Parking's about more than cross slopes
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Q: Is the 2% maximum slope for parking spaces and access
aisles only for the cross slope or for all directions?
A: Boy, have you hit on a pet peeve of mine!
The law's original language, as well as the 1994 and 2010 updates, clearly
states the slope is not to exceed 2% -1:50 - in all directions. (There's only
one exception: Slopes no steeper than 1:48 shall be permitted.)
Yet I can't tell you how much steep slopes affect my ability to enter my
vehicle. In bad weather I've slipped off my ramp or lift; I have no idea how a
manual chair user is able to overcome some of the slopes we're forced to use at
"accessible" locations.
As for access aisles, the 2010 standards' Advisory 502.4 Floor or Ground
Surfaces stipulates they're to be level with the parking spaces they serve. No
exception.
While we're on the subject of parking, let's look at changes brought on by
the 2010 standards.
PARKING SPACE ALLOCATION
The new van-to-regular-space ratio is 1:6 instead of 1:8.
One in every six accessible spaces must be served by an aisle at least 96
inches wide.
Everything else is the same: Van-accessible spaces must be designated as such
and can be grouped together, such as on a single level in a garage or single
aisle in a lot.
PARKING SPACE/ACCESS AISLES
The difference between car and van spaces used to be width of the access
aisle, with the Universal Design approach of the 60-inch-wide access aisle and a
132-inch-wide parking space accepted as an exception. Now the Universal Design
approach is the first choice for a van space.
According to the updated standards, car parking spaces must be at least 96
inches wide and van parking spaces at least 132 inches wide (see top image).
Spaces must be marked to define widths and have an adjacent access aisle.
(Exception: Van spaces can be 96 inches wide when the access aisle is also 96
inches wide.)
Another issue that's usually ignored is the overall accessibility of the
route from parking space to building entrance.
All too often design teams try to place accessible parking at one side of the
facility with a curb ramp at the end of a walk. This requires the wheelchair
user to travel a longer distance and navigate sidewalk protrusions such as sale
items, newsstands, poles, etc. (The worst offenders are convenient/gas stores
and strip malls.) A wheelchair user can't just step off onto the parking lot and
back up onto the walk to pass an obstruction. We have to wait for assistance,
which often doesn't come.
Mark crossings to enhance pedestrian safety and, when possible, construct
accessible routes to pass in front of parked vehicles (see bottom
image).
Remember that for every action there is a reaction. Every time a poorly
thought-out layout is designed, those of us with disabilities - especially
wheelchair users - are put in jeopardy and at times can't even use the facility.
Think twice and seek assistance for the real users.
