Curb Ramp

Why this pattern exists

A curb that provides no ramped transition is an absolute barrier to wheelchair users and others who cannot step over a vertical curb face; this pattern exists because accessible curb transitions are both a baseline civil rights requirement and a foundational usability feature at every crossing point on the network.

Key considerations

• Slope must stay within accessible design limits; a ramp too steep defeats its own purpose¹
• Landing space at the top and bottom of the ramp must be clear of obstructions and large enough for a wheelchair to maneuver
• Detectable Warning Surface should be present at every curb ramp reaching a street, not treated as a separate, optional add-on

Related patterns

Detectable Warning Surface (ELM-DWS-10) (required companion element); Curb (ELM-CRB-01), Crosswalk (ELM-CRW-08) (the elements this pattern connects)

References

1. Legal / regulatory PROWAG (U.S. Access Board, 2023 final rule; adopted into DOT's ADA regulations effective January 17, 2025), Section R304, "Curb Ramps and Blended Transitions." Sets a 1:12 maximum running slope, a 1:48 maximum cross slope, and landing dimension and clear-area requirements.