Title III Technical Assistance Manual (with 1994 supplement)

III−7.4200 Accessible route (ADAAG §4.1.2(1)). An accessible route must connect accessible public transportation stops, parking spaces, passenger loading zones, and public streets or sidewalks to an accessible building entrance.

The ADA, however, does not require the provision of an accessible route in cases where there is no pedestrian route for the general public.

ILLUSTRATION 1: A developer would not be required to provide an accessible route between an accessible entrance to a retail store and a major highway bordering the site, if customers only have access to the store by driving to the parking lot (i.e. , where no pedestrian route exists from the highway to the store). An accessible route would have to be provided, however, for pedestrians to travel from the parking lot to the facility's entrance.

ILLUSTRATION 2: Where multiple accessible facilities are built on the same site, an accessible route between the facilities will be required only where a pedestrian route for the general public exists between the multiple facilities or where pedestrians typically walk between the facilities.

Whether a route for the general public exists within a site depends upon the unique characteristics of the site, including its geography and proximity to public transportation stops. Factors such as the presence of sidewalks, crosswalks, or significant pedestrian flow along a particular route should also be considered in determining whether a route for the general public exists. Creation of special accessible routes along paths not available to the general public is not required.

Note, however, that private entities often do not have control over streets and sidewalks. In such a case, the private entity is not responsible for compliance. However, it is encouraged to request public entities to modify sidewalks and install curb cuts.