Sidewalks Get a Makeover: DOT Paves Way for Wheelchair Warriors
Published Date: 2/19/2025
Rule
Summary
The U.S. Department of Transportation is rolling out new rules to make sidewalks, crosswalks, and other public walkways easier for people with disabilities to use. Businesses and local governments need to follow these new accessibility standards, but DOT won’t enforce them until March 20, 2025, giving everyone time to get ready. This means safer, smoother travel for all, with plenty of time to plan and budget for the changes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New pedestrian accessibility standards
The Department of Transportation adopted Accessibility Standards for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way that require sidewalks, crosswalks, and other public walkways to meet new accessibility rules so people with disabilities can use them more easily. Businesses and local governments are required to follow these standards.
Enforcement delayed until March 20, 2025
DOT will not take enforcement action against regulated entities for failing to meet the new pedestrian accessibility standards until March 20, 2025. This gives businesses and local governments time to plan and budget for required changes.
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