can start taking inventory and
collecting critical data.
How do Cartigraph Rovers Work?
Cartigraph Rovers incorporate a state-of-the-art cellular data subsystem for displaying GPS locations with Google Maps visibility for real-time positioning. Surveyors can measure sidewalk layout and pinpoint issues with the accuracy required to ensure full ADA compliance. Cartigraph Rovers’ four sensors collect multiple data types for in-depth insights: barometer, three-axis gyro, accelerometer, and proximity sensor. Surveyors can navigate bustling urban environments with multiple location features, including assisted GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, a digital compass, Wi-Fi, Cellular, and iBeacon micro-location.
Use the most convenient and practical solution for your unique preferences. Pneumatic soft cell foam tires keep Cartigraph Rovers stable on sidewalks of varied surface types, with vibration-dampening capabilities for smooth movement. Surveyors can bring their Cartigraph Rover to a stop at any time with a foot brake positioned on the lower left wheel. The operating speed runs from 3 – 5mph to keep surveyors moving
quickly and comfortably for maximum efficiency.
How long do Cartigraph Rovers run?
Cartigraph Rovers provide up to 12 hours of battery life with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This is an environmentally friendly solution, with no need for disposable batteries. The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can be charged via a USB connection to a computer system.
What inventory counts can I perform with Cartigraph?
Cartigraph’s sidewalk assessment software allows surveyors to complete inventory counts of various assets, streetlights, bus stops, and signage in any environment with custom forms. GPS coordinates with timestamps create precise readings for accurate
reporting on ADA compliance.
How much time can Cartigraph save on surveying time?
Cartigraph sidewalk assessment software is capable of reducing your surveying time by 75% through efficient data collection, powered by the latest surveying technology.
