Pedestrian Accessibility

The degree to which outdoor pedestrian infrastructure — sidewalks, crosswalks, curb cuts, ramps, stairs, and pathways — enables people with diverse mobility needs to travel safely and independently on foot or using mobility devices. Pedestrian accessibility is affected by factors including sidewalk incline (steep hills are barriers for wheelchair users), surface type and condition (gravel or cracked surfaces impede wheelchairs and walkers), curb height (raised curbs without curb cuts block wheeled devices), path width (narrow sidewalks prevent wheelchair passage), and the availability of crossing signals and tactile paving. Unlike building accessibility, which is covered by standards like ADA, outdoor pedestrian infrastructure varies enormously within cities and is poorly documented, making it difficult for people with mobility disabilities to plan accessible routes.