Clearing snow from a curbcut/curbramp on sidewalk

by Maryan 2/20/10

The City of Newton is currently discussing implementing a revised residential sidewalk snow clearing ordinance. The curbcuts or curbramps are often blocked with snow. I often see snow stored on driveway aprons, left by contractors after they clear the private residential driveways of snow. The snow stored in such a way blocks pedestrians and "wheel-destrians" from being able to safely access and use the public sidewalk. This presents a danger for persons with disabilities, children, or others walking or wheeling in the street instead of using the public sidewalk. Enclosed is some information which may be helpful:

1.What is a curbcut and curbramp?

A curbcut (also known as curbramp) are the cutouts at the end of sidewalk intersections and at crosswalks mid-block. The federal Architectural Barriers Act back in the 1970's set standards so that wheelchair users were able to get out of the street and onto sidewalks along with other pedestrians. There are requirements about how steep the curbcut is. The "flared sides" have to be constructed with sufficient width and flat so a wheelchair user will be able to safely climb the curbcut from the street without tipping over a manual wheelchair. There has to be enough room to turn at the top with a flat landing, usually 60 inches is sufficient. Any less than this may prevent a wheelchair user from being able to access the sidewalk.

2. What is a driveway apron?

This is the public right of way connecting one's personal driveway property with public property. The sidewalk is public property but this area has joint responsibilities. The goal in construction of a driveway apron is to keep the sidewalk continous without interruptions so a pedestrian and wheelchair user are able to traverse down the sidewalk safely. The slope of the driveway is not regulated as is a curbcut or curbramp.This fact alone, speaks to the issue that wheelchair users should not be using driveways as entry points onto the sidewalk. Besides the obvious issue that wheelchair users are usually the height of a 6-7 year old child while sitting in a wheelchair or scooter, the slope of the driveway may also pitch the wheelchair over on its side, injuring the person involved.

3. Why is it important to clear the curbcut and its sides when shoveling a sidewalk?

Often we see people doing only partial clearing of curbcuts, leaving possibly 12 inches of room for access. This presents an obstacle, an insufficient clear width for a wheelchair user to get onto the sidewalk. A wheel will hit the 6 inch curb if the flat level of the curbcut is not fully clear. Wheelchairs are not designed to climb over curbing.

4. How wide should we shovel the sidewalk?

Two shovel widths, or the width of the entire sidewalk. A person with a service dog is unable to get over snow mountains. Obstacles narrowing a path to even 30 inches may block entry down the sidewalk. Ice on ramps will prevent the wheels of a wheelchair from being able to gain sufficient traction to climb.

Please take all of this into consideration when shoveling your sidewalks. Everyone will benefit from clear sidewalks.