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Global Street Design Guide Designing Streets for People Designing for Pedestrians Universal Accessibility
Global Street Design Guide Index

Global Street Design Guide

Universal Accessibility

Pedestrian Ramps

Pedestrian ramps are inclined planes facilitating the access of sidewalks for people using wheelchairs and other personal mobility devices, as well as those pushing strollers, carts, or heavy luggage. They are generally composed of three elements: the slope, the top landing, and the side flares.

  • Slope
    The slope should be constructed of non-slip materials and be of a maximum slope of 1:10 (10%)—ideally 1:12 (8%). The ramp width should be as wide as the clear path: minimum 1.8 m wide, 2.4 m recommended.
  • Top Landing
    The top landing is located at the top of the ramp and allows ramp access across side flares. The landing should be as wide as the clear path or minimum 1.8 m wide.
  • Side Flares
    Side flares are intended to prevent tripping hazards. Side flare slopes cannot exceed 1:10. Grade breaks at the top and the bottom must be perpendicular to the direction of the ramp.

Pedestrian ramps can be oriented parallel to sidewalks, where space is limited and it is difficult to fit a top landing.
A level landing of a minimum 1.8 m length accommodates the maneuvering of a wheelchair.

Detectable Surfaces

Provide tactile paving or detectable warning strips at curb ramps and other transitions between pedestrian, vehicular, or shared areas.

Detectable surfaces should provide a distinctive texture intended to have a uniform meaning in alerting people to the approach of conflict zones.

Adapted by Global Street Design Guide published by Island Press.