DEFINITION
A walk consisting of a paved footpath at the side of a street or roadway for the use of pedestrians.

AKA
Path, Footway, Walkway, Footpath, Public walk, Pavement

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
In a sidewalk widths are very important. The widths of sidewalks not only affect pedestrian usability but also determine the types of access and other pedestrian elements that can be installed. Although most guidelines require sidewalk design widths to be at least 1.525 m (60 in) wide, larger design widths can accommodate more pedestrians and improve ease of access. The grade is also important (the slope). When measuring sidewalk grade, both running grade and maximum grade should be determined. Cross-slope, defined as the slope measured perpendicular to the direction of travel, is determined by taking measurements at intervals throughout a section of sidewalk and then averaging the values.Sidewalks elements such as Ramps, Gutters, Landings, Flares, Curb ramp types, etc. need to be considers.
The accessibility and security of a sidewalk are important aspects to measure the suitability of a sidewalk.

Sidewalks, either in construction or reconstruction, should meet the requirements of the U.S. Access Board's ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).
Major requirements include:

• Width - Sidewalks should be considered as accessible routes, subject to the requirements of Section 4.3. Absolute minimum requirements are a minimum width of 36", passing spaces located at every 200', maximum slopes, and a firm, stable, slip resistant finish;
  
• Ramps - Section 4.7 addresses the minimum requirements for the construction of ramps. It should also be noted that most state departments of transportation have established criteria, via standard drawings, detailing what is acceptable. A timely topic is that of what is acceptable in detectable warning (see Section 4.29). For additional information, see ADA Detectable Warning Bulletin (02.17.06); and
• Construction Tolerances - Construction is a function of design, specifications and contractor training & ability. Section3.2 states All dimensions are subject to conventional building industry tolerances for field conditions. In most places the ADAAG contains many references to minimum and maximum dimensions. These should be taken literally and should not be not be exceeded.
  

Sidewalk Design Guidelines and Existing Practices

ILLUSTRATION


Centers for Disease Control video regarding walkable communities


CASE STUDIES
Tanner Springs Park, Portland, Oregon
Woonerf - Terry Avenue, Seattle

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Accessible Sidewalk Videos
Recycled Rubber Sidewalks