curb cuts
Wheelchair accessibility features
Curb cuts are the small ramps built into sidewalks where they meet the street, allowing wheels to roll smoothly between the two levels.
Originally designed for wheelchair users, they benefit anyone with wheels—parents pushing strollers, travelers pulling luggage, skateboarders, delivery workers with hand trucks.
The term has become shorthand in policy discussions for accommodations designed for one group that end up helping everyone, known as the curb cut effect.
- rampsInclined connecting surfaces
- wheelchairSeated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- accessibilityEase of approach
- mobilityCapacity for movement
- rolling suitcaseWheeled travel bag
baby stroller · universal design · stroller · access · smooth transition · slope · gradient · sidewalk · crosswalks · foot traffic · integration · inclusive design · ADA · incline · street corner · pavement · disability rights · aging in place
- accessibilitywheelchair access, wheelchair sports, wheelchair ramp, adaptive skiing, accessibility features
- assistive deviceswheelchair, glasses, wheelchairs, eyeglasses, walkers
- pedestrian safetycrosswalks, sidewalks, crossing guards, pedestrian crossings, pedestrian signals
- Disability Rightsdisability rights, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation, accessibility
- accessible designwheelchair access, wheelchair ramps, ramps, wide doors, wide doorways
- NYC infrastructuresubway, sewers, water mains, streets, sidewalks