Look at the photo on the right. What you are seeing is an accessible parking area that has two accessible parking spaces sharing an access aisle. What’s wrong? HINT: Access aisles should be mostly level and clear of obstructions.
ANSWER: The motorcycle! It is actually parked right in front of the curb ramp connecting the access aisle to the sidewalk. If a disabled individual parked in one of the accessible parking spaces, they would have to maneuver around the motorcycle to get to the sidewalk. What was the motorcycle driver thinking?
2010 ADA Standard 502.3.3, [Parking Spaces, Access Aisles] Marking, states, “Access aisles shall be marked so as to discourage parking in them.” Unfortunately, in this case the access aisle is well marked, but the motorcycle driver just did not get the message.
SUMMARY: Accessible parking access aisles must be kept clear of obstructions for use by disabled individuals.
ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.