Walkways and pathways (used here interchangeably) shall meet the following general requirements:
a) Walkways shall be smooth, hard and have levelled surface suitable for walking and wheeling. Irregular surfaces as cobble stones, coarsely exposed aggregate concrete, bricks, etc, often cause bumpy rides and shall be avoided.
b) Minimum walkway width shall be provided as per B-2.2.2. The width of footpath shall be in accordance with 4.3.2.1.1.
c) The walkway shall not have a gradient exceeding 1:20. If the slope or any part of a walkway on an accessible route to a building exceeds 1:20, it shall be designed and constructed as a ramp in accordance with B-6.2.
d) Where pathway meets the road, a kerb shall be provided; which shall be designed in accordance with B-2.3.
e) The cross-fall gradient across an accessible route shall not exceed 1:50 (20 mm/m), except when associated with a dropped kerb.
f) The requirements for drainage of pathways shall be as per B-2.2.5.
g) When walkways exceed 60 m in length, it is desirable to provide rest area adjacent to the walk at convenient intervals of 30 m in the form of benches/resting seats. For comfort, seat height shall be between 450 mm and 500 mm, and the seating shall have a back rest and arm rests at 700 mm height. One side of seating may be without arm rest to address the transfer needs of persons with disabilities. A colour contrast should be provided around the seating area for ease of identification by persons with low vision.
h) Texture change in walkways adjacent to seating shall be provided for persons with vision impairment by means of warning blocks (see B-2.5).
j) Gratings and manholes should be avoided in walks.
k) Walks or driveways shall have a non-slip surface. Care shall be taken to ensure that adjacent surface materials do not display different slip resistance characteristics, particularly at the edges of changes of level or gradients.
m) Such walks shall be of a continuing common surface not interrupted by steps or abrupt changes in level.
n) Wherever walks cross other walks, driveways, or parking lots, they shall blend to a common level.
p) Obstacles, such as objects or signs mounted on walls, columns or free-standing supports along the walking path shall be avoided. These shall however be regulated in accordance with B-2.6.1. Bollards along or on the walking pathway shall also be regulated in accordance with B-2.6.1. Any protruding object projecting
into a walkway shall be treated in accordance with B-2.6.2.