Curb ramp change to aid blind pedestrians in Langley Township

Langley Township council voted unanimously to make a minor change in how crosswalk ramps are designed, that could help people with vision impairments. On Monday, March 24, council approved a plan to make the "double curb ramp" the preferred standard for crosswalk ramps. Ramps at crosswalks allow users of wheelchairs, walkers, and mobility scooters get down from sidewalks into crosswalks at intersections.

However, many older ramps are single curb ramps – one ramp that is usually aimed diagonally into the intersection. A delegation from a group called the Walkers' Caucus and asked for a change to the double curb ramps. This change means two ramps at an intersection, which each ramp aimed at a single crosswalk.



The Walkers' Caucus delegates said this is helpful for blind and visually impaired pedestrians. Having a ramp that is aimed at the crosswalk helps them orient themselves to cross the street safely. Last year, Vic Leach with the group Walker's Caucus told council that with about 150,000 people in the Township, that means there are likely 450 people in the community who have severe vision loss.

For those residents, getting around means navigating crosswalks and ramps, which vary widely in design and orientation. "When there are inconsistencies in design and construction in crosswalks near moving motor vehicles, the potential for death or injury increases exponentially," said Leach. The council heard from staff that new crosswalks also have buttons that make noises when they are pressed, and that as older crosswalks are upgraded, those types of systems are installed.

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