Accessible Crossing: More Than Just Curb Ramps Learn about new technologies to help people with vision challenges better navigate intersections. Presenters: Presenter: Richard Meritzer City of Pittsburgh Co-Presenter: Sophia Rosenfeld University of Chicago

1. PWPBPP 2014
ACCESSIBLE CROSSING: MORE THAN JUST CURB RAMPS

2. THE BASICS: CURB RAMPS
GENERATION ONE

3. THE BASICS: CURB RAMPS
GENERATION TWO

4. THE BASICS: CURB RAMPS
GENERATION THREE

5. ALL people need to cross streets, and doing so should not be unsafe for any group
ADA Guidelines
Types of Disabilities
Mobility constraints
Visual impairments
Hearing impairments
Cognitive disabilities
BEYOND MOBILITY CONSTRAINTS, WHY ARE ACCESSIBLE CROSSWALKS IMPORTANT?

6. WHAT IS THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH DOING TO MAKE CROSSWALKS MORE ACCESSIBLE?

7. Speakers
WALK/DON’T WALK signs with accessible push buttons and countdown
Vibration for the deaf-blind
Consistency in location/position
ACCESSIBLE TRAFFIC SIGNALS

10. AUDIBLE BARRICADES

11. Announcement format via Empco-lite
““ATTENTION EASTBOUND [STREET NAME] PEDESTRIANS. SIDEWALK CLOSED AHEAD FOR 2 BLOCKS. ALTERNATE PATH ON OPPOSITE SIDE OF ROAD. CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE AT NEXT INTERSECTION AND CONTINUE 2 BLOCKS.”

12. AUDIBLE BARRICADES

13. Helps all people by illuminating the crosswalk, but especially helps the visually impaired
Can also advise drivers about the presence of pedestrians, but primarily benefits the pedestrians using the crosswalk
IN-PAVEMENT LIGHTING

14. IN-PAVEMENT LIGHTING

15. OVERHEAD CROSSWALK SIGNALS

16. Designed to slow traffic and reduce crossing distance
Beneficial for all, especially the mobility impaired
Also beneficial for the visually impaired– a shorter crossing distance reduces the likelihood of encountering dangerous objects in the roadway
CURB EXTENSIONS

17. PEDESTRIAN REFUGE ISLANDS

18. PEDESTRIAN REFUGE ISLANDS

19. Raise visibility
Slow traffic
Helpful for mid-
block crossings
Reduce risk of
encountering
obstacles while
crossing
SPEED TABLES
Photo: Thisisbossi via Wikimedia Commons

20. Richard Meritzer – ADA Coordinator, City of Pittsburgh, richard.meritzer@pittsburghpa.gov. 412-255-2102.
The ADA compliance office is also on Facebook and Twitter (@ADAPGH).
CONTACT

21. Thanks City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning ADA Office
Thanks to Sophia Rosenfeld for creating this presentation
CREDITS

22. QUESTIONS?