Government Responsibility
Cities and towns must keep sidewalks accessible. This is required by Title II of the ADA.
Cracked, uneven, or blocked sidewalks can be ADA violations.
State and local governments are responsible for accessible sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure under ADA Title II.
The DOJ has confirmed that curb ramps must be provided wherever a sidewalk crosses a curb at a street intersection. This requirement applies when:
- Streets or sidewalks are newly built
- Streets are altered, including when roads are resurfaced
- As part of a government's program access obligations for existing infrastructure
Kinney v. Yerusalim (9th Cir. 1993)
Courts have ruled that resurfacing a road is an "alteration" that triggers the obligation to install curb ramps — even if no other sidewalk work is planned.
Official Standard
28 CFR §35.151(e) — Curb Ramps
"Newly constructed or altered streets, roads, and highways must contain curb ramps or other sloped areas at any intersection having curbs or other barriers to entry from a street level pedestrian walkway."
Sidewalk Requirements
Accessible sidewalks must:
- Be at least 3 feet wide (4 feet is better)
- Have a firm, smooth surface
- Not be too steep (maximum 5% slope)
- Have no sudden drops or gaps
- Minimum width: 36 inches (48 inches preferred for two-way traffic)
- Running slope: Match the grade of the adjacent road
- Cross slope: 1:48 maximum (about 2%)
- Surface: Firm, stable, and slip-resistant
- Protruding objects: Nothing below 80 inches overhead or projecting more than 4 inches between 27 and 80 inches above ground
- Vertical clearance: 80 inches minimum
Official Standard
28 CFR §35.150 — Program Accessibility
"A public entity shall operate each service, program, or activity so that the service, program, or activity, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities."
Curb Ramps
Every place where a sidewalk meets a street must have a curb ramp.
Curb ramps let wheelchair users and people with strollers cross the street safely.
Ramps must have a detectable warning surface (bumpy pads) at the bottom.
Curb ramps are required at every pedestrian crossing where a curb exists:
- Detectable warning surfaces (truncated domes) required at the bottom
- Running slope: 1:12 maximum
- Cross slope: 1:48 maximum
- Width: 36 inches minimum (exclusive of flares)
- Level landing at the top of the ramp
- Flared sides: 1:10 maximum slope where adjacent to a walkway
Official Standard
28 CFR §35.151(e)(2)
"Curb ramps at a pedestrian crossing shall comply with the applicable requirements of the 2010 Standards for accessible design."
Pedestrian Signals
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) provide audible and vibrotactile information at signalized intersections:
simpleContent=Crosswalk signals should be accessible. This includes:
- Push buttons that are easy to reach
- Audio signals for blind pedestrians
- Enough time to cross the street
- The DOJ recommends APS at all signalized intersections
- Walk intervals must be long enough for pedestrians with disabilities to cross safely
- Push buttons must comply with §309 — operable with one hand, no tight grasping
- APS provide locator tones, walk indicators, and directional information
Common Barriers & Complaints
The most frequently reported sidewalk accessibility barriers include:
simpleContent=Common sidewalk problems include:
- Cracks and uneven surfaces
- Missing curb ramps
- Signs or poles blocking the path
- Construction blocking the sidewalk with no alternate route
Filing a Complaint
If your city's sidewalks have accessibility barriers, you have several options:
simpleContent=If a sidewalk is not accessible, you can:
- Report it to your city or town
- File a complaint with the Department of Justice
- Contact a disability rights attorney
- File with the DOJ: civilrights.justice.gov
- Many cities have ADA coordinators who handle sidewalk complaints directly
- Some cities have transition plans that prioritize curb ramp installation — you can request a copy
- Document the barrier with photos, location, and measurements if possible
Important Note
This guide provides general information about sidewalk accessibility under the ADA. For advice about your specific situation, connect with an experienced ADA attorney.
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